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Updated: July 6, 2021
 
6:30 p.m.
 
ALACHUA COUNTY – The County Commission has approved a Declaration of General Emergency in reaction to Tropical Storm Elsa. This allows the County to execute the actions and services needed for the duration of, and recovery from, this storm.
 
 
For more information, contact Alachua County Communications Director Mark Sexton at 352-264-6979 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
If you have a disability and need an accommodation in order to participate in a County program, service or public meeting, please contact the Alachua County Equal Opportunity Office at (352) 374-5275 at least 2 business days prior to the event. TTY users, please call 711 (Florida Relay Service).
 
 
ALACHUA COUNTY – Tropical Storm Elsa is currently located just south of Cuba. Alachua County is now in the 3-day cone, but there remains some uncertainty surrounding Elsa’s forecasted track and intensity. Alachua County should expect a lot of rain throughout the week, and more information on anticipated local impacts will become clearer once Elsa passes through Cuba. Based on the current forecast, Alachua County is likely to experience some tropical storm force winds Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, which will be similar to or slightly stronger than the severe thunderstorms the County often sees. The area has received a lot of rain these last two weeks, so there is a greater potential for downed trees due to oversaturated grounds.
 
In preparation for possible heavy rainfall due to Tropical Storm Elsa, and in light of how saturated the ground is currently, Alachua County will have sandbags available for residents on Monday, July 5, from noon to 5 p.m. and Tuesday, July 6, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Wayside Park (11855 N.W. US 441, Gainesville). There is a limit of 10 bags per person.
 
Residents wishing to pick up sandbags can access the pick-up site via CR 237 and Eastbound N.W. 126th Ave. To control traffic and expedite the pick-up process, please follow the directions below to access the pick-up site. Access to the site via westbound N.W. 120th Lane and northbound NW 59th Terrace will not be permitted.
 
From Northbound US 441 (From Gainesville)
Turn Right onto CR 237 (at the Dollar General)
Turn Right onto N.W. 126th Ave
Turn Right onto N.W. 59th Terrace to access Wayside Park (at the Sunoco Convenient Store)
 
From Southbound US 441 (From Alachua)
Turn Left onto CR 237 (at the Dollar General)
Turn Right onto N.W. 126th Ave
Turn Right onto N.W. 59th Terrace to access Wayside Park (at the Sunoco Convenient Store)
 
 
 
 
 
Sign up for the Alert Alachua Emergency Notification System (to receive important storm notifications).
 
For more information, contact Alachua County Communications Director Mark Sexton at 352-264-6979 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Have you ever thought you might need to visit a Social Security office? Chances are you do not. You can probably conduct your business with us without even leaving your home. Our online services page at www.ssa.gov/onlineservices provides you a wide variety of self-service options you can use on your phone, tablet, or computer. You can even apply for retirement, disability, or Medicare online.

With a personal my Social Security account, you can:

  • Get your Social Security Statement.
  • Request a replacement Social Security card, in most states and the District of Columbia.
  • Appeal a decision.
  • Find out if you qualify for benefits.

Do you receive Social Security benefits or Medicare? If so, you can create or log in to your personal my Social Security account to:

  • Get your benefit verification letter for Social Security, Medicare, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
  • Check your information and benefit amount.
  • Change your address and telephone number.
  • Start or change your direct deposit.
  • Request a replacement Medicare card.
  • Get a replacement SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S for tax season.
  • Report your wages if you work and receive disability benefits or SSI.

Create a personal my Social Security account today at www.ssa.gov/myaccount to take advantage of these easy-to-use features. Also, share our online services page with family and friends who need this important information.

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In the early 1900s on the south side of Chicago at a local tavern called the Lone Star Saloon, a well-to-do customer walked in and ordered a drink. The bartender prepared the drink as usual, but covertly included William Garst HSan additional substance to it. He then nodded to the barmaid and prostitute, “Gold Tooth” Mary Thornton, who served it to the unsuspecting customer, who was soon rendered unconscious. He was then robbed, and other local patrons dumped him in the alley at the back of the Lone Star. After a considerable period of time the stranger woke groggy, confused, and unable to remember what happened. This scenario played out many times, but finally the saloon manager was caught. His name was Michael Finn (nicknamed Mickey) and the substance added to the drink was chloral hydrate. Thus, chloral hydrate knockout drops became known in American vernacular as the “Mickey Finn” or “Mickey” for short.

The story of chloral hydrate began many years earlier in 1832, when Justus von Liebig synthesized chloral hydrate in his laboratory. Von Liebig was a German scientist who made major contributions to agriculture and biological chemistry. He was one of the principal founders of organic chemistry and considered the “father of the fertilizer industry.”

Chloral hydrate is considered the first “sleeping pill” because it has very few actions other than causing drowsiness and sleep. However, more than being the first in the class of drugs known as hypnotics, it was the first completely synthesized and widely used drug. Presumably it never existed on earth in any form until it was made in the laboratory, and in the early 1800s this was a big accomplishment because up until that time all drugs were from a natural resource and no one believed that a chemical outside of nature would have effects on a living being.

In the 1850s it was discovered that chloral hydrate could be converted into a sweet-smelling liquid called chloroform, the fumes of which could render a person unconscious. The substance was used to sedate people for surgery because it could be administered by being inhaled into the lungs. However, it was difficult to use during surgery and too much could be given resulting in many accidental overdose deaths.

Chloral 

hydrate is a solid at room temperatures, but quickly dissolves in alcohol to form an easily administered liquid. Thus, during the 1800s chloral hydrate became a popular “party drug” and was known to be the first “date rape” drug.

Today chloral hydrate is still available but only as a compounded medicine (made in a pharmacy) from crystals because it is not produced commercially any longer by a pharmaceutical company. Barbiturates (phenobarbital) in the early 1900s, and benzodiazepines (Valium and Librium type drugs) in the 1960s replaced the use of chloral hydrate for use as sedation medications, though as late as the 1990s it was still used in hospitals to sedate children before a procedure. It is rarely used anymore, but when used must be compounded by a local pharmacy or hospital pharmacy.

In an earlier column I noted that the difference between a harmful substance and a beneficial medicine is the dose. Too much of the substance is harmful, but the right amount can have beneficial effects. In this case, the difference between a substance used for harm and a beneficial medicine is the intent of the use.

Stay informed and stay healthy.

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William Garst is a consultant pharmacist who resides in Alachua, Florida. He received his B.S. in Pharmacy from Auburn University in 1975. He earned a master’s degree in Public Health in 1988 from the University of South Florida, and a Master’s in Pharmacy from UF in 2001. In 2007 he received his Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Colorado. Dr. Garst is a member of many national, state, and local professional associations. He serves on the Alachua County Health Care Advisory Board and stays active as a relief pharmacist. In 2016 he retired from the VA. Dr. Garst enjoys golf, reading (especially history), and family. He writes a blog called The Pharmacy Newsletter (https://thepharmacynewsletter.com/). William Garst can be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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Sometimes it’s the small singular events that eventually lead to major changes. This is what happened when ether (diethyl ether) was used as a general anesthetic during surgery.

William Garst HSThe first use of ether is somewhat clouded in controversy. Dr. Crawford Long of rural Jefferson, Georgia noticed after attending “ether parties” that the partygoers seemed to be immune to pain if they suffered an injury

Consequently, he used ether successfully on a patient in 1842 to remove two neck tumors. However, Dr. Long did not publish his use of ether, and it was not until 1846 when a Boston dentist, William Morton, used ether to extract an infected tooth safely without the patient being aware of any pain. Dr. Morton then convinced a skeptical leading surgeon to try ether on a patient needing surgery. The surgery was done in the presence of other surgical staff, and the stunned audience saw for themselves the wonderful effects of ether: the patient not being conscious of the surgery and successfully waking up. Until this time surgery was still a barbaric procedure. It was said the best surgeons were the quickest to lessen the time the patient was in intense pain. This demonstration of ether created almost an instant demand for the product by surgeons.

The drugs of that period were compounded by local apothecaries (drugstores). Ether is very flammable, highly explosive, and difficult to make. In addition, the variance between batches of ether made at different apothecaries was great and inconsistent at best. Even when ether was supplied by chemical suppliers instead of apothecaries there were vast differences in the batches. What was needed was a standardized product so if it was obtained in one part of the country it was the same as if obtained in another part of the country. This is similar to what happened in the energy field when Standard Oil was formed to “standardize” kerosene.

Edward Robinson Squibb was a naval physician (c. 1846) and complained about the poor treatment of sailors under his care and especially the quality of the drugs that were available at that time. The Navy assigned Squibb to establish the Brooklyn Naval Laboratory with the mission to produce high-quality drugs.

One of the first drugs E.R. Squibb focused on was ether. He quickly found out how difficult and dangerous the manufacturing of ether was. Squibb also evaluated the ether available at the time and found the batches all to be very inconsistent. He even went back to school to take a refresher course in chemistry, and in 1854 Squibb produced a breakthrough in the manufacturing of ether by finding a process that produced a consistent product in a much safer way.

In 1857, when the Naval Laboratory was closed due to budget cuts, E.R. Squibb went on to form his own manufacturing company to produce ether. E.R. Squibb and Sons was the first American pharmaceutical company founded to produce standardized products of existing drugs. It would not be until the early part of the 20th century that pharmaceutical companies would search for unique patentable drugs to bring to market.

Stay informed and stay healthy.

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William Garst is a consultant pharmacist who resides in Alachua, Florida. He received his B.S. in Pharmacy from Auburn University in 1975. He earned a master’s degree in Public Health in 1988 from the University of South Florida, and a Master’s in Pharmacy from UF in 2001. In 2007 he received his Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Colorado. Dr. Garst is a member of many national, state, and local professional associations. He serves on the Alachua County Health Care Advisory Board and stays active as a relief pharmacist. In 2016 he retired from the VA. Dr. Garst enjoys golf, reading (especially history), and family. He writes a blog called The Pharmacy Newsletter (https://thepharmacynewsletter.com/). William Garst can be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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The history of the development of the class of chemicals we call “steroids” goes back several decades. There are a couple of interesting stories regarding this history I would like to relate to the reader in this week’s column.

William Garst HSThe first story is about the earliest documented clinical use of the hormone cortisol obtained from the adrenal glands of animals. At the time cortisol was known as “Compound E” because scientists did not know the actual chemical structure but knew there was a powerful substance produced by these glands.

On Sept. 21, 1948, Dr. Charles Slocumbe and Dr. Philip Hench injected 50mg of Compound E into a young woman suffering from acute rheumatoid arthritis. The same injection was repeated twice the next day. Remarkably, the patient improved so much that she went into remission and was discharged home. It is said that the patient felt so good she was able to immediately go shopping. News of this treatment spread quickly and the demand for this substance increased greatly.

Shortly after this occurred, the chemical structure for cortisol was discovered. Also, at this time many other hormone structures were discovered and found to be similar, though how they act on the body varied significantly. The production of these steroids took several tons of animal glands and was costly to produce; so costly that it was too expensive to be used routinely. Soon another production process was found that took the bile from an ox to make the different steroids. However, even this was too expensive, complicated, and impractical.

During this time, it was discovered that certain female hormones (also steroids) could prevent pregnancy. A determined search for a less costly process to produce steroids was undertaken by the pharmaceutical industry because of the demand for cortisol-like compounds, but also the female hormones which promised to make oral contraception a reality.

Prior to these events, it was known that plants produced chemicals called sterols, structurally similar to steroids. A scientist named Russell Marker discovered that the Mexican Yam (Dioscorea mexicana) produced a high quantity of a chemical, diosgenin, which could easily be converted to the basic steroid structure. He started a company in Mexico called Syntex to produce steroids.

Because of the discovery of a relatively inexpensive way of producing steroids the price of these medications dropped so much that they became commonly used. In fact, it is thought that the hormones estrogen and progesterone (both steroids) are the most used medications in the history of medicine. However, it was the discovery of the Mexican Yam as a source of the basic building block chemical that made the production of steroids affordable to the world.

Stay informed and stay healthy.

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William Garst is a consultant pharmacist who resides in Alachua, Florida. He received his B.S. in Pharmacy from Auburn University in 1975. He earned a master’s degree in Public Health in 1988 from the University of South Florida, and a Master’s in Pharmacy from UF in 2001. In 2007 he received his Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Colorado. Dr. Garst is a member of many national, state, and local professional associations. He serves on the Alachua County Health Care Advisory Board and stays active as a relief pharmacist. In 2016 he retired from the VA. Dr. Garst enjoys golf, reading (especially history), and family. He writes a blog called The Pharmacy Newsletter (https://thepharmacynewsletter.com/). William Garst can be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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William Garst HSThe use of chewing coca leaves (Erythroxylon coca) dates back centuries for the indigenous peoples of South America, particularly the Peruvians and Incas. When the Spanish explored the region in the 1500s they were initially skeptical of the properties of the plant, but soon learned of its mental as well as its physical properties. The indigenous people told the explorers that chewing the leaf gave them strength, energy, and that it had local numbing properties. Ultimately, the Spanish were convinced of the properties of the plant and began to exploit it for export to Europe.

It was not until 1855 that the German chemist Frederich Gaedcke isolated the crude alkaloid and he named it erythroxyline. Subsequently, in 1860 Albert Niemann published a much-improved purification process and called his substance cocaine because he isolated the chemical from the coca leaves.

The first recorded use of cocaine as a local anesthetic was in 1884, when Karl Koller, an associate of Sigmund Freud, experimented with a cocaine solution as an ophthalmic anesthetic. He instilled the solution into his own eyes, then pricked his eyes with needles and experienced no pain. Apparently, it was a relatively common practice for scientists to experiment on themselves in the early years of medical research.  It was not long after this that cocaine was used as a respiratory anesthetic and in nerve blocks. In 1898 Heinrich Quincke, a German physician used cocaine for spinal anesthesia.

The popularization of cocaine quickly caught on as it was incorporated into medicine for its energy stimulant properties. In Europe cocaine was mixed with wine as a medicinal beverage and in the United States, Atlanta pharmacist John Pemberton included cocaine in his 1886 recipe for Coca-Cola, but the cocaine was removed from the formula in 1906 because of the restrictions imposed by the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906.

During this time, it was quickly recognized that cocaine had strong addictive qualities, and we are still experiencing the toll that cocaine addiction presents on our society. However, there is a medical product still in use in the United States that contains cocaine: a 4 percent topical solution of cocaine used in nasal surgeries for its anesthetic and vasoconstrictive properties. It deadens the pain and lessens the bleeding, a good combination in these types of surgeries.

The search for other local anesthetics having fewer addictive qualities led to the discovery of popular drugs like procaine (Novocain), lidocaine, tetracaine, bupivacaine, and benzocaine. These local anesthetics have a variety of uses, all of which involve the relieving of pain. They are used frequently for dental and eye procedures, nerve blocks, post-operative spinal anesthesia, dermatological procedures, and even included in patches for the topical relief of pain.

Additionally, there are natural products other than cocaine used for their local anesthetic properties: menthol, obtained from peppermint, and eugenol, obtained from cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and basil. Clove oil is a popular over-the-counter topical treatment for toothaches.

The drug category we know as local anesthetics can be traced back to the discovery of cocaine from the coca leaves. The history of cocaine is long and relevant today and filled with many interesting stories and characters. I once asked an Emergency Department physician what one drug would they want if stranded on a deserted island and the quick answer was “lidocaine” or some local anesthetic for the relief of pain, so it seems we all can be thankful for the development of this class of drugs.

Stay informed and stay healthy.

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William Garst is a consultant pharmacist who resides in Alachua, Florida. He received his B.S. in Pharmacy from Auburn University in 1975. He earned a master’s degree in Public Health in 1988 from the University of South Florida, and a Master’s in Pharmacy from UF in 2001. In 2007 he received his Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Colorado. Dr. Garst is a member of many national, state, and local professional associations. He serves on the Alachua County Health Care Advisory Board and stays active as a relief pharmacist. In 2016 he retired from the VA.  Dr. Garst enjoys golf, reading (especially history), and family. He writes a blog called The Pharmacy Newsletter (https://thepharmacynewsletter.com/). William Garst can be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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Clostridium botulinum is a bacterium found in soils. When it encounters an environment that lacks oxygen (anaerobic), such as the human gut, it grows and releases botulinum toxin. The botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) produces its effects by inhibiting the release of acetylcholine at the nerve endings causing profound paralysis and eventually death through respiratory failure. However, this same action when used in appropriate doses and in localized muscle groups produces relaxation of muscles.

William Garst HSThe history of BoNT began in 1735 when an outbreak of botulinum poisoning was recorded in southwest Germany from the consumption of sausages. In 1820, a German medical officer, Justinus Kerner, gave the first clinical description of “sausage poisoning.” He is credited with observing that the toxin was produced under anaerobic conditions and that only a minute amount is needed to produce the paralyzing effects. Dr. Kerner was the first to suggest that the toxin could have therapeutic uses. However, it was not until 1895 that the bacteria Clostridium botulinum was identified as the causative organism. The word botulinum is derived from the Latin word for sausage, “botulus.”

Botulinum toxin poisoning was a danger in the early days of the canned food industry. Even though canned food was available after the Civil War, it did not become a national industry until the early 1900s. An outbreak of botulism from California canned olives in late 1919 and early 1920 led to the development of stricter production methods and inspections. During World War II the weaponization of botulinum toxin was developed but never used and the Chemical Corps was disbanded.

The modern medical use of BoNT began in 1980 when Dr. Alan B. Scott injected the toxin in eye muscles to treat a condition called strabismus, where the eyes do not align properly when looking at an object. In December of 1989, the toxin was approved by the FDA for strabismus and blepharospasm (abnormal twitching of the eyelid).

The use of botulinum toxin was popularized in 2002 when the drug Botox was approved to treat skin wrinkles and frown lines. The clinical use of BoNT is mainly for the treatment of abnormal, excessive, or inappropriate muscle contractions, however, the uses continue to expand and include treatment of a variety of ophthalmologic, gastrointestinal, urologic, orthopedic, dermatologic, dental, secretory, and cosmetic conditions.

Only a few of the uses are approved by the FDA; most clinical uses are what is called off-label use, though these are supported by research. Off-label uses are those conditions that are not expressly indicated in a medications package insert. More recently there have been other approved uses of BoNT such as in the treatment of migraine headaches, underarm sweating, and muscle pain. Additionally, research is being conducted using the toxin to treat depression.

Other notable instances when toxic substances are used as remedies are Salvarsan (arsphenamine) an arsenic compound used to treat syphilis in the early 1900s. More recently the venom from the Brazilian pit viper was used to develop the class of drugs known as ACE inhibitors used for hypertension. In fact, lisinopril, an ACE inhibitor, is the most prescribed medication in the country.

Stay informed and stay healthy.

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William Garst is a consultant pharmacist who resides in Alachua, Florida. He received his B.S. in Pharmacy from Auburn University in 1975. He earned a master’s degree in Public Health in 1988 from the University of South Florida, and a Master’s in Pharmacy from UF in 2001. In 2007 he received his Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Colorado. Dr. Garst is a member of many national, state, and local professional associations. He serves on the Alachua County Health Care Advisory Board and stays active as a relief pharmacist. In 2016 he retired from the VA. Dr. Garst enjoys golf, reading (especially history), and family. He writes a blog called The Pharmacy Newsletter (https://thepharmacynewsletter.com/). William Garst can be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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Pharmacists are the most visible and accessible health professionals. We see them every day in community pharmacies filling prescriptions, counseling patients about prescription and over the counter medications, administering immunizations, conferring with providers, and working with insurance companies on the patient’s behalf. They are approachable when questions need to be answered and all this without an appointment. However, pharmacists are involved in health care in ways not as visible as in community pharmacies.

William Garst Column HeadShot WebPharmacists are an integral part of hospital care. Did you know that every order a provider writes for an inpatient must be verified by a pharmacist as appropriate? This involves checking allergies, drug-drug interactions, routes of administration, and appropriateness per guidelines for therapy. The pharmacist sometimes must make arrangements for the delivery of unique medications in special situations. For instance, if a patient has a rare blood disorder and a particular medication needs to be obtained the pharmacist will make the arrangements for shipping and delivery. In addition to these activities, pharmacists also monitor storage conditions for all the medications in the hospital, especially the refrigerated medications or the ones that need to remain frozen. When temperatures are out of range the pharmacist is responsible for relocating the medications to proper storage conditions.

Another important function of the pharmacist is the monitoring of controlled drug usage. The pharmacist must be involved in resolving discrepancies when they occur, in the number of doses of a controlled drug that are supposed to be on the unit, and what is actually on the unit. All discrepancies must be resolved to make sure that controlled substances are not being diverted. When discrepancies are not resolved the pharmacist must report these occurrences to the hospital administration for further investigation.

Hospital pharmacists are involved in a process called medication reconciliation. When a patient is admitted to a hospital the patient’s current medication list needs to be clarified and double-checked to make sure the list is appropriate and accurate. This same procedure is done when a patient is discharged from a hospital. Patients are given a list of their medication regimen and told of any changes that have been made. They are made aware of any new medications added to their regimen and any changes in dosage. The patient is told to take this list to their primary care provider. May I add here that this list should be shown to the community pharmacist, so they know of the changes that have been made.

Monitoring laboratory results of patients taking medications that affect their blood coagulation or blood sugars is another important function of the pharmacist. They ensure the results are acted on if the laboratory results are out of range. Another of the more important functions of pharmacists in hospitals in the monitoring of antibiotic usage, called antibiotic stewardship. In fact, some large hospitals have pharmacists dedicated to monitoring antibiotic usage and conferring with providers on the most appropriate antibiotic therapy. The pharmacist, called an infectious disease pharmacist, reviews laboratory results of antibiotic levels and recommends dosage adjustments.

Also, large hospitals have pharmacists dedicated to the oncology unit, who are responsible for the correct ordering and preparation of the oncology regimen medications and scheduling. In addition, the pharmacist monitors the oncology patient’s laboratory values because oncology therapy can affect a patient’s blood values and alerts the provider when values are out of range.

Many emergency departments have pharmacists dedicated to their service to assist in the management of patients. These pharmacists participate in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and assist in complicated medication management issues that present to emergency departments.

In addition to the role’s pharmacists play in hospital care, there are a few more that need mentioning. They are very much involved with patients who need parenteral nutrition, which is given to patients who cannot use their gastrointestinal tract for a period of time and must be feed intravenously. Another area that is emerging is the appropriate management of pain in hospital patients, so pain is addressed, and the risk of addiction is lowered. Of course, the pharmacist is still responsible for the medication distribution system that involves correct charging for medications, timely delivery to nursing units, and the compounding of sterile products for intravenous administration.

I trust this column has given the reader a deeper appreciation of the role a pharmacist plays in health care that may not be as visible to the public as the community pharmacist, but is vitally important and adds to improved outcomes. Be alert for a column in the future detailing how pharmacists assist patient care in nursing homes and other places where medications are administered.

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William Garst is a consultant pharmacist who resides in Alachua, Florida. He received his B.S. in Pharmacy from Auburn University in 1975. He earned a master’s degree in Pharmacy from UF in 2001. In 2007 he received his Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Colorado. He is a member of many national professional associations as well as the local Alachua County Association of Pharmacists, and he serves on the Alachua County Health Care Advisory Board. He works part time at the UF Health Psychiatric Hospital. He retired from the VA in 2016. Dr. Garst enjoys golf, reading (especially history), and family. He writes a blog called The Pharmacy Newsletter (https://thepharmacynewsletter.com/). He can be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Vaccines have been in the news lately with the COVID-19 situation; therefore, I thought a column about this topic would be timely, especially since we have known for a long time about William Garst Column HeadShot Webthe immunity conferred by exposing a person to the disease that we are trying to avoid.

A vaccine is defined as “a substance used to stimulate the production of antibodies and provide immunity against one or several diseases, prepared from the causative agent of a disease, its products, or a synthetic substitute, treated to act as an antigen without inducing the disease.”

The practice of inoculation (a term synonymous with vaccination), sometimes called variolation has been practiced in different forms since the 10th century. Edward Jenner of England is credited with being the “Father of Vaccines.”

In 1796, Jenner inoculated a boy with matter from a young dairymaid’s cowpox. The boy became mildly ill but recovered in a few days. He then inoculated the boy with material from smallpox and the boy showed no ill effects.

By the way, the reason the disease was called “smallpox” was to differentiate it from the “great pox” now commonly called syphilis. All of this occurred from the observation that dairymaids who were exposed to cowpox never seemed to catch smallpox, which was quite common in England and Europe. In addition, dairymaids were known to have nice complexions. Up to 25 percent of the people who contracted smallpox died, and the ones who survived were disfigured by the deep-seated pustules.

However, a little-known story about inoculation is told about Lady Montagu, an English aristocrat whose husband was appointed to be ambassador to Turkey in 1717. She was an inquisitive woman and wanted to learn as much as she could about the Ottoman culture. She quickly came to realize that smallpox was rare in that part of the world, when she learned that most of the children were “engrafted” with pus material from a person who had a mild case of smallpox.

The children would receive a scratch on their arms and then have the smallpox material rubbed into the scratch. They would fall ill for a few days and have a small number of mild pox but would recover quickly and their complexions would clear, and they would acquire immunity from smallpox.

Lady Montagu was so convinced of this procedure she had her son undergo the treatment with no ill effects. When she returned to England, she convinced Caroline, Princess of Wales, the wife of the future King George II to have her children “engrafted.” George II would allow only the female children to be engrafted, not the males.

The procedure was successful, and the female children recovered from a short illness. To test the procedure further, some prisoners and orphans were recruited for the procedure. They were all observed to recover fully and seemed to have protection from smallpox. This was the first recorded clinical trial, as crude as it was.

Initially, there was resistance to this procedure in the medical profession in England, but soon it caught on and became more common. The reason Jenner’s cowpox inoculation became the preferred method was that it was much safer. Sometimes patients would fall extremely ill with the engrafting and die, while Jenner’s inoculate could be transferred from arm to arm and not directly from cowpox material making it more reliable. In addition, there were rarely any serious reactions to Jenner’s method, and smallpox immunity was conferred.

Today, pharmacists are on the leading edge of providing immunizations to the public. Many pharmacies provide a variety of vaccines without a person having to go to the physician’s office. Check with your local pharmacy regarding availability and procedures for obtaining vaccinations because not all pharmacies offer vaccinations.

The final part of this column may be the most important: the reporting of adverse reactions to vaccines. The CDC and FDA co-administer a reporting program called the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). This is much like the MedWatch program in which individuals, as well as pharmacists and physicians, report any adverse reaction that may be related to the administration of a vaccine. If you should experience an adverse reaction to a vaccine you can reach out to https://vaers.hhs.gov/.

Vaccines are not without their risks, but the benefits usually outweigh the risks. In fact, vaccines have eliminated or greatly reduced more than 14 preventable infectious diseases including, measles, polio, and smallpox. However, it is still an individual decision and should not be made without due consideration.

Ref: https://vaers.hhs.gov/index.html; https://www.honorhealth.com/healthy-living/benefits-outweigh-risks-when-it-comes-vaccination; “Ten Drugs by Thomas Hager.

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William Garst is a consultant pharmacist who resides in Alachua, Florida. He received his B.S. in Pharmacy from Auburn University in 1975. He earned a master’s degree in Pharmacy from UF in 2001. In 2007 he received his Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Colorado. He is a member of many national professional associations as well as the local Alachua County Association of Pharmacists, and he serves on the Alachua County Health Care Advisory Board. He works part time at the UF Health Psychiatric Hospital. He retired from the VA in 2016. Dr. Garst enjoys golf, reading (especially history), and family. He writes a blog called The Pharmacy Newsletter (https://thepharmacynewsletter.com/). He can be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Did you know that you can participate in healthcare in a meaningful way? You can do this by becoming familiar with the MedWatch Program. MedWatch was founded in 1993 to collect 

William Garst Column HeadShot Webdata regarding healthcare adverse events. This is a program run by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in which consumers can report any adverse reactions directly to the FDA. An adverse event is any undesirable experience associated with a medical product.

The types of products include:

  • Prescription and over-the-counter medicines
  • Biologics such as blood components, blood/plasma derivatives, and gene therapies.
  • Medical devices such as hearing aids breast pumps and pacemakers.
  • Combination products such as pre-filled drug syringe, metered-dose inhalers, and nasal spray.
  • Special nutritional products such as dietary supplements, medical foods, and infant formulas.
  • Cosmetics such as moisturizers, makeup, shampoos, hair dyes, and tattoos.
  • Food such as beverages and ingredients added to foods.

Other products the FDA regulates such as tobacco, vaccines, and animal/livestock medicine and feed use different reporting pathways and it is recommended that reports concerning these products be sent directly to the appropriate FDA submittal portal.

Voluntary reporting by healthcare professionals, consumers, and patients are conducted on a single, one-page reporting form (Form FDA 3500). Reporting can be conducted online, by phone, or by submitting the MedWatch 3500 form through the mail or fax. Reporting helps in what is called Post-Marketing Surveillance, sometimes called Phase IV Studies.

There are several clinical trial phases that must be passed before a drug or device is eligible to be placed in the market. First, there is preclinical research to determine if a drug has merit for further study.

The next phase is Phase 0 trials in which a small amount of the drug is given to a few people to determine how the body reacts to the drug and how the body metabolizes the drug.

The drug then enters Phase I trials in which the dosage resulting with the fewest side effects is determined usually in 20 to 100 healthy volunteers or people with the disease/condition.

Next, there are Phase II trials where the drug is further tested for safety in a larger amount of people, up to several hundred people.

The last step before being allowed on the market are Phase III trials. In these trials, the new drug is usually compared to the current standard of care drug and is tested in more people, possibly 300 to 3,000 may participate. These trials are usually randomized so any bias is minimized that may affect any subjective outcomes.

The last phase is the above-mentioned Phase IV trials.

This is important because some serious, but rare adverse events cannot be detected until the medication has been used by many thousands of people in varying circumstances. In addition, some adverse events that may have been noticed in clinical trials were underestimated, and information about patients experiences with the medication is most valuable.

An example of how MedWatch helped remove a dangerous drug from the market involved the drug cerivastatin (Baycol, by Bayer Co.). This drug was approved to lower cholesterol and prevent cardiovascular disease. After being on the market for a few years it was reported that the drug had a higher than normal incidence of rhabdomyolysis, which is a breakdown of muscle and accumulation of protein in the kidneys. This can lead to kidney failure and serious injury. This class of drugs (statins) is known to cause muscle aches and pains, but the incidence of rhabdomyolysis was greater than expected as observed in the previous clinical trials for this drug.

The bottom line is to report any adverse reaction to your physician and pharmacist. Ask them to send in a MedWatch report, or you can do it yourself.

More information can be found about the MedWatch Program at www.fda.gov or ask your pharmacist or physician.

Ref: (https://www.fda.gov/safety/medwatch-fda-safety-information-and-adverse-event-reporting-program)

*     *     *

William Garst is a consultant pharmacist who resides in Alachua, Florida. He received his B.S. in Pharmacy from Auburn University in 1975. He earned a master’s degree in Pharmacy from UF in 2001. In 2007 he received his Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Colorado. He is a member of many national professional associations as well as the local Alachua County Association of Pharmacists, and he serves on the Alachua County Health Care Advisory Board. He works part time at the UF Health Psychiatric Hospital. He retired from the VA in 2016.  Dr. Garst enjoys golf, reading (especially history), and family. He writes a blog called The Pharmacy Newsletter (https://thepharmacynewsletter.com/). He can be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

#     #     #

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alachuatoday.com

ClassifiedsStarLEGAL NOTICE

Fictitious Names

NOTICE OF INTENT TO REGISTER FICTITIOUS NAME Pursuant to Section 865.09, Florida Statutes, notice is hereby given that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Carter's Added Touch located at 230 NE 8 Avenue, in the County of Alachua, High Springs, Florida, 32643, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.  Dated this 24th day of  November, 2011. Ann Z. Carter.

(Published: Alachua County Today - November 10, 2011)

PUBLIC NOTICE

 

 

CITY OF HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the following Item(s) will be heard at a meeting held by the City Commission of the City of Hawthorne, Florida, at a public hearing on December 6, 2011 at 6:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter can be heard, in the Commission Meeting Room, City Hall located at 6700 Southeast 221st Street, Hawthorne, Florida. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE CITY’S CODE OF ORDINANCES REGARDING WATER, SEWER AND GARBAGE COLLECTION REGULATIONS INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, AMENDING THE CITY’S WATER AND SEWER RATES; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. PLEASE NOTE: Pursuant to Section 286.015, Florida Statues, if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Commission with respect to any matter considered at such meeting, he or she will need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceeding is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. In accordance with the American with Disabilities Act, a person with disabilities needing any special accommodations to participate in City Commission Meetings should contact the office at City Hall at 352-481-2432. On the date, time and place first above mentioned, all interested persons may appear and be heard with respect to the proposed actions. This/ These Ordinance(s) may be inspected by the public prior to the hearing at City Hall located at the address above.

(Published: Alachua County Today – November 24, 2011)

 

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF HEARING ON PROPOSED ORDINANCE

The High Springs City Commission will hold a public hearing on the following proposed Ordinance on Thursday, December 8, 2011 at 6:30 PM. This hearing will be held at the City Commission Room at City Hall of the City of High Springs, 110 NW 1st Avenue, High Springs, FL. The proposed Ordinance is:

 

ORDINANCE 2011-25

AN ORDINANCE CLOSING AS A PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY, VACATING AND ABANDONING A PORTION OF SE 1ST PLACE WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS OF HIGH SPRINGS, FLORIDA; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE

A copy of this document may be reviewed at the Office of the City Clerk, Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:30 pm. Interested parties in the above item are invited to attend and express their concerns. JENNY L. PARHAM City Clerk PLEASE NOTE: PURSUANT TO SECTION 286.0105, FLORIDA STATUTES, IF A PERSON DECIDES TO APPEAL ANY DECISION MADE BY THE CITY COMMISSION WITH RESPECT TO ANY MATTER CONSIDERED DURING THIS MEETING HE OR SHE WILL NEED TO ENSURE THAT A VERBATIM RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS IS MADE, WHICH RECORD INCLUDES THE TESTIMONY AND EVIDENCE UPON WHICH THE APPEAL IS TO BE BASED. IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AMERICAN WITH DISABILITIES ACT, A PERSON WITH DISABILITIES NEEDING ANY SPECIAL ACCOMODATIONS TO PARTICIPATE IN CITY COMMISSION MEETINGS, SHOULD CONTACT THE OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER, 110 N.W. 1ST AVENUE, HIGH SPRINGS, FLORIDA 32643, TELEPHONE (386) 454-1416

(Published: Alachua County Today – November 24, 2011)

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA

 

CASE NO: 2011-CA-752

 

GREEN TREE SERVICING LLC 7406 Fullerton Street, Suite 201, Jacksonville, Florida 32256,             Plaintiff, v. HANK E. SCHWALL, III, JANINE ANNE SCHWALL, and STATE EMPLOYEES CREDIT UNION F/K/A FIRST FLORIDA PUBLIC EMPLOYEES CREDIT UNION,             Defendants. _____________/

NOTICE OF SALE

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT, pursuant to Plaintiff's Final Summary Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above-captioned action, I will sell the property situated in Alachua County, Florida, described as follows, to wit: Lot Fifteen (15) of Allen Nelson Estates, According to the Plat Thereof as Recorded in Plat Book “A”, Page(s) 37, of the Public Records of Alachua County, Florida.  Less the South 50 Feet for Right of Way for County Road SE-10; Together with That Certain 1982 Brigadier, 56 X 24 Mobile Home, Serial Number: GB1CS29475AB.

 

Commonly known as: 3622 SE 185th Avenue, Micanopy, Florida 32667

at public sale, to the highest and best bidder, for cash in the lobby of the Family and Civil Justice Center, 201 East University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32601, at 11:00 AM (EST), on the 2nd day of December, 2011.

 

Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale.

 

Dated November 7, 2011 J.K. Irby     Clerk of the Circuit Court By: /s/ Erika Powell Deputy Clerk Cc: Timothy D. Padgett, Esq. Fla. Bar No.: 990558 Timothy D. Padgett, P.A. 2878 Remington Green Circle Tallahassee, FL 32308 850-422-2520 850-422-2567 fax

(Published: Alachua County Today - November 17 and 24, 2011)

 

NOTICE OF MEETING TO CONSIDER PROPOSED WATER RATE INCREASE

The High Springs City Commission will hold a public hearing on the following proposed Resolutions on Thursday, December 8 at 6:30 PM. The hearing will be held at the City Commission Room at City Hall of the City of High Springs, 110 NW 1st Avenue, High Springs, FL. The proposed Resolutions are:

 

RESOLUTION 2011-R

A RESOLUTION INCREASING RATES FOR WATER AND WASTEWATER SERVICES, PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT; SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE

 

RESOLUTION 2011-S

A RESOLUTION INCREASING RATES FOR SOLID WASTE SERVICES, PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT; SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE

 

A copy of this document may be reviewed at the Office of the City Clerk, Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:30 pm. Interested parties in the above item are invited to attend and express their concerns. JENNY L. PARHAM City Clerk PLEASE NOTE: PURSUANT TO SECTION 286.015, FLORIDA STATUTES, IF A PERSON DECIDES TO APPEAL ANY DECISION MADE BY THE PLAN BOARD WITH RESPECT TO ANY MATTER CONSIDERED DURING THIS MEETING HE OR SHE WILL NEED TO ENSURE THAT A VERBATIM RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS IS MADE, WHICH RECORD INCLUDES THE TESTIMONY AND EVIDENCE UPON WHICH THE APPEAL IS TO BE BASED. IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AMERICAN WITH DISABILITIES ACT, A PERSON WITH DISABILITIES NEEDING ANY SPECIAL ACCOMODATIONS TO PARTICIPATE IN CITY COMMISSION MEETINGS, SHOULD CONTACT THE OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER, 110 N.W. 1ST AVENUE, HIGH SPRINGS, FLORIDA 32643, TELEPHONE (386) 454-1416 Published: Alachua County Today - November 24, 2011

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

 

Advertising that Works. Put your ad in Over 100 Papers throughout Florida for one LOW RATE! Call (866)742-1373 or visit: www.florida-classifieds.com

SCHOOLS/INSTRUCTION

 

 

Heat & Air JOBS - Ready to work? 3 week accelerated program. Hands on environment. Nationwide certifications and Local Job Placement Assistance! (877)359-1690

GOOD THINGS TO EAT

 

 

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

Bushels of acre peas, Ga. Jett Sweet Potatoes, Watermelons, Cucumbers, Florida Broccoli & Cauliflower, Bell Peppers, Florida Vine Ripe Tomatoes, Local Yellow Squash & Zucchini, Cabbage, Smoked Bacon, Sausage, Fresh Cut Collard, Mustard and Turnip Greens, Local Honey, Brown Eggs, Foothills Butter, Fresh Local Silver Queen Corn, 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

 

 

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

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

 

Driver - Build Your Own Hometime! Part-time, Full-time, Express & Casual lanes! Daily or Weekly Pay. Modern equipment! CDL-A, 3 months recent experience required. (800)414-9569. www.driveknight.com

 

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

 

PERSONAL ASSISTANCE NEEDED

We are looking for an Office Assistant. Duties include greeting clients, answering phones, and routing mail, data entry and retrieve, scheduling and calender maintenance,Ideal candidates will have proven customer service skills in an administrative setting and experience with Microsoft Office applications email resumes to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. IF INTERESTED

 

Drivers: Run GA, AL, MS, TN & FL HOME WEEKENDS, Earn Up to 39¢/mi, 1 yr OTR Flatbed exp. Call: SUNBELT TRANSPORT, LLC (800)572-5489 ext. 227

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

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

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

 

Acreage & Farms

 

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.

 

LAND LIQUIDATION 20 Acres $0 Down, $99/mo. ONLY $12,900 Near Growing El Paso, TX Owner Financing, NO CREDIT CHECKS! Money Back Guarantee FREE Color Brochure (800)755-8953 www.sunsetranches.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 FOR RENT

 

Mobile Homes For Rent

 

Progress Mobile Home Court. Mobile homes for rent and also lots for rent. Three months free rent on lots. 386-462-1660

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.”

Houses For Rent

 

Nice 1 bedroom house, carport, utility room. Non-smoker. No dogs. Located in South Columbia County, Hwy 778. $400 per month. 386-454-1445

MERCHANDISE

 

Machinery & Tools

 

1/2 price new generator 5250 watts 10 hp engine, $350; 12" Makita compound miter saw and 10" Makita table saw - together $125. Call 352-215-0252 (Alachua)

Garage Sales

 

BLACK SATURDAY HUGE MOVING SALE! Saturday, Nov. 26. Christmas items, electronics, books, household lots of goodies!  415 NW Third St., High Springs.  8 SHARP (weather permitting).

Miscellaneous

 

 

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

 

EARN COLLEGE DEGREE ONLINE. *Medical, *Business, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV certified. Call (877)206-5165 www.CenturaOnline.com

 

SAWMILLS from only $3997- MAKE MONEY & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill- Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info & DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com (800)578-1363 Ext.300N

WANTED TO BUY

 

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

 

CASH FOR CARS! Any Make, Model, or Year. We Pay MORE! Running or Not. Sell Your Car or Truck TODAY. Free Towing! Instant Offer: (888)420-3807

Auctions

 

 

BANK ORDERED AUCTION - 174± Bank Owned Assets - AL, GA, NC & TN. December 6th, 7th & 8th - Homes, Acreage, Residential Lots & Commercial Properties - (800)323-8388 or RowellAuctions.com

 

BANK ORDERED AUCTION! Nove 19th - Dec 3rd AL, FL & MS. Multiple Properties. Live Onsite & Live Online. www.AuctionsUnited.com Proxibid.com/Auctionsunited (800)222-5003


To Place a Classified Call 386-462-3355.

ClassifiedsStarLEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

 

 

CITY OF HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the following Item(s) will be heard at a meeting held by the City Commission of the City of Hawthorne, Florida, at a public hearing on December 6, 2011 at 6:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter can be heard, in the Commission Meeting Room, City Hall located at 6700 Southeast 221st Street, Hawthorne, Florida. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, ALACHUA COUNTY FLORIDA, AMENDING THE CITY’S CODE OF ORDINANCES REGARDING WATER AND SEWER REGULATIONS INCLUDING; AMENDING WATER AND SEWER RATES PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. PLEASE NOTE: Pursuant to Section 286.015, Florida Statues, if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Commission with respect to any matter considered at such meeting, he or she will need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceeding is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. In accordance with the American with Disabilities Act, a person with disabilities needing any special accommodations to participate in City Commission Meetings should contact the office at City Hall at 352-481-2432.  On the date, time and place first above mentioned, all interested persons may appear and be heard with respect to the proposed actions. This/ These Ordinance(s) may be inspected by the public prior to the hearing at City Hall located at the address above.

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - November 17, 2011)

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No. 01-2011 -CP-1457 IN RE THE ESTATE OF: BETTY J. ELLISON, deceased.

 

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

 

The administration of the estate of BETTY J. ELLISON, deceased, whose date of death was April 9, 2011, is pending in the Circuit Court for Alachua County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 1st Floor, Alachua County Courthouse, 201 East University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32601. The names and addresses of the personal representative and attorney for the personal representative are set forth below.

 

All creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against decedent's estate, including un-matured, contingent or unliquidated claims, and who have been served a copy of this notice must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 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 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 FLORIDA 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 the 10th day of November, 2011. BRUCE E. HOFFMAN Attorney for Personal Representative 3400 NW 13 Street, Gainesville, Florida 32609 (352) 373-2411 Fla. Bar No. 330647 Bernard Bradshaw Personal Representative PO Box 1092 Newberry, FL 32669

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - November 10 and 17, 2011)

 

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING CONCERNING A SITE AND DEVELOPMENT PLAN APPROVAL REQUEST AS PROVIDED FOR IN THE CITY OF NEWBERRY LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS

 

BY THE PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD OF THE CITY OF NEWBERRY, FLORIDA, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, pursuant the City of Newberry Land Development Regulations, as amended, hereinafter referred to as the Land Development Regulations, objections, recommendations and comments concerning a site and development plan, as described below, will be heard by the Planning and Zoning Board of the City of Newberry, Florida, hereinafter referred to as the Planning and Zoning Board, at a public hearing on Monday, November 28, 2011 at 6:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter can be heard, in the City Commission Meeting Room, City Hall, located at 25440 West Newberry Road, Newberry, Florida.

 

SDP 11-2, an application by J&H Food, Inc., as agent for Newberry Fun and Food Court, LLC, to request approval of a site and development plan, as provided for in Section 14.2 of the Land Development Regulations to locate and construct a restaurant in a COMMERCIAL, CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT (C-CBD) zoning district in accordance with a site plan submitted as part of an application dated November 10, 2011 to be located on property described, as follows (the property is located across W. Newberry Road from Newberry City Hall): Original Newberry, PB A-129-A, Lots 5,6 and 7, Block 33, also the north ½ of the alley adjacent to lots 5-7, per OR 2273/2454, OR 4034/0503.

 

Upon the action taken by the Planning and Zoning Board on this item, the City Commission, serving as the Board of Adjustment will consider the application for final action on Monday, November 28, 2011 at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter can be heard, in the City Commission Meeting Room, City Hall, located at 25440 West Newberry Road, Newberry, Florida and no further notice concerning this matter will be published. At the aforementioned public meeting, all interested parties may appear to be heard with respect to the proposed site and development plan.

 

Copies of the proposed site and development plan are available for public inspection at the Newberry Planning Department, located at 25815 S.W. 2nd Avenue, Newberry, Florida, during regular business hours. All persons are advised that if they decide to appeal any decision made at the above referenced public meeting, they will need a record of the proceedings, and that, for such purpose, they may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

 

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons with disabilities needing a special accommodation for attendance at this meeting should contact MV Transportation, Inc. at (352) 375-2784, no later than 72 hours prior to the proceedings. If hearing impaired, call the Florida Relay System at (800) 955-8770.

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - November 17, 2011)

 

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF HEARING ON PROPOSED ORDINANCE

 

The High Springs City Commission will hold a public hearing on the following proposed Ordinance on Tuesday, November 29, 2011 at 6:30 PM. This hearing will be held at the City Commission Room at City Hall of the City of High Springs, 110 NW 1st Avenue, High Springs, FL. The proposed Ordinance is:

 

ORDINANCE 2011-23

 

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ADOPTED 2010/2011 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET OF THE CITY OF HIGH SPRINGS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

A copy of this document may be reviewed at the Office of the City Clerk, Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:30 pm. Interested parties in the above item are invited to attend and express their concerns. JENNY L. PARHAM City Clerk PLEASE NOTE: PURSUANT TO SECTION 286.0105, FLORIDA STATUTES, IF A PERSON DECIDES TO APPEAL ANY DECISION MADE BY THE CITY COMMISSION WITH RESPECT TO ANY MATTER CONSIDERED DURING THIS MEETING HE OR SHE WILL NEED TO ENSURE THAT A VERBATIM RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS IS MADE, WHICH RECORD INCLUDES THE TESTIMONY AND EVIDENCE UPON WHICH THE APPEAL IS TO BE BASED. IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AMERICAN WITH DISABILITIES ACT, A PERSON WITH DISABILITIES NEEDING ANY SPECIAL ACCOMODATIONS TO PARTICIPATE IN CITY COMMISSION MEETINGS, SHOULD CONTACT THE OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER, 110 N.W. 1ST AVENUE, HIGH SPRINGS, FLORIDA 32643, TELEPHONE (386) 454-1416  

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - November 17, 2011)

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA

 

CASE NO: 2011-CA-752

 

GREEN TREE SERVICING LLC 7406 Fullerton Street, Suite 201, Jacksonville, Florida 32256,             Plaintiff, v. HANK E. SCHWALL, III, JANINE ANNE SCHWALL, and STATE EMPLOYEES CREDIT UNION F/K/A FIRST FLORIDA PUBLIC EMPLOYEES CREDIT UNION,             Defendants. _____________/

 

NOTICE OF SALE

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT, pursuant to Plaintiff's Final Summary Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above-captioned action, I will sell the property situated in Alachua County, Florida, described as follows, to wit: Lot Fifteen (15) of Allen Nelson Estates, According to the Plat Thereof as Recorded in Plat Book “A”, Page(s) 37, of the Public Records of Alachua County, Florida.  Less the South 50 Feet for Right of Way for County Road SE-10; Together with That Certain 1982 Brigadier, 56 X 24 Mobile Home, Serial Number: GB1CS29475AB.

 

Commonly known as: 3622 SE 185th Avenue, Micanopy, Florida 32667

 

at public sale, to the highest and best bidder, for cash in the lobby of the Family and Civil Justice Center, 201 East University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32601, at 11:00 AM (EST), on the 2nd day of December, 2011.

 

Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale.

 

Dated November 7, 2011 J.K. Irby     Clerk of the Circuit Court By: /s/ Erika Powell Deputy Clerk Cc: Timothy D. Padgett, Esq. Fla. Bar No.: 990558 Timothy D. Padgett, P.A. 2878 Remington Green Circle Tallahassee, FL 32308 850-422-2520 850-422-2567 fax

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - November 17 and 24, 2011)

 

F O R M A L P U B L I C H E A R I N G

 

The City of High Springs Historic Preservation Board will hold a Formal Public Hearing in the City Commission Room on Tuesday, November 29, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. to consider the following requests: CONSIDER A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS REQUEST BY J. C. LAZO FOR THE PLACEMENT OF A PRE-FABRICATED SHED AND THE ENCLOSURE OF A CAR PORT ADDING A DOOR AND SIDING AT 215 NW 4th AVENUE, TAX PARCEL 00690-000-000.  All persons or parties interested in these Certificates of Appropriateness may attend the hearing. PLEASE NOTE: PURSUANT TO SECTION 286.015, FLORIDA STATUTES, IF A PERSON DECIDES TO APPEAL ANY DECISION MADE BY THE HIGH SPRINGS HISTORIC PRESERVATION BOARD WITH RESPECT TO ANY MATTER CONSIDERED DURING THIS MEETING HE OR SHE WILL NEED TO ENSURE THAT A VERBATIM RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS IS MADE, WHICH RECORD INCLUDES THE TESTIMONY AND EVIDENCE UPON WHICH THE APPEAL IS TO BE BASED. IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AMERICAN WITH DISABILITIES ACT, A PERSON WITH DISABILITIES NEEDING ANY SPECIAL ACCOMODATIONS TO PARTICIPATE IN CITY COMMISSION MEETINGS, SHOULD CONTACT THE OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER, 110 N.W. 1ST AVENUE, HIGH SPRINGS, FLORIDA 32643, TELEPHONE (386) 454-1416 JENNY L. PARHAM CITY CLERK

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - November 17, 2011)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO. 2011-CA-1372-MG CAMPUS USA CREDIT UNION, Plaintiff, vs. MARYLYN A. PERAZZINI, UNKNOWN SPOUSE, CITIFINANCIAL EQUITY SERVICES, INC., UNKNOWN TENANT(S) IN POSSESSION and SECOND UNKNOWN TENANT(S) IN POSSESSION, Defendants. ____________/

 

NOTICE OF SALE

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on the 9th day of December, 2011, at 11:00 A.M. at the Alachua County Family/Civil Justice Center, 201 E. University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601, the undersigned Clerk will offer for sale the following real and personal property more particularly described as: Lot fifty (50), fifty-three (53), less the North 10.00 feet of Lot (50) Oak Hill, as per plat thereof, recorded in Plat Book A, Page 167, of the Public Records of Alachua County, Florida. TOGETHER WITH: all the improvements now or hereafter erected on the property, and all easements, appurtenances, and fixtures now or hereafter a part of the property. The aforesaid sale will be made pursuant to the Final Judgment entered in Civil No. 2011-CA-1372-MG now pending in the Circuit Court of the Eighth Judicial Circuit in and for Alachua County, Florida. Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens, must file a claim within 60 days after the sale. DATED this 25th day of August, 2011. Clerk of Court Alachua County, Florida (COURT SEAL) BY:/s/ Erika Powell As Deputy Clerk Meredith L. Minkus, Esquire Florida Bar No.: 41656 BURR & FORMAN LLP Post Office Drawer 1690 Winter Park, Florida 32790 Telephone: (407) 647-4455 Attorneys for Plaintiff

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - November 10 and 17, 2011)

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: GREENS GARAGE & WRECKER SERVICE gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 12/05/2011, 12:00 pm at 20721 SE 165 AVE LOCHLOOSA, FL 32662-0006, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. GREENS GARAGE & WRECKER SERVICE reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids.

 

JT3GP10V6T7004081 1996 TOYOTA 1G8ZJ5272TZ285743 1996 SATURN

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - November 17, 2011)

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: GREENS GARAGE & WRECKER SERVICE gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 12/16/2011 12:00pm at 20721 SE 165 AVE LOCHLOOSA, FL 32662-0006, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statues. GREENS GARAGE & WRECKER SERVICE reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids. 2MELM74W5VX621668 1997 MERCURY

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - November 17, 2011)

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO. 11-CA-1168-MG

 

CAMPUS USA CREDIT UNION, Plaintiff, vs. KRISTI E. CHILCOTE A/K/A KRISTI CHILCOTE, UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF KRISTI E. CHILCOTE A/K/A KRISTI CHILCOTE, IRENEA CHAMI N/K/A IRENEA CHILCOTE, UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF IRENEA CHAMI N/K/A IRENEA CHILCOTE, UNKNOWN TENANT(S) IN POSSESSION and SECOND UNKNOWN TENANT(S) IN POSSESSION, Defendants. ___________/

 

NOTICE OF SALE

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on the 9th day of December, 2011, at 11:00 A.M. at the Alachua County Family/Civil Justice Center, 201 E. University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601, the undersigned Clerk will offer for sale the following real and personal property more particularly described as:

 

See Exhibit "A" attached hereto

 

The aforesaid sale will be made pursuant to the Final Judgment entered in Civil No. 11-CA-1168-MG now pending in the Circuit Court of the Eighth Judicial Circuit in and for Alachua County, Florida. Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens, must file a claim within 60 days after the sale. DATED this 19th day of October, 2011. J.K. Irby Clerk of Court Alachua County, Florida (COURT SEAL) BY: /s/ Sherry Swick As Deputy Clerk  Meredith L. Minkus, Esquire Florida Bar No.: 41656 BURR & FORMAN LLP Post Office Drawer 1690 Winter Park, Florida 32790 Telephone: (407) 647-4455 Attorneys for Plaintiff

 

Exhibit “A”

 

Fractional Lot 1, of Block 35, of FAIRMOUNT lying North of highway right-of-way. G.E. FOSTER’S ADDITION TO HIGH SPRINGS, Florida as per Plat Book A, Page 6, Alachua County, Florida, and the South 30 feet of street line of North 6th Ave. adjoining said Fractional Lot 1 above, said 30-foot strip also being described as follows: Beginning at the Southeast corner of said Fractional Lot 1, Block 35, G.E. FOSTER’S ADDITION TO HIGH SPRINGS, Florida, at point it intersects with Highway #41 and #441, thence run Northerly along the West side of West 2nd Street, 90 feet, including both the lot footage and the South 30 feet of Street line of North 5th Avenue to a point, thence at left angle run Westerly 188 feet to intersection with Highway #41 and #441, thence run Southeasterly along the North side of Highway #41 and #441 a distance of 200 feet to the Southeast corner of said Fractional Lot 1, Block 35, which is the Point of Beginning. The land described herein is not the homestead of the mortgagor(s), and neither the mortgagor(s) nor the mortgagor(s) spouse, nor anyone for who support the mortgagor(s) is responsible, resides on or adjacent to said land.

 

(Published: Alachua Couanty Today - November 10 and 17, 2011)

 

FORMAL PUBLIC HEARING

 

The High Springs Plan Board will hold a Public Hearing on the following requests on Tuesday, November 29, 2011 at 6:30 pm or as soon thereafter as they may be heard, at the High Springs City Hall, 110 NW 1st Avenue: CONSIDER A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT BY MELINDA STEVENS TO ALLOW RETAIL SALES OF WINE, BEER AND LIQUOR AT 60 NORTH MAIN STREET, TAX PARCEL 00626-000-000.  All persons or parties interested in the above items may attend the hearing.

 

PLEASE NOTE: If a person desires to appeal any decision with respect to any matter considered at this meeting, such person will need a record of the proceedings and that, for this purpose, such person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceeding is made which includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. JENNY L. PARHAM CITY CLERK (Published: Alachua County Today – November 17, 2011)

 

IN THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COURT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION

 

File No. 01-2011-CP-1464 Division A IN RE: ESTATE OF JOHN R. FORDER, SR., Deceased.

 

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

 

The name of the decedent, the designation of the court in which the administration of this estate is pending, and the file number are indicated above. The address of the court is 201 East University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32601. The name and address of the co-personal representative and his attorney are indicated below. If you have been served with a copy of this notice and you have a claim or demand against the decedent’s estate, even if that claim is unmatured, contingent or unliquidated, you must file your claim with the court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF A DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER YOU RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS NOTICE. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must filed their claims with the court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. EVEN IF A CLAIM IS NOT BARRED BY THE LIMITATIONS ABOVE, ALL CLAIMS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN FILED WILL BE BARRED TWO YEARS AFTER DECEDENT’S DEATH. The date of death of the decedent is: August 5, 2011. The date of first publication of this Notice is: November 10, 2011.

 

Attorney for Personal Representatives Larry D. Marsh Florida Bar No. 333611 Brashear, Marsh & McCarty, PL 926 NW 13th Street Gainesville, FL 32601 Telephone: 352-336-0800 Facsimile: 352-336-0505 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Co-Personal Representative John R. Forder, Jr. 4235 SW 91st Drive Gainesville, FL 32608

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - November 10 and 17, 2011)

 

Rainbow Title & Lien, Inc. 3389 Sheridan Street, PMB 221 Hollywood, FL 33021 954-920-6020

 

NOTICE OF SALE

 

Rainbow Title & Lien, Inc. will sell at Public Sale at Auction the following vehicles to satisfy lien pursuant to Chapter 713.78 of the Florida Statutes on December 01, 2011 at 10 A.M.

 

*AUCTION WILL OCCUR WHERE EACH VEHICLE IS LOCATED*

 

2002 MAZDA, VIN#JM3LWA420320825 1994 OLDSMOBILE, VIN# 1G3HN52L6R4806388 1993 HONDA, VIN# 1HGCB7693PA092295

 

Located at 3200 SW 34 Street, Gainesville, FL 32608 Alachua

 

Any person(s) claiming any interest(s) in the above vehicles contact: Rainbow Title & Lien, Inc., 954-920-6020.

 

*ALL AUCTIONS ARE HELD WITH RESERVE*

 

Some of the vehicles may have been released prior to auction LIC# AB-0001256

 

(Published: November 17, 2011)

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

 

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

 

Advertising that Works. Put your ad in Over 100 Papers throughout Florida for one LOW RATE! Call (866)742-1373 or visit: www.florida-classifieds.com

 

SCHOOLS/INSTRUCTION

 

 

Heat & Air JOBS - Ready to work? 3 week accelerated program. Hands on environment. Nationwide certifications and Local Job Placement Assistance! (877)359-1690

 

GOOD THINGS TO EAT

 

 

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

 

Bushels of acre peas, Ga. Jett Sweet Potatoes, Watermelons, Cucumbers, Florida Broccoli & Cauliflower, Bell Peppers, Florida Vine Ripe Tomatoes, Local Yellow Squash & Zucchini, Cabbage, Smoked Bacon, Sausage, Fresh Cut Collard, Mustard and Turnip Greens, Local Honey, Brown Eggs, Foothills Butter, Fresh Local Silver Queen Corn, 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

 

 

Sales Help Wanted

 

National company, benefits, Florida information center. Must be flexible, weekends required.  Hourly plus commission.  Strong communication skill and sales experience a +. Please call Ed 904-540-2314.

 

Driver - Refrigerated lanes with lots of miles, hometime choices, daily pay and single source dispatch. Modern equipment! CDL-A, 3 months recent experience required. (800)414-9569. www.driveknight.com

 

PERSONAL ASSISTANCE NEEDED

 

We are looking for an Office Assistant. Duties include greeting clients, answering phones, and routing mail, data entry and retrieve, scheduling and calender maintenance,Ideal candidates will have proven customer service skills in an administrative setting and experience with Microsoft Office applications email resumes to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. IF INTERESTED

 

Drivers: Run GA, AL, MS, TN & FL HOME WEEKENDS, Earn Up to 39¢/mi, 1 yr OTR Flatbed exp. Call: SUNBELT TRANSPORT, LLC (800)572-5489 ext. 227

 

Need 13 Good Drivers Top 5% Pay & 401K 2 Mos. CDL Class A Driving Exp (877)258-8782 www.meltontruck.com

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

 

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

 

 

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

 

 

6 FIGURE INCOME 100,000 RX Discount Cards Placed in 80 Pharmacy Locations @.03 each. You earn $1.50 for each new prescription & $.75 for refills. Accumulating residual income. (877)308-7959 Ext.231 www.freerxadvantage.com

 

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

 

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

 

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

 

 

Waterfront Property

 

 

Pre-Grand Opening Sale! Sat. November 19th Only. 6.34 acres w/ direct lake frontage only $29,900! Brand new, never before offered! Gorgeous wooded setting with deep water frontage on spectacular lake. Paved rds, power, phone, much more. Unheard of prices - excellent financing. Hurry out for 1st pick! Call now (866)952-5302, x 71

 

Acreage & Farms

 

 

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY!! 1 waterfront & 4 lake access lots, $84,400. Gated lake community near Athens, GA. Excellent schools. Financing available. Call the Bank Direct. (888)308-6729.

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.

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.

 

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

 

 

Mobile Homes For Rent

 

Progress Mobile Home Court. Mobile homes for rent and also lots for rent. Three months free rent on lots. 386-462-1660

 

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.”

 

Houses For Rent

 

Nice 1 bedroom house, carport, utility room. Non-smoker. No dogs. Located in South Columbia County, Hwy 778. $400 per month. 386-454-1445

 

MERCHANDISE

 

 

Miscellaneous

 

 

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

 

EARN COLLEGE DEGREE ONLINE. *Medical, *Business, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV certified. Call (877)206-5165 www.CenturaOnline.com

 

SAWMILLS from only $3997- MAKE MONEY & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill- Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info & DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com (800)578-1363 Ext.300N

 

FREE S&H - FLORIDA CITRUS: 20lb. Gift Pack - Only $34.95. Navel Oranges or Ruby Reds. www.box-o-fruit.com Text "oranges" to 72727 to win!

 

WANTED TO BUY

 

 

CASH FOR CARS! Any Make, Model, or Year. We Pay MORE! Running or Not. Sell Your Car or Truck TODAY. Free Towing! Instant Offer: (888)420-3807

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

 

Auctions

 

 

BANK ORDERED AUCTION - 174± Bank Owned Assets - AL, GA, NC & TN. December 6th, 7th & 8th - Homes, Acreage, Residential Lots & Commercial Properties - (800)323-8388 or RowellAuctions.com

 


To Place a Classified Call 386-462-3355.

ClassifiedsStar

 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, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Swift Creeks Press, located at 704 SW 134th Way, in the County of Alachua, Newberry, Florida, 32669, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.  Dated this 10th day of  November, 2011. Michael Gordon

(Published: Alachua County Today - November 10, 2011)

PUBLIC NOTICE

 

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: UNIVERSITY TOWING AND TRANSPORT, INC. gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 11/29/2011, 08:00 a.m. at 2546 NW 74TH Place Gainesville, FL 32653-1203, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. UNIVERSITY TOWING AND TRANSPORT, INC. reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids.

1FAHP53285A150017 2005 FORD TAURUS 1G4CW52K6V4609693 1997 BUICK PARK AVENUE 1HGCD7154SA014311 1995 HONDA ACCORD 2C3HD46R4YH388656 2000 CHRYSLER CONCORDE 2G4WB52K8Y1233345 2000 BUICK REGAL 2GTEC19T7Y1365341 2000 GENERAL MOTORS CORP 1500 JKAKZML12CA000293 1982 KAWASAKI KZ250 RFBSCAAS72B102850 2002 KYMCO SCOOTER

(Published: Alachua County Today - November 10, 2011)

 

IN THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COURT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION

File No. 01-2011-CP-1464 Division A IN RE: ESTATE OF JOHN R. FORDER, SR., Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The name of the decedent, the designation of the court in which the administration of this estate is pending, and the file number are indicated above. The address of the court is 201 East University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32601. The name and address of the co-personal representative and his attorney are indicated below. If you have been served with a copy of this notice and you have a claim or demand against the decedent’s estate, even if that claim is unmatured, contingent or unliquidated, you must file your claim with the court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF A DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER YOU RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS NOTICE. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must filed their claims with the court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. EVEN IF A CLAIM IS NOT BARRED BY THE LIMITATIONS ABOVE, ALL CLAIMS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN FILED WILL BE BARRED TWO YEARS AFTER DECEDENT’S DEATH. The date of death of the decedent is: August 5, 2011. The date of first publication of this Notice is: November 10, 2011.

 

Attorney for Personal Representatives Larry D. Marsh Florida Bar No. 333611 Brashear, Marsh & McCarty, PL 926 NW 13th Street Gainesville, FL 32601 Telephone: 352-336-0800 Facsimile: 352-336-0505 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Co-Personal Representative John R. Forder, Jr. 4235 SW 91st Drive Gainesville, FL 32608

(Published: Alachua County Today - November 10 and 17, 2011)

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 11/24/2011, 10:00 a.m. at 14515 NW PEGGY RD, ALACHUA, FL 32615-5449, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids.

1FALP4041SF162065 1995 FORD 2FTRF17264CA71057 2004 FORD 4T1BK46K67U013420 2007 TOYOTA

(Published: Alachua County Today - November 10, 2011)

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No. 01-2011 -CP-1457 IN RE THE ESTATE OF: BETTY J. ELLISON, deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

 

The administration of the estate of BETTY J. ELLISON, deceased, whose date of death was April 9, 2011, is pending in the Circuit Court for Alachua County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 1st Floor, Alachua County Courthouse, 201 East University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32601. The names and addresses of the personal representative and attorney for the personal representative are set forth below.

 

All creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against decedent's estate, including un-matured, contingent or unliquidated claims, and who have been served a copy of this notice must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 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 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 FLORIDA 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 the 10th day of November, 2011. BRUCE E. HOFFMAN Attorney for Personal Representative 3400 NW 13 Street, Gainesville, Florida 32609 (352) 373-2411 Fla. Bar No. 330647 Bernard Bradshaw Personal Representative PO Box 1092 Newberry, FL 32669

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - November 10 and 17, 2011)

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 11/28/2011, 10:00 a.m. at 14515 NW PEGGY RD, ALACHUA, FL 32615-5449, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids.

1B3EL36X24N165500 2004 DODGE 3C8FY4BB71T699302 2001 CHRYSLER W06VR54R01R056536 2001 CADILLAC

(Published: Alachua County Today - November 10, 2011)

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2011-CP-1440 Division A IN RE: ESTATE OF DAVID IVES KRAMER, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of David Ives Kramer, deceased, whose date of death was August 20, 2011, is pending in the Circuit Court for Alachua County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 201 East University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32601. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the 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 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 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 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 FLORIDA 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 November 03, 2011, 2011.

 

Attorney for Personal Representative: Howard M. Rosenblatt, Esq. Attorney for Margaret Olive James Florida Bar Number: 349011 HOWARD M ROSENBLATT, PA 2830 NW 41 Street, Suite I Gainesville, Florida 32606 Telephone: (352) 3737100 Fax: (352) 3737320 Personal Representative: Margaret Olive James 3010 N.W. 12th Place Gainesville, Florida 32605

(Published: Alachua County Today - November 03 and 10, 2011)

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO. 11-CA-1168-MG

 

CAMPUS USA CREDIT UNION, Plaintiff, vs. KRISTI E. CHILCOTE A/K/A KRISTI CHILCOTE, UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF KRISTI E. CHILCOTE A/K/A KRISTI CHILCOTE, IRENEA CHAMI N/K/A IRENEA CHILCOTE, UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF IRENEA CHAMI N/K/A IRENEA CHILCOTE, UNKNOWN TENANT(S) IN POSSESSION and SECOND UNKNOWN TENANT(S) IN POSSESSION, Defendants. ___________/

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on the 9th day of December, 2011, at 11:00 A.M. at the Alachua County Family/Civil Justice Center, 201 E. University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601, the undersigned Clerk will offer for sale the following real and personal property more particularly described as:

See Exhibit "A" attached hereto

 

The aforesaid sale will be made pursuant to the Final Judgment entered in Civil No. 11-CA-1168-MG now pending in the Circuit Court of the Eighth Judicial Circuit in and for Alachua County, Florida. Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens, must file a claim within 60 days after the sale. DATED this 19th day of October, 2011. J.K. Irby Clerk of Court Alachua County, Florida (COURT SEAL) BY: /s/ Sherry Swick As Deputy Clerk Meredith L. Minkus, Esquire Florida Bar No.: 41656 BURR & FORMAN LLP Post Office Drawer 1690 Winter Park, Florida 32790 Telephone: (407) 647-4455 Attorneys for Plaintiff

Exhibit “A”

 

Fractional Lot 1, of Block 35, of FAIRMOUNT lying North of highway right-of-way. G.E. FOSTER’S ADDITION TO HIGH SPRINGS, Florida as per Plat Book A, Page 6, Alachua County, Florida, and the South 30 feet of street line of North 6th Ave. adjoining said Fractional Lot 1 above, said 30-foot strip also being described as follows: Beginning at the Southeast corner of said Fractional Lot 1, Block 35, G.E. FOSTER’S ADDITION TO HIGH SPRINGS, Florida, at point it intersects with Highway #41 and #441, thence run Northerly along the West side of West 2nd Street, 90 feet, including both the lot footage and the South 30 feet of Street line of North 5th Avenue to a point, thence at left angle run Westerly 188 feet to intersection with Highway #41 and #441, thence run Southeasterly along the North side of Highway #41 and #441 a distance of 200 feet to the Southeast corner of said Fractional Lot 1, Block 35, which is the Point of Beginning. The land described herein is not the homestead of the mortgagor(s), and neither the mortgagor(s) nor the mortgagor(s) spouse, nor anyone for who support the mortgagor(s) is responsible, resides on or adjacent to said land.

 

(Published: Alachua Couanty Today - November 10 and 17, 2011)

 

In the Circuit Court of the Eighth Judicial Circuit, In and For Alachua County, Florida

 

Case Number: 2100 DR 0050502 Petitioner: Rhoda Briggs Respondent: Leroy N. Thomas

NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE

 

To: Leroy Thomas Gainesville , FL 32601 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on, 11/05/11, whose address is, 534 North East 12th St, Gainesville, FL 32601, on or before 11/05, 2011 and file the original with the clerk of this court at PO Box 600, Gainesville, FL 32602, before service on petitioner or Immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition. Copies of al court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request. You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address, (You may file Notice of Current Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed to the address on record at the clerk’s office. WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings. Dated: 10/05 , 2011 J.K. “Buddy” Irby Clerk of the Circuit Court

(Published: Alachua County Today - November 03 and 10, 2011)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION CASE NO. 01-2008-CA-003165 Div. K (Consolidated from Case No. 01-2009-CA-005490 Div. J) STATE RESOURCES CORP., Plaintiff, vs. AMANCIO VICTOR SUAREZ, HILDA SUAREZ, RANCHO RITMO, INC., a Corporation, Defendants. _________________/

 

HILDA SUAREZ, Cross Claimant, vs. AMANCIO VICTOR SUAREZ, Cross Defendant. ________________/ MARQUISE’S INVESTMENTS, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. CHALLENGER INVESTMENTS, INC., AMANCIO V. SUAREZ, HILDA SUAREZ, STATES RESOURCES CORP., UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, UNKNOWN TENANT and RANCHO RITMO, INC., Defendants. ________________/

 

NOTICE OF SALE

 

Notice is hereby given that pursuant to the Amended Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in this cause, in the Circuit Court for Alachua County, Florida, I will sell the property situated in Alachua County, Florida:

 

SEE EXHIBIT A.

at public sale, to the highest and best bidder, for cash, in the lobby of the Alachua County Family/Civil Justice Center, 201 E. University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601, at 11:00 A.M., on November 22, 2011. A person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens, must file a claim within 60 days after the sale. Dated October 26, 2011

 

J.K. IRBY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT By: /s/ Erika Powell As Deputy Clerk

EXHIBIT “A”

PARCEL I: Parcel 1: Commence at the Southwest corner of Section 30, Township 10 South, Range 18 East, and thence run North 00º57’ West 1,635.65 feet to the Northerly right-of-way of State Hwy. No. 45 and the Point of Beginning; thence run south 47º54’ East, along said right-of-way 104 feet; thence run North 47º32’ East 101.55 feet, thence run North 00º56’ West 192.35 feet; thence run South 89º14’ West 152.2 feet; thence run South 00º57’ East, 189.2 feet to the Northerly right-of-way of State Hwy. No. 45 and the Point of Beginning. Parcel 2: Commence at the Southwest corner of Section 30, Township 10 South, Range 18 East, and thence run North 00º57’ West, 1,635.65 feet to the Northerly right-of-way of State Hwy. No. 45; thence run South 45º54’ East, along said right-of-way 104 feet to the Point of Beginning; thence continue South 47º54’ East 100 feet to a point; thence run North 47º32’ East 110 feet more or less to a point that will intersect the East boundary line of this parcel as hereinafter described at which point there is an iron stake; now return to the Point of Beginning and run North 47º32’ East, 101.55 feet; thence run North 00º56’ West 192.35 feet; thence run North 89º14’ East 100 feet; thence run south 00º56’ East 230 feet more or less to the intersection of the Southeast boundary line of this parcel of land as hereinbefore described at which point is an iron stake. (Lying and being in Alachua County, Florida) PARCEL II: The North 462.00 feet (7 Chains) of the South west ¼ of the Northwest ¼ of Section 30, Township 10 South, Range 18 East, Alachua County, Florida. LESS AND EXCEPT the Right-of-way (R/W) for County Road SW 13 along the West side thereof. PARCEL III: That part that lies and is East of the Right-of-Way of State Road Number 45 which is also known as U.S. Highway Number 41 of the following described tract: the West Half (W ½) less the North Quarter (N ¼) and less the North seven (7) chains of the Southwest Quarter (SW ¼) of the Northwest Quarter (NW ¼) of Section Thirty (30), Township Ten (10) South, Range Eighteen (18) East. LESS those lands more particularly described as follows:: Commence at the Southwest corner of Section Thirty (30), Township Ten (10) South, Range Eighteen (18) East, and thence run North 00°57’ West 1,635.65 feet to the Northerly Right-of-Way of State Highway Number 45 and the Point of Beginning; thence run South 47°54’ East along said Right-of-Way 104 feet; thence run North 47°32’ East, 101.55 feet; thence run North 00°56’ West 192.35 feet; thence run South 89°14’ West 152.2 feet; thence run South 00°57’ East 189.2 feet to the Northerly Right-of-Way of State Highway Number 45 and the Point of Beginning. ALSO LESS those lands more particularly described as follows: Commence at the Southwest Corner of Section Thirty (30), Township Ten (10) South, Range Eighteen (18) East, and run North 0°57’ West 1,635.65 feet to the Northerly Right-of-Way of State Highway Number 45, thence run South 47°54’ East along said Right-of-Way 104 feet to the Point of Beginning; thence continue South 47°54’ East 100 feet to a point; thence run North 47°32’ East 170 feet more or less to a point that will intersect the East boundary line of this parcel of land as hereinafter described at which point there is an iron stake; return to the Point of Beginning and thence run North 47°32’ East 101.55 feet; thence run North 0°56’ West 192.35 feet; thence run North 89°14’ East 100 feet; thence run South 0°56’ East 270 feet more or less to the intersection with the Southeast boundary line of this parcel of land as hereinbefore described at which point there is an iron stake. All lying and being in the Southwest Quarter of Section Thirty (30), Township Ten (10) South, Range Eighteen (18) East, Alachua County, Florida. PARCEL IV: That part of the following described property that lies and is East of the Right-of-Way of State Road 45, also known as U.S. Highway 41 described as the Northeast Quarter (NE ¼) of the Northwest Quarter (NW ¼) and the Northeast Quarter (NE ¼) of the Southeast Quarter (SE ¼) of the Northwest Quarter (NW ¼) of Section Thirty-one (31), Township Ten (10) South, Range Eighteen (18) East, Alachua County, Florida.

(Published: Alachua County Today – November 3 and November 10, 2011)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO. 2011-CA-1372-MG CAMPUS USA CREDIT UNION, Plaintiff, vs. MARYLYN A. PERAZZINI, UNKNOWN SPOUSE, CITIFINANCIAL EQUITY SERVICES, INC., UNKNOWN TENANT(S) IN POSSESSION and SECOND UNKNOWN TENANT(S) IN POSSESSION, Defendants. ____________/

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on the 9th day of December, 2011, at 11:00 A.M. at the Alachua County Family/Civil Justice Center, 201 E. University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601, the undersigned Clerk will offer for sale the following real and personal property more particularly described as: Lot fifty (50), fifty-three (53), less the North 10.00 feet of Lot (50) Oak Hill, as per plat thereof, recorded in Plat Book A, Page 167, of the Public Records of Alachua County, Florida. TOGETHER WITH: all the improvements now or hereafter erected on the property, and all easements, appurtenances, and fixtures now or hereafter a part of the property. The aforesaid sale will be made pursuant to the Final Judgment entered in Civil No. 2011-CA-1372-MG now pending in the Circuit Court of the Eighth Judicial Circuit in and for Alachua County, Florida. Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens, must file a claim within 60 days after the sale. DATED this 25th day of August, 2011. Clerk of Court Alachua County, Florida (COURT SEAL) BY:/s/ Erika Powell As Deputy Clerk Meredith L. Minkus, Esquire Florida Bar No.: 41656 BURR & FORMAN LLP Post Office Drawer 1690 Winter Park, Florida 32790 Telephone: (407) 647-4455 Attorneys for Plaintiff

(Published: Alachua County Today - November 10 and 17, 2011)

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO. Ol-2011-CA-OOI106 FLORIDA CREDIT UNION, Plaintiff, vs. RONALD W. SCHAEFER A/K/A RONALD SCHAEFER, LENOX PLACE OWNER'S ASSOCIATION, INC., TOWNHOMES AT 'LENOX OWNER'S ASSOCIATION, INC AND LENOX MASTER OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., Defendants. NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Clerk of Circuit Court, Alachua County, Florida, will on December 1, 2011 at 11 AM in the Lobby of the Alachua County Courthouse, 201 East University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry, one by one, to the highest bidder for cash, the property located in Alachua County, Florida, as follows:

 

See attached “Exhibit”

pursuant to the Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered on October 05, 2011 in the above-styled cause, pending in said Court.

 

Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale.

 

Dated October 28, 2011 J.K. "Buddy" Irby Clerk of Courts By: /s/ Sherry Swick Deputy Clerk

Exhibit A

 

Unit 937 N.W. 42nd Terrace, a portion of Lot 36 of Lenox Place, a Planned Unit Development, as per Plat Book “M”, Page 92, of the Public Records of Alachua County, Florida. Also being known as a portion of the Southwest Quarter of Section 35, Township 9 South, Range 19 East, Alachua County, Florida and being more particularly described as follows: Commence at the Southwest corner of said Section 35 for a point of reference; thence run South 89 deg. 32 min., 56 sec. East along the South line of said Section 35, a distance of 412.99 feet; thence run North 00 deg. 27 min. 04 sec. East, a distance of 65.00 feet to the point of curvature of a curve concave Westerly and having a radius of 271.00 feet and a central angle of 35 deg. 53 min. 13 sec.; thence run Northerly along said curve, an arc distance of 169.74 feet to the point of reverse curvature of a curve concave Easterly and having a radius of 231.00 feet and a central angle of 31 deg. 41 min. 09 sec.; thence run Northerly along said cruve, an arc distance of 127.75 feet to the point of reverse curvature of a curve concave Southwesterly and having a radius of 51.00 feet and a central angle of 96 deg. 47 min. 14 sec.; thence run Northwesterly along said cruve, and arc distance of 86.15 feet to the point of tangency of said curve; thence run South 79 deg. 27 min. 46 sec. West, a distance of 61.27 feet (the last five courses being along the center line of N.W. 42nd Terrace as shown on the Plat of Lenox Place, a Planned Unit Development, as recorded in Plat Book “M" at page 92 of the Public Records of Alachua County, Florida); thence run North 10 deg. 32 min. 14 sec. West and perpendicular to said centerline, a distance of 21.00 feet; thence run South 79 deg. 27 min. 46 sec. West, and parallel to N.W. 42nd Terrace, a distance of 48.00 feet to the Point of Beginning; thence continue South 79 deg. 27 min. 46 sec. West, and parallel to said N.W. 42nd Terrace, a distance of 18.00 feet; thence run North 10 deg. 32 min. 14 sec. West and perpendicualr to said N.W. 42nd Terrace and within the party wall of Units 939 and 937, a distance of 77.00 feet; thence run North 79 deg. 27 min. 46 sec. East and parallel to said N.W. 42nd Terrace, a distance of 18.00 feet; thence run South 10 deg. 32 min. 14 sec. East and perpendicualr to said N.W. 42nd Terrace and within the party wall of Units 937 and 935, a distance of 77.00 feet to the Point of Beginning.

 

Parcel Identification Number: 06386-010-040

(Published: Alachua County Today – November 03 and 10, 2011)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Advertising that Works. Put your ad in Over 100 Papers throughout Florida for one LOW RATE! Call (866)742-1373 or visit: www.florida-classifieds.com

GOOD THINGS TO EAT

 

 

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

Bushels of acre peas, Ga. Jett Sweet Potatoes, Watermelons, Cucumbers, Florida Broccoli & Cauliflower, Bell Peppers, Florida Vine Ripe Tomatoes, Local Yellow Squash & Zucchini, Cabbage, Smoked Bacon, Sausage, Fresh Cut Collard, Mustard and Turnip Greens, Local Honey, Brown Eggs, Foothills Butter, Fresh Local Silver Queen Corn, 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.

Driver - Build Your Own Hometime! Part-time, Full-time, Express & Casual lanes! Daily or Weekly Pay. Modern equipment! CDL-A, 3 months recent experience required. (800)414-9569. www.driveknight.com

 

Sales Help Wanted

National company, benefits, Florida information center. Must be flexible, weekends required.  Hourly plus commission.  Strong communication skill and sales experience a +. Please call Ed 904-540-2314.

Drivers: Run GA, AL, MS, TN & FL HOME WEEKENDS, Earn Up to 39¢/mi, 1 yr OTR Flatbed exp. Call: SUNBELT TRANSPORT, LLC (800)572-5489 ext. 227

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

 

PERSONAL ASSISTANCE NEEDED

We are looking for an Office Assistant. Duties include greeting clients, answering phones, and routing mail, data entry and retrieve, scheduling and calender maintenance,Ideal candidates will have proven customer service skills in an administrative setting and experience with Microsoft Office applications email resumes to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. IF INTERESTED

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

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

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

 

Acreage & Farms

 

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.

Pre-Grand Opening Sale! Sat. November 19th Only. 6.34 acres w/ direct lake frontage only $29,900! Brand new, never before offered! Gorgeous wooded setting with deep water frontage on spectacular lake. Paved rds, power, phone, much more. Unheard of prices - excellent financing. Hurry out for 1st pick! Call now (866)952-5302, x 71

LAND LIQUIDATION 20 Acres $0 Down, $99/mo. ONLY $12,900 Near Growing El Paso, TX Owner Financing, NO CREDIT CHECKS! Money Back Guarantee FREE Color Brochure (800)755-8953 www.sunsetranches.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.

Investment Properties

 

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY!! 1 waterfront & 4 lake access lots, $84,400. Gated lake community near Athens, GA. Excellent schools. Financing available. Call the Bank Direct. (888)348-5119.

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

 

After moving sale Dining table with two leaves and six chairs, patio table and four chairs, small glass top table, 18 cu ft freezer and set of dishes. 386-462-7959.

Miscellaneous

 

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

SAWMILLS from only $3997- MAKE MONEY & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill- Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info & DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com (800)578-1363 Ext.300N

EARN COLLEGE DEGREE ONLINE. *Medical, *Business, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV certified. Call (877)206-5165 www.CenturaOnline.com

Hare Krisna religious books, recordings, and medalions. Large quantity, several large boxes. $200 for all. Call 386-454-3553.

WANTED TO BUY

 

CASH FOR CARS! Any Make, Model, or Year. We Pay MORE! Running or Not. Sell Your Car or Truck TODAY. Free Towing! Instant Offer: (888)420-3807

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.

ClassifiedsStar

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2011-CP-1440 Division A IN RE: ESTATE OF DAVID IVES KRAMER, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of David Ives Kramer, deceased, whose date of death was August 20, 2011, is pending in the Circuit Court for Alachua County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 201 East University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32601. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the 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 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 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 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 FLORIDA 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 November 03, 2011, 2011.

 

Attorney for Personal Representative: Howard M. Rosenblatt, Esq. Attorney for Margaret Olive James Florida Bar Number: 349011 HOWARD M ROSENBLATT, PA 2830 NW 41 Street, Suite I Gainesville, Florida 32606 Telephone: (352) 3737100 Fax: (352) 3737320 Personal Representative: Margaret Olive James 3010 N.W. 12th Place Gainesville, Florida 32605

(Published: Alachua County Today - November 03 and 10, 2011)

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THEIN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT,EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDAIN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISIONPROBATE DIVISION

 

File No.: 01-2011-CP-504File IN RE: Estate of HERSCHELL RONALD BIFFLE, Deceased.HERSCHELL

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

 

, 2011. Attorney for Personal Representative Michelle A. Smith, Esquire 320 SE 3rd Street #C-2 Gainesville, FL 32601 P.O. Box 200, Gainesville, FL 32602 Phone: 352-373-6222 Cell: 352-284-7360 Florida Bar No.: 630624 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.@ msn.com Attorney for Personal Representative Personal Representative Felecia Ann Biffle

(Published: Alachua County Today - November 03, 2011)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION CASE NO. 01-2008-CA-003165 Div. K (Consolidated from Case No. 01-2009-CA-005490 Div. J) STATE RESOURCES CORP., Plaintiff, vs. AMANCIO VICTOR SUAREZ, HILDA SUAREZ, RANCHO RITMO, INC., a Corporation, Defendants. _________________/

 

HILDA SUAREZ, Cross Claimant, vs. AMANCIO VICTOR SUAREZ, Cross Defendant. ________________/ MARQUISE’S INVESTMENTS, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. CHALLENGER INVESTMENTS, INC., AMANCIO V. SUAREZ, HILDA SUAREZ, STATES RESOURCES CORP., UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, UNKNOWN TENANT and RANCHO RITMO, INC., Defendants. ________________/

 

NOTICE OF SALE

 

Notice is hereby given that pursuant to the Amended Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in this cause, in the Circuit Court for Alachua County, Florida, I will sell the property situated in Alachua County, Florida:

 

SEE EXHIBIT A.

at public sale, to the highest and best bidder, for cash, in the lobby of the Alachua County Family/Civil Justice Center, 201 E. University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601, at 11:00 A.M., on November 22, 2011. A person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens, must file a claim within 60 days after the sale. Dated October 26, 2011

 

J.K. IRBY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT By: /s/ Erika Powell As Deputy Clerk

EXHIBIT “A”

PARCEL I: Parcel 1: Commence at the Southwest corner of Section 30, Township 10 South, Range 18 East, and thence run North 00º57’ West 1,635.65 feet to the Northerly right-of-way of State Hwy. No. 45 and the Point of Beginning; thence run south 47º54’ East, along said right-of-way 104 feet; thence run North 47º32’ East 101.55 feet, thence run North 00º56’ West 192.35 feet; thence run South 89º14’ West 152.2 feet; thence run South 00º57’ East, 189.2 feet to the Northerly right-of-way of State Hwy. No. 45 and the Point of Beginning. Parcel 2: Commence at the Southwest corner of Section 30, Township 10 South, Range 18 East, and thence run North 00º57’ West, 1,635.65 feet to the Northerly right-of-way of State Hwy. No. 45; thence run South 45º54’ East, along said right-of-way 104 feet to the Point of Beginning; thence continue South 47º54’ East 100 feet to a point; thence run North 47º32’ East 110 feet more or less to a point that will intersect the East boundary line of this parcel as hereinafter described at which point there is an iron stake; now return to the Point of Beginning and run North 47º32’ East, 101.55 feet; thence run North 00º56’ West 192.35 feet; thence run North 89º14’ East 100 feet; thence run south 00º56’ East 230 feet more or less to the intersection of the Southeast boundary line of this parcel of land as hereinbefore described at which point is an iron stake. (Lying and being in Alachua County, Florida) PARCEL II: The North 462.00 feet (7 Chains) of the South west ¼ of the Northwest ¼ of Section 30, Township 10 South, Range 18 East, Alachua County, Florida. LESS AND EXCEPT the Right-of-way (R/W) for County Road SW 13 along the West side thereof. PARCEL III: That part that lies and is East of the Right-of-Way of State Road Number 45 which is also known as U.S. Highway Number 41 of the following described tract: the West Half (W ½) less the North Quarter (N ¼) and less the North seven (7) chains of the Southwest Quarter (SW ¼) of the Northwest Quarter (NW ¼) of Section Thirty (30), Township Ten (10) South, Range Eighteen (18) East. LESS those lands more particularly described as follows:: Commence at the Southwest corner of Section Thirty (30), Township Ten (10) South, Range Eighteen (18) East, and thence run North 00°57’ West 1,635.65 feet to the Northerly Right-of-Way of State Highway Number 45 and the Point of Beginning; thence run South 47°54’ East along said Right-of-Way 104 feet; thence run North 47°32’ East, 101.55 feet; thence run North 00°56’ West 192.35 feet; thence run South 89°14’ West 152.2 feet; thence run South 00°57’ East 189.2 feet to the Northerly Right-of-Way of State Highway Number 45 and the Point of Beginning. ALSO LESS those lands more particularly described as follows: Commence at the Southwest Corner of Section Thirty (30), Township Ten (10) South, Range Eighteen (18) East, and run North 0°57’ West 1,635.65 feet to the Northerly Right-of-Way of State Highway Number 45, thence run South 47°54’ East along said Right-of-Way 104 feet to the Point of Beginning; thence continue South 47°54’ East 100 feet to a point; thence run North 47°32’ East 170 feet more or less to a point that will intersect the East boundary line of this parcel of land as hereinafter described at which point there is an iron stake; return to the Point of Beginning and thence run North 47°32’ East 101.55 feet; thence run North 0°56’ West 192.35 feet; thence run North 89°14’ East 100 feet; thence run South 0°56’ East 270 feet more or less to the intersection with the Southeast boundary line of this parcel of land as hereinbefore described at which point there is an iron stake. All lying and being in the Southwest Quarter of Section Thirty (30), Township Ten (10) South, Range Eighteen (18) East, Alachua County, Florida. PARCEL IV: That part of the following described property that lies and is East of the Right-of-Way of State Road 45, also known as U.S. Highway 41 described as the Northeast Quarter (NE ¼) of the Northwest Quarter (NW ¼) and the Northeast Quarter (NE ¼) of the Southeast Quarter (SE ¼) of the Northwest Quarter (NW ¼) of Section Thirty-one (31), Township Ten (10) South, Range Eighteen (18) East, Alachua County, Florida.

(Published: Alachua County Today – November 3 and November 10, 2011)

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: Elite Auto Center of Gainesville, Inc. gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 11/16/2011, 10:00 am at 4215 SW 6th St, Gainesville, FL 32605, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. Elite Auto Center of Gainesville, Inc. reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids. 2GTEC19T421348715 2002 GMC SIERRA 1500 (Published: Alachua County Today - November 03, 2011)

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: Advantage Towing Company gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 11/15/2011, 10:00 am at 907 SW 3rd St, Gainesville, FL 32601, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. Advantage Towing Company reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids. 1G4CW53L9M1635437 1991 BUIC PARK AVENUE 4T1VK12E7PU101971 1993 TOYT CAMRY 1LNLM82W5TY722244 1996 LINC TOWN CAR FLT10132GG 1988 HMDE

(Published: Alachua County Today - November 03, 2011)

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO. Ol-2011-CA-OOI106 FLORIDA CREDIT UNION, Plaintiff, vs. RONALD W. SCHAEFER A/K/A RONALD SCHAEFER, LENOX PLACE OWNER'S ASSOCIATION, INC., TOWNHOMES AT 'LENOX OWNER'S ASSOCIATION, INC AND LENOX MASTER OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., Defendants. NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Clerk of Circuit Court, Alachua County, Florida, will on December 1, 2011 at 11 AM in the Lobby of the Alachua County Courthouse, 201 East University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry, one by one, to the highest bidder for cash, the property located in Alachua County, Florida, as follows:

 

See attached “Exhibit”

pursuant to the Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered on October 05, 2011 in the above-styled cause, pending in said Court.

 

Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale.

 

Dated October 28, 2011 J.K. "Buddy" Irby Clerk of Courts By: /s/ Sherry Swick Deputy Clerk

Exhibit A

 

Unit 937 N.W. 42nd Terrace, a portion of Lot 36 of Lenox Place, a Planned Unit Development, as per Plat Book “M”, Page 92, of the Public Records of Alachua County, Florida. Also being known as a portion of the Southwest Quarter of Section 35, Township 9 South, Range 19 East, Alachua County, Florida and being more particularly described as follows: Commence at the Southwest corner of said Section 35 for a point of reference; thence run South 89 deg. 32 min., 56 sec. East along the South line of said Section 35, a distance of 412.99 feet; thence run North 00 deg. 27 min. 04 sec. East, a distance of 65.00 feet to the point of curvature of a curve concave Westerly and having a radius of 271.00 feet and a central angle of 35 deg. 53 min. 13 sec.; thence run Northerly along said curve, an arc distance of 169.74 feet to the point of reverse curvature of a curve concave Easterly and having a radius of 231.00 feet and a central angle of 31 deg. 41 min. 09 sec.; thence run Northerly along said cruve, an arc distance of 127.75 feet to the point of reverse curvature of a curve concave Southwesterly and having a radius of 51.00 feet and a central angle of 96 deg. 47 min. 14 sec.; thence run Northwesterly along said cruve, and arc distance of 86.15 feet to the point of tangency of said curve; thence run South 79 deg. 27 min. 46 sec. West, a distance of 61.27 feet (the last five courses being along the center line of N.W. 42nd Terrace as shown on the Plat of Lenox Place, a Planned Unit Development, as recorded in Plat Book “M" at page 92 of the Public Records of Alachua County, Florida); thence run North 10 deg. 32 min. 14 sec. West and perpendicular to said centerline, a distance of 21.00 feet; thence run South 79 deg. 27 min. 46 sec. West, and parallel to N.W. 42nd Terrace, a distance of 48.00 feet to the Point of Beginning; thence continue South 79 deg. 27 min. 46 sec. West, and parallel to said N.W. 42nd Terrace, a distance of 18.00 feet; thence run North 10 deg. 32 min. 14 sec. West and perpendicualr to said N.W. 42nd Terrace and within the party wall of Units 939 and 937, a distance of 77.00 feet; thence run North 79 deg. 27 min. 46 sec. East and parallel to said N.W. 42nd Terrace, a distance of 18.00 feet; thence run South 10 deg. 32 min. 14 sec. East and perpendicualr to said N.W. 42nd Terrace and within the party wall of Units 937 and 935, a distance of 77.00 feet to the Point of Beginning.

 

Parcel Identification Number: 06386-010-040

(Published: Alachua County Today – November 03 and 10, 2011)

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: SUPERIOR TOWING, LLC gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 11/15/2011, 10:00 am at 1308 S MAIN ST GAINESVILLE, FL 32601-7921, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. SUPERIOR TOWING, LLC reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids. 1FALP52U9TA217802 1996 FORD 1FDXE45S6YHB97976 2000 FORD LJ5LA808XA1060212 2010 CIXI

(Published: Alachua County Today - November 03, 2011)

 

CITY OF HAWTHORNE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

 

On Tuesday November 15th, 2011 at 6:30pm at 6700 SE 221st St. Hawthorne, FL, the City Commission will hold a public hearing regarding the following ordinances:

 

ORDINANCE

 

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA AMENDING THE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS IN THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE CODE OF ORDINANCES, PART III, RELATING TO THE REGULATION OF THE USE AND DEVELOPMENT OF LAND IN THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA; AMENDING ARTICLE 4 SECTION 2.2.20, AMENDING THE DEFINITION OF ‘SWING SIGN OR SUSPENDED SIGN’; AMENDING ARTICLE 4 SECTION 4.2.20.5 REGARDING STANDARDS FOR ATTACHED SIGNS; PROVIDING SEVERABILITY; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

ORDINANCE

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA AMENDING THE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS IN THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE CODE OF ORDINANCES, PART III, RELATING TO THE REGULATION OF THE USE AND DEVELOPMENT OF LAND IN THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA; AMENDING ARTICLE 4 SECTION 2.2.26, REVISING THE STANDARDS FOR ENCROACHMENTS OF HOODS OR CANOPIES; PROVIDING SEVERABILITY; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

ORDINANCE

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA AMENDING THE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS IN THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE CODE OF ORDINANCES, PART III, RELATING TO THE REGULATION OF THE USE AND DEVELOPMENT OF LAND IN THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA; AMENDING ARTICLE 4 SECTIONS 4.14.2, 4.14.8, 4.15.8, AND 4.16.8, REGARDING STANDARDS FOR OUTDOOR STORAGE IN CERTAIN DISTRICTS; PROVIDING SEVERABILITY; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

Copies of the proposed actions may be inspected by the public at City Hall on SE 221st St. The hearing will be open to the public and interested parties may appear at the hearing to be heard regarding the proposed action.

(Published: Alachua County Today - November 03, 2011)

 

In the Circuit Court of the Eighth Judicial Circuit, In and For Alachua County, Florida

 

Case Number: 2100 DR 0050502 Petitioner: Rhoda Briggs Respondent: Leroy N. Thomas

NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE

 

To: Leroy Thomas Gainesville , FL 32601 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on, 11/05/11, whose address is, 534 North East 12th St, Gainesville, FL 32601, on or before 11/05, 2011 and file the original with the clerk of this court at PO Box 600, Gainesville, FL 32602, before service on petitioner or Immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition. Copies of al court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request. You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address, (You may file Notice of Current Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed to the address on record at the clerk’s office. WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings. Dated: 10/05 , 2011 J.K. “Buddy” Irby Clerk of the Circuit Court

(Published: Alachua County Today - November 03 and 10, 2011)

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

 

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Advertising that Works. Put your ad in Over 100 Papers throughout Florida for one LOW RATE! Call (866)742-1373 or visit: www.florida-classifieds.com

 

GOOD THINGS TO EAT

 

 

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

Bushels of acre peas, Ga. Jett Sweet Potatoes, Watermelons, Cucumbers, Florida Broccoli & Cauliflower, Bell Peppers, Florida Vine Ripe Tomatoes, Local Yellow Squash & Zucchini, Cabbage, Smoked Bacon, Sausage, Fresh Cut Collard, Mustard and Turnip Greens, Local Honey, Brown Eggs, Foothills Butter, Fresh Local Silver Queen Corn, 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

 

Apply Now, 12 Drivers Needed Top 5% Pay 2 Mos. CDL Class A Driving Exp (877)258-8782 www.meltontruck.com

Drivers: Run GA, AL, MS, TN & FL HOME WEEKENDS, Earn Up to 39¢/mi, 1 yr OTR Flatbed exp. Call: SUNBELT TRANSPORT, LLC (800)572-5489 ext. 227

 

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES COORDINATOR

The City of Archer is seeking a highly-motivated individual to oversee and coordinate the duties of the administrative staff. The ideal candidate will be knowledgeable in Florida Statutes as related to municipal administrative issues. with a degree of practical knowledge to maintain strong public relations with citizens. Assists the City Manager with special projects as needed. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, QuickBooks accounting software experience is required. Prior Utility Billing experience is recommended.

 

Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. Persons with strong communication, organizational, and customer service skills are encouraged to apply. This is a full-time position. A more detailed job description may be obtained from City Hall at the address below. Individuals interested in applying should submit a cover letter with a City of Archer Employment Application, available on the City website http://www.cityofarcher.com. Candidates will submit three professional references and salary history. A resume may be included for consideration. Reply to:

 

Office of the City Manager Attention: Administrative Services Coordinator City of Archer P.O. Box 39 Archer, Florida 32618-0039

 

All applications must be submitted to the address above by 5 pm on November 8, 2011. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a drug test and criminal background check. A valid Florida Drivers License is required. The City of Archer is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

 

SumTotal Systems, Inc. has openings for the following positions in Gainesville, FL: Senior Software Engineers: Design, develop and test internet applications utilizing ASP.NET and MSSQL server technologies. Job Code: 1290.61 Senior Implementation Consultants: Conduct business requirement analysis and gap analysis. Must be available to work on projects at various, unanticipated sites throughout the United States.  May telecommute from home. Job Code: 1290.73 Software Engineers: Review, analyze, design, implement and modify aspects of approved applications. Job Code: 1290.115

Mail resume to: SumTotal Systems, Inc., Attn: Jason Titus, 8 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803. You must include the job code# on your resume/cover letter. EOE.

 

PERSONAL ASSISTANCE NEEDED

We are looking for an Office Assistant. Duties include greeting clients, answering phones, and routing mail, data entry and retrieve, scheduling and calender maintenance,Ideal candidates will have proven customer service skills in an administrative setting and experience with Microsoft Office applications email resumes to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. IF INTERESTED

 

EMPLOYMENT NOTICE City of Newberry Parks & Recreation Grounds & Maintenance Technician Diamond Sports Park

Must have knowledge of basic landscape maintenance and turf installation; be able to perform maintenance on various grounds and athletic fields.

 

Current valid Florida Driver's License is required.

The City of Newberry is an Equal Opportunity Employer & Drug Free Workplace.

The City of Newberry offers a generous benefit package available.

Applications are available at City Hall Annex located at 25445 West Newberry Road Newberry Fl. 32669 or www.ci.newberry.fl.us Contact Human Resources: 352-472-2446 ext. 112. Applications must be returned to Human Resources no later than 4:30 pm, Thursday, November 10, 2011.

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

 

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

 

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

 

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

 

 

Waterfront Property

 

Pre-Grand Opening Sale! 6.34 acres w/ direct lake frontage only $29,900! Brand new, never before offered! Gorgeous wooded setting with deep water frontage on spectacular lake. Paved rds, power, phone, much more. Unheard of prices - excellent financing. Hurry out for 1st pick! Call now (866)952-5302. x 67

 

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 acre LaCrosse. Beautifully wooded, paved road frontage. Owner financing. No down payment. $27,900. $287/mo. 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.

 

Investment Properties

 

New log house in Fancy Gap, Virgnia. Recession prices, 139k. 5 acres 42K. Magnificent views, creeks, waterfalls, Paved, Mountain Top. Call (336)210-2999 or visit mountainlandvirginia.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

 

EXTREMELY LARGE MULTI-FAMILY YARD SALE IN UPSCALE NEIGHBORHOOD, SATURDAY, NOV. 5, 8-2. NO EARLY BIRDS. Thousands of items with an original retail value of well over $40,000 being sold at a fraction of the cost. Adult and children name brand clothing (all sizes plus 100's of jeans and purses), jewelry, tools, baby items, electronics, kitchen and bath ware, toys, games, and much more. This is the yard sale to beat all others. Head west on Archer Road from I-75 for 3.1 miles, turn left onto SW 88 St., then left onto SW 74 Avenue, immediate right on 87th Terr then left on 77th Ave. Something for everyone. For additional information, call 352-339-1854.

Multi-family garage sale Saturday, Nov. 5 starting at 8 .m. From 441 in High Springs, go east on County Road 236 to 12803 NW CR236. Assorted figurines, luggage, tools, household appliances, computer accessories, dining room tables and chairs, aquarium and much more.

 

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 Maintenance Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified - Housing available CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance (866)314-3769

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

SAWMILLS from only $3997- MAKE MONEY & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill- Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info & DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com (800)578-1363 Ext.300N

 

WANTED TO BUY

 

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

CASH FOR CARS! Any Make, Model, or Year. We Pay MORE! Running or Not. Sell Your Car or Truck TODAY. Free Towing! Instant Offer: (888)420-3807

 

Auctions

 

Beautiful Home on 66± Acres Auction Thursday, November 17th, 10AM Roopville, Carroll County, GA 10% BP, GAL #316 JL Todd Auction Co (800)241-7591 www.jltodd.com

MAJOR LAND AUCTION - 5228 +/- Acres sold in 35 tracts. Tracts located in Benton, Henry, Carroll, Perry Counties in Tennessee and Calloway County, Kentucky. SALE A held Thursday, November 17, at 2PM at Paris Convention Center in Paris, TN. SALE B held Friday November 18, at 1PM at Perry County Community Building in Linden, TN. Inspection meetings held November 4 and 11 from 2-6PM at Perry County Community Building in Linden, and on November 5 and 12 from 2-6PM at the Hampton Inn in Paris. Woltz & Associates, Inc.; Real Estate Brokers & Auctioneers, Roanoke, VA. KY#72173, TL#2752. Go to www.woltz.com/755/ or call (800)551-3588 for more information.

 


To Place a Classified Call 386-462-3355.

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

Town of LaCrosse

The Town of LaCrosse is accepting sealed bids to remove one large Water Oak, and remove limbs and dead wood from one large Live Oak located on the town hall property, and to haul away all debris. Sealed bids must be received by 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 10, 2011. Please contact Councilman Mitchel Harrell at phone 386-462-0465 to set up an inspection of the work to be performed. Bids may be hand delivered to 20613 N SR 121, LaCrosse, on Tuesday or Thursday between 9 a.m. and 1:30 P.M., or mailed to Town of LaCrosse, Attention Dianne Dubberly, Town Clerk, P.O. Drawer D, LaCrosse, Florida 32658.

(Published: Alachua County Today - October 20 and 27, 2011)

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 11/10/2011, 10:00 a.m. at 14515 NW PEGGY RD, ALACHUA, FL 32615-5449, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids.

1G8ZK5275TZ233407 1996 SATURN 1P3EJ46C8XN598301 1999 PLYMOUTH

(Published: Alachua County Today - October 27, 2011)

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION

File Number: 01-2011-CP-1203 IN RE: The Estate of VICTOR P. SCHMIDT, Deceased. _____________/

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of VICTOR P. SCHMIDT, deceased, whose date of death was April 22, 2011, File Number 01-2011-CP-1203 is pending in the Circuit Court for ALACHUA County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 201 E. University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32601. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the 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 has been served must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE TIME 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 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD 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 October 20, 2011.

Attorney for Personal Representative: /s/ S. Scott Walker, Esq. S. SCOTT WALKER, ESQ. FOLDS & WALKER, LLC ` 527 East University Avenue Post Office Box 1775 Gainesville, Florida 32627 (352) 372-1282 Florida Bar No.: 0394939 Personal Representative: /s/ Kerry L. Schmidt KERRY L. SCHMIDT 11313 NW 35th Avenue Gainesville, FL 32606

(Published: Alachua County Today - October 20 and 27, 2011)

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 11/14/2011, 10:00 a.m. at 14515 NW PEGGY RD, ALACHUA, FL 32615-5449, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids.

1FMZU32X4WZA76022 1998 FORD 2FAFP71W5WX157962 1998 FORD 3G7DA03E71S518329 2001 PONTIAC

(Published: Alachua County Today - October 27, 2011)

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 11/21/2011, 10:00 a.m. at 14515 NW PEGGY RD, ALACHUA, FL 32615-5449, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids.

1GCDC14H4LE149663 1990 CHEVROLET 4A3AB36F46E066765 2006 MITSUBISHI

(Published: Alachua County Today - October 27, 2011)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO. 2011-CA-488-MG CAMPUS USA CREDIT UNION, Plaintiff, vs. MICHAEL L. PILCHER, KONSTANDINA PILCHER, UNKNOWN TENANT(S) IN POSSESSION and SECOND UNKNOWN TENANT(S) IN POSSESSION, Defendants. ______________/ NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on the 29 day of November, 2011, at 11:00 A.M. in the lobby of the Alachua County Family/Civil Justice Center, 201 E. University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601, the undersigned Clerk will offer for sale the following real and personal property more particularly described as: Lot 34 of Southside Terrace, a subdivision as per plat as recorded in Plat Book E, Page(s) 75 and 75A to 75C, of the Public Records of Alachua County, Florida TOGETHER WITH: all the improvements now or hereafter erected on the property, and all easements, appurtenances, and fixtures now or hereafter a part of the property. The aforesaid sale will be made pursuant to the Final Judgment entered in Civil No. 2011-CA-488-MG now pending in the Circuit Court of the Eighth Judicial Circuit in and for Alachua County, Florida. Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens, must file a claim within 60 days after the sale. DATED this 6 day of October, 2011. J.K. Irby Clerk of Court (COURT SEAL) BY: /s/ Erika Powell As Deputy Clerk Meredith L. Minkus, Esquire Florida Bar No.: 41656 BURR & FORMAN LLP Post Office Drawer 1690 Winter Park, Florida 32790 Telephone: (407) 647-4455 Attorneys for Plaintiff

(Published: Alachua County Today – October 20 and 27, 2011)

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

 

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Advertising that Works. Put your ad in Over 100 Papers throughout Florida for one LOW RATE! Call (866)742-1373 or visit: 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

 

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

Freight Up = More $ 2 Mos. CDL Class A Driving Exp (877)258-8782 www.meltontruck.com

 

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

 

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

 

ADOPTIONS

 

A childless, young, successful woman seeks to adopt. Will provide loving home/doting grandma. Large extended family. Excellent support. Financial security. Expenses paid. Jessica or Adam. 1-800-790-5260. Bar#0150789

 

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

 

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

 

 

Homes For Sale

 

New log house in Fancy Gap, Virginia. Recession prices, 139k. 5 acres 42K. Magnificent views, creeks, waterfalls, Paved, Mountain Top. Call (336)210-2999 or visit mountainlandvirginia.com

 

Condos For Sale

 

BANK FORECLOSURE! FLORIDA WATERFRONT CONDOS! SW Coast! Brand new upscale 2 bedroom, 2 bath, 1,675sf condo. Only $199,900! (Similar unit sold for $399,900) Prime downtown location on the water! Call now (877)888-7571, X 63

 

Acreage & Farms

 

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.

GA LAND SALE 32 AC - $1,650/AC Perfect small hunting tract. Creek, hardwoods, planted pine. Visit our website. www.stregispaper.com (478)987-9700 St. Regis Paper Co.

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.

UPSTATE NY FARM LIQUIDATION! October 29th & 30th! 3 to 41 acre lots, $12,900 - $49,900! Less than 3 hrs NYC! Call to register! (877)352-2844. www.newyorklandandlakes.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

 

 

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

 

Miscellaneous

 

WANTED: Very large satellite dish to use in my yard as an arbor. Please call Terri 386-462-4303.

Movie Extras People needed NOW to stand in the background for a major film Earn up to $300 per day. Exp not REQ. CALL NOW AND SPEAK TO A LIVE PERSON (877)435-5877

SAWMILLS from only $3997- MAKE MONEY & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill- Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info & DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com (800)578-1363 Ext.300N

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 Maintenance 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.

CASH FOR CARS! Any Make, Model, or Year. We Pay MORE! Running or Not. Sell Your Car or Truck TODAY. Free Towing! Instant Offer: (888)420-3807

 


To Place a Classified Call 386-462-3355.

LEGAL NOTICE

 

PUBLIC NOTICE

CITY OF HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the following Item(s) will be heard at a meeting held by the City Commission of the City of Hawthorne, Florida, at a public hearing on November 1, 2011 at 6:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter can be heard, in the Commission Meeting Room, City Hall located at 6700 Southeast 221st Street, Hawthorne, Florida. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, ALACHUA COUNTY FLORIDA, AMENDING SECTION 2-31 OF THE CITY CODE OF ORDINANCES WHICH PROVIDES FOR CITY COMMISSIONER COMPENSATION; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF CONFLICTING ORDINANCES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. PLEASE NOTE: Pursuant to Section 286.015, Florida Statues, if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Commission with respect to any matter considered at such meeting, he or she will need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceeding is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. In accordance with the American with Disabilities Act, a person with disabilities needing any special accommodations to participate in City Commission Meetings should contact the office at City Hall at 352-481-2432 . On the date, time and place first above mentioned, all interested persons may appear and be heard with respect to the proposed actions. This/ These Ordinance(s) may be inspected by the public prior to the hearing at City Hall located at the address above.

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - October 20, 2011)

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO. 01 2011 CA 003184 U.S. BANK, N.A. Plaintiff v. ARCHIE L. TOWNSEND, ET AL. Defendants. _______________/

NOTICE OF ACTION

TO: ARCHIE L. TOWNSEND Current Residence Unknown, but whose last known address was: 6602 S.W. 49TH PL., GAINESVILLE, FL 32608

 

YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to foreclose a mortgage on the following property in Alachua County, Florida, to-wit:

LOT FOUR (4) OF ARREDONDO ESTATES UNIT 4, AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK "H", PAGE 30, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA. TOGETHER WITH THAT CERTAIN 1998 HICKORY TRIPLEWIDE MOBILE HOME ATTACHED THERETO, HAVING VIN #GAFLV35A13421HH21, TITLE #73598019, VIN # GAFLV35B13421HH21, TITLE #73598021 AND VIN # GAFLV35C13421HH21, TITLE #73598020, WHICH HAS NOW BEEN RETIRED.

 

has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on DOUGLAS C. ZAHM, P.A., Plaintiff's attorney, whose address is 12425 28th Street North, Suite 200, St. Petersburg, FL 33716, within thirty (30) days after the first publication of this Notice of Action, and file the original with the Clerk of this Court at P.O. Box 600, Gainesville, FL 32602-0600, either before service on Plaintiff's attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise, a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint petition.

 

WITNESS my hand and seal of the Court on this 4th day of October, 2011. J.K. "Buddy" Irby Clerk of the Circuit Court (SEAL) By: /s/ Erika Powell Deputy Clerk

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - October 13 and 20, 2011)

Town of LaCrosse

 The Town of LaCrosse is accepting sealed bids to remove one large Water Oak, and remove limbs and dead wood from one large Live Oak located on the town hall property, and to haul away all debris. Sealed bids must be received by 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 10, 2011. Please contact Councilman Mitchel Harrell at phone 386-462-0465 to set up an inspection of the work to be performed. Bids may be hand delivered to 20613 N SR 121, LaCrosse, on Tuesday or Thursday between 9 a.m. and 1:30 P.M., or mailed to Town of LaCrosse, Attention Dianne Dubberly, Town Clerk, P.O. Drawer D, LaCrosse, Florida 32658.

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - October 20 and 27, 2011)

STATE OF FLORIDA
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
NOTICE OF DRAFT PERMIT

 

The Department of Environmental Protection gives notice of its preparation of a draft permit to the City of Hawthorne, 6700 S.E. 2215t Street, Hawthorne, Florida 32640, for substantial modifications to the Hawthorne wastewater treatment facility (WWTF) to increase the wastewater treatment and effluent reuse capacity to 0.200 MGD AADF to meet the anticipated growth in the facility's service area. The modifications include the replacement of the existing preliminary treatment components with a new manually cleaned bar-screen and flow-splitter box, the construction of a new dual compartment chlorine contact chamber, the installation of a new biosolids dewatering system consisting of a 30-yd3 Sludgemate container and a UltraMix polymer blending system, and the construction of a fourth rapid infiltration basin to increase effluent reuse capacity. The facility is located at latitude 29° 35' 20.29" N, longitude 82° 04' 29.8" W on 23016 S.E. 65th Lane, Hawthorne, Florida 32640 in Alachua County. Any interested person may submit written comments on the Department's draft permit revision or may submit a written request for a public meeting to D. Anh Vo, P.E., 7825 Baymeadows Way, Suite B200, Jacksonville, Florida 32256-7577, in accordance with Rule 62-620.555, Florida Administrative Code. The comments or request for a public meeting must contain the information set forth below and must be received in the Department's Northeast District Office within 30 days of publication of this notice. Failure to submit comments or request a public meeting within this time period shall constitute a waiver of any right such person may have to submit comments or request a public meeting under Rule 62-620.555, Florida Administrative Code. The comments or request for a public meeting must contain the following information: (a) The commenter's name, address, and telephone number; the applicant's name and address; the Department permit file number; and the county in which the project is proposed; (b) A statement of how and when notice of the Department's action or proposed action was received; (c) A statement of the facts the Department should consider hi making the final decision; (d) A statement of which rules or statutes require reversal or modification of the Department's action or proposed action; and (e) If desired, a request that a public meeting be scheduled including a statement of the nature of the issues proposed to be raised at the meeting. If a public meeting is scheduled, the public comment period is extended until the close of the public meeting. However, the Department may not always grant a request for a public meeting. Therefore, written comments should be submitted within 30 days of publication of this notice, even if a public meeting is requested. If a public meeting is held, any person may submit oral or written statements and data at the public meeting on the Department's proposed action. As a result of significant public comment, the Department's final action may be different from the position taken by it in this draft permit revision. The permit 'application file and supporting data are available for public inspection during normal business hours, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except legal holidays, at the Department's Northeast District Office, 7825 Baymeadows Way, Suite B200, Jacksonville, Florida 32256-7577, at phone number (904) 256-1700 .

(Published: Alachua County Today - October 20, 2011)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION

File Number: 01-2011-CP-1203 IN RE: The Estate of VICTOR P. SCHMIDT, Deceased. _____________/

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

 

The administration of the estate of VICTOR P. SCHMIDT, deceased, whose date of death was April 22, 2011, File Number 01-2011-CP-1203 is pending in the Circuit Court for ALACHUA County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 201 E. University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32601. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the 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 has been served must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE TIME 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 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD 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 October 20, 2011.

 

Attorney for Personal Representative: /s/ S. Scott Walker, Esq. S. SCOTT WALKER, ESQ. FOLDS & WALKER, LLC ` 527 East University Avenue Post Office Box 1775 Gainesville, Florida 32627 (352) 372-1282 Florida Bar No.: 0394939 Personal Representative: /s/ Kerry L. Schmidt KERRY L. SCHMIDT 11313 NW 35th Avenue Gainesville, FL 32606

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - October 20 and 27, 2011)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO. 2011-CA-488-MG CAMPUS USA CREDIT UNION, Plaintiff, vs. MICHAEL L. PILCHER, KONSTANDINA PILCHER, UNKNOWN TENANT(S) IN POSSESSION and SECOND UNKNOWN TENANT(S) IN POSSESSION, Defendants. ______________/ NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on the 29 day of November, 2011, at 11:00 A.M. in the lobby of the Alachua County Family/Civil Justice Center, 201 E. University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601, the undersigned Clerk will offer for sale the following real and personal property more particularly described as: Lot 34 of Southside Terrace, a subdivision as per plat as recorded in Plat Book E, Page(s) 75 and 75A to 75C, of the Public Records of Alachua County, Florida TOGETHER WITH: all the improvements now or hereafter erected on the property, and all easements, appurtenances, and fixtures now or hereafter a part of the property. The aforesaid sale will be made pursuant to the Final Judgment entered in Civil No. 2011-CA-488-MG now pending in the Circuit Court of the Eighth Judicial Circuit in and for Alachua County, Florida. Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens, must file a claim within 60 days after the sale. DATED this 6 day of October, 2011. J.K. Irby Clerk of Court (COURT SEAL) BY: /s/ Erika Powell As Deputy Clerk Meredith L. Minkus, Esquire Florida Bar No.: 41656 BURR & FORMAN LLP Post Office Drawer 1690 Winter Park, Florida 32790 Telephone: (407) 647-4455  Attorneys for Plaintiff

 

(Published: Alachua County Today – October 20 and 27, 2011)

CITY OF HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA PUBLICATION OF ANNUAL NOTICE

 

“ATTENTION OWNERS, AGENTS, CUSTODIANS, LESSEES AND OCCUPANTS OF REAL PROPERTY WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA:

 

You are hereby notified that you are required by law to cut and prevent the excessive accumulation of weeds, underbrush, grass or other dead and living plant life upon your improved property; to remove any trash, debris, refuse, inoperable or abandoned vehicles or appliances, or other nocuous matter located on any property owned, controlled or occupied by you in the City of Hawthorne; and also to repair, restore or demolish any unfit or unsafe structure located upon such property; and that upon your failure to do so, the City of Hawthorne will institute nuisance abatement proceedings against your property and cause such nuisance to be abated. The cost of such abatement will constitute a special assessment lien against the property on which the nuisance is located. Such special assessment lien shall be coequal with the lien of all state, county, district, and municipal taxes and superior in dignity to mortgages and other liens, irrespective of the date of the recording of the municipal lien or the date of the recording of any mortgage or any other lien on real property. A failure to pay said lien, even such lien upon homestead property, may result in a loss of title to your property.”

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - October 13 and 20, 2011)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Advertising that Works. Put your ad in Over 100 Papers throughout Florida for one LOW RATE! Call (866)742-1373 or visit: www.florida-classifieds.com

High Springs Lions Club Mega Flea Market, Bike Show & BBQ Oct 22

 

Live Music with VELVEETA UNDERGROUND from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. BBQ LUNCH $6. FREE hotdogs for children plus children's activities. 6 p.m. until ??? Dinner/Dance Band LOCAL TRAFFIC. $10 donation required. Any questions, call Kelly 386-454-4550  or Shannon 561-523-5759  

SCHOOLS/INSTRUCTION

 

Heat & Air JOBS - Ready to work? 3 week accelerated program. Hands on environment. Nationwide certifications and Local Job Placement Assistance! (877)359-1690

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

 

Stylist or Nail Tech, experienced and licensed. Start at $90 per week for two months, the lock in rent at $125 per week. Clientele preferred. Make your own hours. 386-454-4550 . Some walk-in traffic.

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

JOB VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES COORDINATOR

 

The City of Archer is seeking a highly-motivated individual to oversee and coordinate the duties of the administrative staff. The ideal candidate will be knowledgeable in Florida Statutes as related to municipal administrative issues. with a degree of practical knowledge to maintain strong public relations with citizens. Assists the City Manager with special projects as needed. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, QuickBooks accounting software is required. Prior Utility Billing experience is recommended.

 

Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. Persons with strong communication and organizational skills are encouraged to apply. This is a full-time position. A more detailed job description may be obtained from City Hall at the address below. Individuals interested in applying should submit a cover letter with a City of Archer Employment Application, available on the City website http://www.cityofarcher. com. Candidates will submit three professional references and salary history. A resume may be included for consideration. Reply to:

 

Office of the City Manager Attention: Administrative Services Coordinator City of Archer P.O. Box 39 Archer, Florida 32618-0039

 

The position is opened until filled. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a drug test and criminal background check. A valid Florida Drivers License is required. The City of Archer is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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

Driver- Weekly Hometime! Part & Full-time. Daily or Weekly Pay. Steady Miles Means MORE MONEY! Excellent Benefits! CDL-A, 3 months recent experience required. (800)414-9569 . www.driveknight.com

 

AAA Roofmasters Hiring Roofing Sales Representative. Required HS Diploma, Roofing Sales/Management/ Experience, Reliable Vehicle with ladder, Manage crews,scheduling, written estimates. #800-850-7663 info@aaaroofmasters inc.com.

Driver $2000 Sign On Bonus! Start a New Career! 100% Paid CDL Training! No Experience Required. CRST EXPEDITED (800)326-2778  www.JoinCRST.com

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

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

ADOPTIONS

 

A childless, young, successful woman seeks to adopt. Will provide loving home/doting grandma. Large extended family. Excellent support. Financial security. Expenses paid. Jessica or Adam. 1-800-790-5260 . Bar#0150789

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

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

 

Acreage & Farms

 

GA LAND SALE 32 AC - $1,650/AC Perfect small hunting tract. Creek, hardwoods, planted pine. Visit our website. stregispaper.com (478)987-9700 St.Regis Paper Co.

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.

UPSTATE NY FARM LIQUIDATION! October 29th & 30th! 3 to 41 acre lots, $12,900 - $49,900! Less than 3 hrs NYC! Call to register! (877)352-2844 . www.newyorklandandlakes.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.

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

 

 

Yard Sale:  Fri 10/21 and Sat. 10/22. 9 AM to 4 PM.  Lots of Christmas Decorations and household items.  16312 N.W. 120th Place, Alachua, Pilot Forest Sub.

 

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

High Springs Lions Club Mega Flea Market, Bike Show & BBQ Oct 22

 

Live Music with VELVEETA UNDERGROUND from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. BBQ LUNCH $6. FREE hotdogs for children plus children's activities. Car and Bike Show, Turkey Shoot. Then 6 p.m. until ??? Dinner/Dance Band LOCAL TRAFFIC. $10 donation required. Any questions, call Kelly 386-454-4550 or Shannon 561-523-5759

 

 

WANTED: Very large satellite dish to use in my yard as an arbor. Please call Terri 386-462-4303

AIRLINES ARE HIRING - Train for high paying Aviation Maintenance 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

CASH FOR CARS! Any Make, Model, or Year. We Pay MORE! Running or Not. Sell Your Car or Truck TODAY. Free Towing! Instant Offer: (888)420-3807

 

 

Auction - Over 110 Properties: AL & FL. October 24th-28th. Commercial, Homes, Condos, Acreage & Lots. Sperry Van Ness www.BidOnBankREO.com. Auctioneer#1832 Broker#000058515-0 / FL Auctioneer#AU220; Broker#CQ1036111


To Place a Classified Call 386-462-3355.

LEGAL NOTICE

Fictitious Names

 

PUBLIC NOTICE

 

 

CITY OF HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA PUBLICATION OF ANNUAL NOTICE

 

“ATTENTION OWNERS, AGENTS, CUSTODIANS, LESSEES AND OCCUPANTS OF REAL PROPERTY WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA:

 

You are hereby notified that you are required by law to cut and prevent the excessive accumulation of weeds, underbrush, grass or other dead and living plant life upon your improved property; to remove any trash, debris, refuse, inoperable or abandoned vehicles or appliances, or other nocuous matter located on any property owned, controlled or occupied by you in the City of Hawthorne; and also to repair, restore or demolish any unfit or unsafe structure located upon such property; and that upon your failure to do so, the City of Hawthorne will institute nuisance abatement proceedings against your property and cause such nuisance to be abated. The cost of such abatement will constitute a special assessment lien against the property on which the nuisance is located. Such special assessment lien shall be coequal with the lien of all state, county, district, and municipal taxes and superior in dignity to mortgages and other liens, irrespective of the date of the recording of the municipal lien or the date of the recording of any mortgage or any other lien on real property. A failure to pay said lien, even such lien upon homestead property, may result in a loss of title to your property.”

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - October 13 and 20, 2011)

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO. 01 2011 CA 003184 U.S. BANK, N.A. Plaintiff v. ARCHIE L. TOWNSEND, ET AL. Defendants. _______________/

NOTICE OF ACTION

TO: ARCHIE L. TOWNSEND Current Residence Unknown, but whose last known address was: 6602 S.W. 49TH PL., GAINESVILLE, FL 32608

 

YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to foreclose a mortgage on the following property in Alachua County, Florida, to-wit:

 

LOT FOUR (4) OF ARREDONDO ESTATES UNIT 4, AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK "H", PAGE 30, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA. TOGETHER WITH THAT CERTAIN 1998 HICKORY TRIPLEWIDE MOBILE HOME ATTACHED THERETO, HAVING VIN #GAFLV35A13421HH21, TITLE #73598019, VIN # GAFLV35B13421HH21, TITLE #73598021 AND VIN # GAFLV35C13421HH21, TITLE #73598020, WHICH HAS NOW BEEN RETIRED.

 

has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on DOUGLAS C. ZAHM, P.A., Plaintiff's attorney, whose address is 12425 28th Street North, Suite 200, St. Petersburg, FL 33716, within thirty (30) days after the first publication of this Notice of Action, and file the original with the Clerk of this Court at P.O. Box 600, Gainesville, FL 32602-0600, either before service on Plaintiff's attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise, a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint petition.

 

WITNESS my hand and seal of the Court on this 4th day of October, 2011. J.K. "Buddy" Irby Clerk of the Circuit Court (SEAL) By: /s/ Erika Powell Deputy Clerk

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - October 13 and 20, 2011)

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

 

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Advertising that Works. Put your ad in Over 100 Papers throughout Florida for one LOW RATE! Call (866)742-1373 or visit: www.florida-classifieds.com

 

High Springs Lions Club Mega Flea Market, Bike Show & BBQ Oct 22

 

Live Music with VELVEETA UNDERGROUND from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. BBQ LUNCH $6. FREE hotdogs for children plus children's activities. 6 p.m. until ??? Dinner/Dance Band LOCAL TRAFFIC. $10 donation required. Any questions, call Kelly 386-454-4550 or Shannon 561-523-5759.

 

SCHOOLS/INSTRUCTION

 

Heat & Air JOBS - Ready to work? 3 week accelerated program. Hands on environment. Nationwide certifications and Local Job Placement Assistance! (877)359-1690

 

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

 

 

AAA Roofmasters Hiring Roofing Sales Representative. Required HS Diploma, Roofing Sales/Management/ Experience, Reliable Vehicle with ladder, Manage crews,scheduling, written estimates. #800-850-7663 info@aaaroofmasters inc.com.

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

 

Experienced income tax preparer; individual, partnership, corporate, payroll tax. Knowledge of Peach Tree and Quick Books desirable. Mail resume to PO Box 2066 High Springs, FL 32655

Need 13 Good Drivers Top 5% Pay & 401K 2 Mos. CDL Class A Driving Exp (877)258-8782 www.meltontruck.com

 

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

6 FIGURE INCOME 100,000 RX Discount Cards Placed in 80 Pharmacy Locations @.03 each. You earn $1.50 for each new prescription & $.75 for refills. Accumulating residual income. (877)308-7959 Ext.231 www.freerxadvantage.com

 

SERVICES OFFERED

 

 

ADOPTIONS

 

A childless, young, successful woman seeks to adopt. Will provide loving home/doting grandma. Large extended family. Excellent support. Financial security. Expenses paid. Jessica or Adam. 1-800-790-5260. Bar#0150789

 

EDUCATION

 

$$$ ACCESS LAWSUIT CASH NOW!!! $$$ 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

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 Financial Services

 

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

 

 

Waterfront Property

 

ONE DAY ONLY Oct. 22. New lake property release. Offered at up to 60% below market value! Lakefront land on private mountain lake only 1 hr from Atlanta! Lake living from $49,900. 1.5 to 5 acre homesites available. Call (877)535-3307 or www.livelaceola.com.

 

Condos For Sale

 

BANK FORECLOSURE! FLORIDA WATERFRONT CONDOS! SW Coast! Brand new upscale 2 bedroom, 2 bath, 1,675sf condo. Only $179,900! (Similar unit sold for $399,900) Prime downtown location on the water! Buy & get $8,000 in flex money for a limited time. Call now (877)888-7571, X63

 

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.

GA LAND SALE 69 AC - $995/AC Will not divide. Other tracts available. Visit our website. stregispaper.com (478)987-9700 St. Regis Paper Co.

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

 

 

Guns & Rifles

 

 

GUN SHOW Newberry American Legion Oct 15, Sat, 9-5, Oct 16, Sun, 9-4 GunTraders is now buying GOLD Concealed Weapons Classes Daily Bring your GUNS & GOLD to sell or trade GunTraderGunShows.com

 

352-339-4780

 

Garage Sales

 

 

High Springs Lions Club Mega Flea Market, Bike Show & BBQ Oct 22

 

Live Music with VELVEETA UNDERGROUND from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. BBQ LUNCH $6. FREE hotdogs for children plus children's activities. Car and Bike Show, Turkey Shoot. Then 6 p.m. until ??? Dinner/Dance Band LOCAL TRAFFIC. $10 donation required. Any questions, call Kelly 386-454-4550 or Shannon 561-523-5759.

 

DOWNSIZING Alachua Highlands Oct 14, 15, 16 11501 NW 122 Terr DOWNSIZING

 

Antiques, furniture, clothing, hand tools, wool blankets, kitchen items, brass candlesticks, small appliances AND MORE.

Moving Sale - Great Bargains
October 14-15 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Furniture, small appliances, CDs, movies, books, mens womens and boys clothing and shoes, tools 242 NW 94 Avenue, Alachua

 

Mikesville Club Christmas in October Bazaar
Saturday October 15, 9 to 5
Door Prizes, Free Refreshments, Prize Chances, Cake Walks, BBQ, Cotton Candy, Pix with Santa from 10-1:30, Multiple Vendors Under One Roof, Also Collectibles, Glassware, Arts & Handcrafts, 
Furniture, Holiday & Unique Items. 441 N., 8 miles North of High Springs, Right on Clubhouse Lane, For Mapquest/GPS Directions Enter:296 SE Clubhouse Lane, Lake City, FL, 32024
For More Info: 352-226-2100

 

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

 

Miscellaneous

 

 

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

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

Movie Extras People needed NOW to stand in the background for a major film Earn up to $300 per day. Exp not REQ. CALL NOW AND SPEAK TO A LIVE PERSON (877)435-5877

SAWMILLS from only $3997- MAKE MONEY & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill- Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info & DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com (800)578-1363 Ext.300N

WANTED: Very large satellite dish to use in my yard as an arbor. Please call Terri 386-462-4303.

 

WANTED TO BUY

 

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

 

AUTOS, BOATS, MOTORCYCLES

 

 

AUTOS FOR SALE

 

CASH FOR CARS! Any Make, Model, or Year. We Pay MORE! Running or Not. Sell Your Car or Truck TODAY. Free Towing! Instant Offer: (888)420-3807

 


To Place a Classified Call 386-462-3355.

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, Owner Alexandra Mills, 21447 NW 143rd Terrace, Alachua, FL 32615, doing business under the firm name of: The Copy Rocket, located at 3909 Newberry Road, in the County of Alachua, in the City of Gainesville, Florida 32607, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated this 29th day of September, 2011. Alexandra Mills thecopyrocket.com

(Published: Alachua County Today, October 06, 2011)

 

PUBLIC NOTICE

 

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA

CASE NO.: 2010-CP-1484 DIVISION: “A” IN RE: ESTATE OF MICHAEL S. SCHULLER Decedent. ____________/

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the Estate of MICHAEL S. SCHULLER, deceased, whose date of death was September 8, 2010, is pending in the Circuit Court for Alachua County, Florida, Probate Division, A, the address of which is P.O. Box 600, Gainesville, Florida, 32602. The names and address of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against the 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 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE, OR 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 the decedent’s estate must file claims with this court WITHIN 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 FLORIDA 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 September 29, 2011. Dated: September 14, 2011 THE LAW OFFICE OF JUDITH B. PAUL /s/ Judith B. Paul, for the Petitioner 5745 SW 75th Street, #363 Gainesville, Florida 32608 Ph.: 352-872-5911 Fax: 352-872-5912 FBN: 0026760 Carol Axelrod, Personal Representative

(Published: Alachua County Today - September 29, October 06, 2011)

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA

CASE NO.: 01 2011 CA-000971 DIVISION: MG OLIGIN LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a Nevada limited partnership, Plaintiff; vs. HARRY LAMAR BRIGMAN, BROOK MARIE

WILLIAMSON, IF LIVING, AND IF DEAD ALL OF HER UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, CREDITORS CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST HER; AND ANY OTHER PERSONS FIRMS OR CORPORATIONS CLAIMING ANY RIGHT, TITLE, CLAIM OR INTEREST IN AND TO THE REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED HEREIN, GAINESVILLE REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT COMPANY, INC., D/B/A SUNDOWNE APARTMENTS, CAMPUS USA CREDIT UNION, HARRY BRIGMAN, SANDRA BRIGMAN AND UNKNOWN TENANT IN POSSESSION,

Defendants. ______________/

NOTICE OF ACTION

 

YOU, BROOK MARIE WILLIAMSON, IF LIVING, AND IF DEAD ALL OF HER UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, CREDITORS CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST HER; AND ANY OTHER PERSONS FIRMS OR CORPORATIONS CLAIMING ANY RIGHT, TITLE, CLAIM OR INTEREST IN AND TO THE REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED HEREIN, are hereby required to file written defenses to the Complaint to Foreclose Mortgage with the Clerk of the above Court and serve a copy within 30 days after the first publication of this Notice on Plaintiff’s attorney, Fred N. Roberts, Jr., Klein & Klein, LLC, 333 N. W. 3rd Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475, or a default will be entered against you: The property involved is that certain lot, parcel or piece of land situate, lying and being in Alachua County, Florida, more particularly described as follows: Lot 1, Block B, Bass Subdivision in Section 4, Township 10 South, Range 17 East, as filed in Plat Book F, Page 4 of the Public Records of Alachua County, Florida LESS: Begin at the Northeast corner of said Lot 1, Block B, Bass Subdivision and run South 1118.44 feet; thence run West 115.0 feet; thence run North 126.0 feet; thence run East 110.0 feet to the Point of Beginning. DATED at Gainesville, Alachua County, Florida this 16 day of September, 2011. J.K. “BUDDY” IRBY Clerk of Circuit Court 201 East University Avenue Gainesville, FL 32601 By /s/ Sherry Shelton Deputy Clerk

(Published: Alachua County Today - September 29 and October 06, 2011)

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

 

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

 

High Springs Lions Club Mega Flea Market, Bike Show & BBQ Oct 22

Live Music with VELVEETA UNDERGROUND from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. BBQ LUNCH $6. FREE hotdogs for children plus children's activities. 6 p.m. until ??? Dinner/Dance Band LOCAL TRAFFIC. $10 donation required. Any questions, call Kelly 386-454-4550 or Shannon 561-523-5759.

Advertising that Works. Put your ad in Over 100 Papers throughout Florida for one LOW RATE! Call (866)742-1373 or visit: www.florida-classifieds.com

 

SCHOOLS/INSTRUCTION

 

Heat & Air JOBS - Ready to work? 3 week accelerated program. Hands on environment. Nationwide certifications and Local Job Placement Assistance! (877)359-1690

 

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

 

Drivers-NEW PAY INCREASE FOR TANK DRIVERS. Lots of Freight, Great Miles, 3 Weeks Paid Vacation, Incentives, Insurance & 401(k). Food Grade Products. CDL-A & 1 Year OTR Experience Required. Call (877)882-6537. www.OakleyTransport.com

Driver- Weekly Hometime! Part & Full-time. Daily or Weekly Pay. Steady Miles Means MORE MONEY! Excellent Benefits! CDL-A, 3 months recent experience required. (800)414-9569. www.driveknight.com

 

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

Driver- GREAT MILES! Great Pay! $1000 Sign-on for Experienced CO's & $1500 Incentives for O/O's. Driver Academy Refresher Course available. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. (855)356-7121

Stylist or Nail Tech, experienced and licensed. Start at $90 per week for two months, the lock in rent at $125 per week. Clientele preferred. Make your own hours. 386-454-4550. Some walk-in traffic.

Drivers - Teams: $6,000 Team Sign-On Bonus when you team drive for Werner Enterprises! Call Now for details! 1-888-880-5902.

 

AAA Roofmasters Hiring Roofing Sales Representative. Required HS Diploma, Roofing Sales/Management/ Experience, Reliable Vehicle with ladder, Manage crews,scheduling, written estimates. #800-850-7663 info@aaaroofmasters inc.com.

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

 

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

 

ADOPTIONS

 

A childless, young, successful woman seeks to adopt. Will provide loving home/doting grandma. Large extended family. Excellent support. Financial security. Expenses paid. Jessica or Adam. 1-800-790-5260. Bar#0150789

 

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

 

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

 

 

Acreage & Farms

 

20 Acre Ranch FORECLOSURES! Near Growing El Paso,TX Was $16,900 Now $12,900 $0 Down, take over payments, $99/mo. Beautiful views, owner financing. FREE color brochure (800)755-8953 www.sunsetranches.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.”

 

Houses For Rent

 

House for Rent 2BR 1BA, living room, dining room, kitchen, laundry room. 1300 sq. ft. Open two-car garage. First and last plus security deposit. 386-462-2474

 

MERCHANDISE

 

 

Machinery & Tools

 

Power Tools & Hand Tools for Sale Retiring patternmaker/woodworker has DeWalt, Porta-Cable, Milwaukee, Craftsman, & other brand tools. $5,000 plus value for $3,500. By appointment 352-219-2464

 

Garage Sales

 

 

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

 

DOWNSIZING Alachua Highlands Oct 14, 15, 16 11501 NW 122 Terr DOWNSIZING

Antiques, furniture, clothing, hand tools, wool blankets, kitchen items, brass candlesticks, small appliances AND MORE.

 

High Springs Lions Club Mega Flea Market, Bike Show & BBQ Oct 22

Live Music with VELVEETA UNDERGROUND from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. BBQ LUNCH $6. FREE hotdogs for children plus children's activities. Car and Bike Show, Turkey Shoot. Then 6 p.m. until ??? Dinner/Dance Band LOCAL TRAFFIC. $10 donation required. Any questions, call Kelly 386-454-4550 or Shannon 561-523-5759.

 

Miscellaneous

 

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

SAWMILLS from only $3997- MAKE MONEY & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill- Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info & DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com (800)578-1363 Ext.300N

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

WANTED: Very large satellite dish to use in my yard as an arbor. Please call Terri 386-462-4303.

 

WANTED TO BUY

 

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

 

Auctions

 

Auction - Over 110 Properties: AL & FL. October 24th-28th. Commercial, Homes, Condos, Acreage & Lots. Sperry Van Ness www.BidOnBankREO.com. Auctioneer#1832 Broker#000058515-0 / FL Auctioneer#AU220; Broker#CQ1036111

AUCTION- MOUNTAIN BROOK COTTAGES, Sylva, NC. 30+ Acres, Farmhouse, 14 Furnished, fireplace cottages. Auction: October 22, 2011, 11:00 AM. www.auctionEbid.com. Marsha Howell (404)822-3525. Auction Management Corporation. NCAL#7403

 


To Place a Classified Call 386-462-3355.

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE


IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA

CASE NO.: 01 2011 CA-000971 DIVISION: MG OLIGIN LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a Nevada limited partnership, Plaintiff; vs. HARRY LAMAR BRIGMAN, BROOK MARIE

WILLIAMSON, IF LIVING, AND IF DEAD ALL OF HER UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, CREDITORS CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST HER; AND ANY OTHER PERSONS FIRMS OR CORPORATIONS CLAIMING ANY RIGHT, TITLE, CLAIM OR INTEREST IN AND TO THE REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED HEREIN, GAINESVILLE REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT COMPANY, INC., D/B/A SUNDOWNE APARTMENTS, CAMPUS USA CREDIT UNION, HARRY BRIGMAN, SANDRA BRIGMAN AND UNKNOWN TENANT IN POSSESSION,

Defendants. ______________/

NOTICE OF ACTION

 

YOU, BROOK MARIE WILLIAMSON, IF LIVING, AND IF DEAD ALL OF HER UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, CREDITORS CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST HER; AND ANY OTHER PERSONS FIRMS OR CORPORATIONS CLAIMING ANY RIGHT, TITLE, CLAIM OR INTEREST IN AND TO THE REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED HEREIN, are hereby required to file written defenses to the Complaint to Foreclose Mortgage with the Clerk of the above Court and serve a copy within 30 days after the first publication of this Notice on Plaintiff’s attorney, Fred N. Roberts, Jr., Klein & Klein, LLC, 333 N. W. 3rd Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475, or a default will be entered against you: The property involved is that certain lot, parcel or piece of land situate, lying and being in Alachua County, Florida, more particularly described as follows: Lot 1, Block B, Bass Subdivision in Section 4, Township 10 South, Range 17 East, as filed in Plat Book F, Page 4 of the Public Records of Alachua County, Florida LESS: Begin at the Northeast corner of said Lot 1, Block B, Bass Subdivision and run South 1118.44 feet; thence run West 115.0 feet; thence run North 126.0 feet; thence run East 110.0 feet to the Point of Beginning. DATED at Gainesville, Alachua County, Florida this 16 day of September, 2011. J.K. “BUDDY” IRBY Clerk of Circuit Court 201 East University Avenue Gainesville, FL 32601 By /s/ Sherry Shelton Deputy Clerk

(Published: Alachua County Today - September 29 and October 06, 2011)

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA

CASE NO.: 2010-CP-1484 DIVISION: “A” IN RE: ESTATE OF MICHAEL S. SCHULLER Decedent. ____________/

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the Estate of MICHAEL S. SCHULLER, deceased, whose date of death was September 8, 2010, is pending in the Circuit Court for Alachua County, Florida, Probate Division, A, the address of which is P.O. Box 600, Gainesville, Florida, 32602. The names and address of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against the 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 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE, OR 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 the decedent’s estate must file claims with this court WITHIN 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 FLORIDA 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 September 29, 2011. Dated: September 14, 2011 THE LAW OFFICE OF JUDITH B. PAUL /s/ Judith B. Paul, for the Petitioner 5745 SW 75th Street, #363 Gainesville, Florida 32608 Ph.: 352-872-5911 Fax: 352-872-5912 FBN: 0026760 Carol Axelrod, Personal Representative

(Published: Alachua County Today - September 29, October 06, 2011)

 

NOTICE OF ENACTMENT OF ORDINANCE BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LACROSSE, FLORIDA

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an ordinance, which title hereinafter appears, will be considered for enactment by the Town Council of the Town of LaCrosse, Florida, at a public hearing on October 10, 2011 at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter can be heard, in the Town Council Meeting Room, Town Hall, located at 20613 North State Road 121, LaCrosse, Florida.  Copies of said ordinance may be inspected by any member of the public at the Office of the Town Clerk, Town Hall, located at 20613 North State Road 121, LaCrosse, Florida, during regular business hours.  On the date, time and place first above mentioned, all interested persons may appear and be heard with respect to the ordinance.

ORDINANCE NO. 2011-04

AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF LACROSSE, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE TOWN OF LACROSSE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS, AS AMENDED, PURSUANT TO AN APPLICATION, LDR 11-01, BY THE TOWN COUNCIL, PROVIDING FOR AMENDING ARTICLE TWO ENTITLED, DEFINITIONS BY ADDING A DEFINITION FOR COUNTY BY AMENDING ARTICLE EIGHT OF THE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS ENTITLED, FLOOD DAMAGE PREVENTION REGULATIONS TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY REGULATIONS; PROVIDING SEVERABILITY; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE                 The public hearing may be continued to one or more future date.  Any interested party shall be advised that the date, time and place of any continuation of the public hearing shall be announced during the public hearing and that no further notice concerning the matter will be published. All persons are advised that, if they decide to appeal any decision made at the public hearing, they will need a record of the proceedings and, for such purpose, they may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. Persons with disabilities requesting reasonable accommodations to participate in this proceeding should contact 352.463.3169 (Voice & TDD) or via Florida Relay Service 800.955.8771. (Published: Alachua County Today - September 29, 2011)

 

CITY OF HAWTHORNE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

 

On Wednesday, October 12th, 2011 at 6:00pm at 6700 SE 221st St. Hawthorne, FL, the Planning and Zoning Board will hold a public hearing regarding the following ordinances:

 

ORDINANCE

 

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA AMENDING THE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS IN THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE CODE OF ORDINANCES, PART III, RELATING TO THE REGULATION OF THE USE AND DEVELOPMENT OF LAND IN THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA; AMENDING ARTICLE 4 SECTION 2.2.20, AMENDING THE DEFINITION OF ‘SWING SIGN OR SUSPENDED SIGN’; AMENDING ARTICLE 4 SECTION 4.2.20.5 REGARDING STANDARDS FOR ATTACHED SIGNS; PROVIDING SEVERABILITY; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

ORDINANCE

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA AMENDING THE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS IN THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE CODE OF ORDINANCES, PART III, RELATING TO THE REGULATION OF THE USE AND DEVELOPMENT OF LAND IN THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA; AMENDING ARTICLE 4 SECTION 2.2.26, REVISING THE STANDARDS FOR ENCROACHMENTS OF HOODS OR CANOPIES; PROVIDING SEVERABILITY; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

ORDINANCE

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA AMENDING THE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS IN THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE CODE OF ORDINANCES, PART III, RELATING TO THE REGULATION OF THE USE AND DEVELOPMENT OF LAND IN THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA; AMENDING ARTICLE 4 SECTIONS 4.14.2, 4.14.8, 4.15.8, AND 4.16.8, REGARDING STANDARDS FOR OUTDOOR STORAGE IN CERTAIN DISTRICTS; PROVIDING SEVERABILITY; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

Copies of the proposed actions may be inspected by the public at City Hall on SE 221st St. The hearing will be open to the public and interested parties may appear at the hearing to be heard regarding the proposed action.

(Published: Alachua County Today - September 29, 2011)

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO. 2011-CP-988A IN RE: THE ESTATE OF STEVEN EARL FLINT, Deceased. __________/

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of STEVEN EARL FLINT, deceased, File Number 2011-CP-988A, is pending in the Circuit Court for Alachua County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 201 East University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32601. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

 

ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE NOTIFIED THAT:

 

Any interested person on whom the notice is served who challenges the validity of the will, the qualifications of the personal representative, venue, or jurisdiction of the court is required to file any objections with the court in the manner provided in the Florida Probate Rules on or before three months after the date of service of a copy of the Notice of Administration on that person OR THOSE OBJECTIONS SHALL BE FOREVER BARRED.

 

Any person entitled to exempt property is required to file a petition for determination of exempt property on or before the later of the date that is four months after the date of service of a copy of the Notice of Administration on such persons or the date that is forty (40) days after the date of termination of any proceedings involving the construction, admission to probate, or validity of the will or involving any other matter affecting any part of the exempt property, OR THE RIGHT TO EXEMPT PROPERTY IS DEEMED WAIVED.

 

Any person who intends to file an election to take an elective share must file the election on or before the earlier of the date that is six (6) months after the date of service of a copy of the Notice of Administration on the surviving spouse or the date that is two years after the date of the decedents death OR THE RIGHT TO TAKE THE ELECTION IS FOREVER BARRED.

 

ALL CREDITORS ARE NOTIFIED THAT:

All creditors of the Decedent and other persons having claims or demands against Decedents Estate must file their claims with the Court (address above) WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

 

ALL CLAIMS, DEMANDS AND OBJECTIONS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

 

The date of the first publication of this Notice is Seeptember 22, 2011. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED, LAW OFFICE OF BANKS & SWEETING, P.A. /s/ JENNIFER L. SWEETING, ESQUIRE Florida Bar No: 0661880 810 Thomasville Road Tallahassee, Florida 32303 (850) 681-1010 / Facsimile (850) 222-8843

 

(Published: September 22 and 29, 2011)

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO. 2011-CP-322 DIVISION "A" IN RE: ESTATE OF FLORENCE ROBINS, Decedent. _________/

 

The administration of the Estate of FLORENCE A. ROBINS, deceased, whose date of death was February 5, 2011, is pending in the Circuit Court for Alachua County, Florida, Probate Division "A", the address of which is P.O. Box 600, Gainesville, Florida 32602. The names and address of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against the 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 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE, OR 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 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 FLORIDA 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 September 22, 2011. Signed on September 12, 2011. THE LAW OFFICE OF JUDITH B. PAUL /s/ JUDITH B. PAUL Attorney for Personal Representative 5745 SW 75th Street, #363 Gainesville, FL 32608 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Florida Bar No. 0026760, Telephone: 352-872-5911 Fax: 352-872-5912 /s/ VIOLET M. GARDIEFF Violet Gardieff, Personal Representative 2212 Kenwick Drive Valrico, Florida 33596

(Published: Alachua County Today - September 22 and 29, 2011)

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

 

SCHOOLS/INSTRUCTION

 

Heat & Air JOBS - Ready to work? 3 week accelerated program. Nationwide certifications! Hands on Environment. Financing or Post 9/11 G.I. Bill approved. (877)359-1690

 

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

 

NETWORK MARKETERS Get in too late? Income disappointing? International Marketing Firm entering momentum phase expanding in this area. Products endorsed by world famous doctor. Call (877)313-7794

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

Driver- GREAT MILES! Great Pay! $1000 Sign-on for Experienced CO's & $1500 Incentives for O/O's. Driver Academy Refresher Course available. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. (855)356-7121

Apply Now, 12 Drivers Needed Top 5% Pay 2 Mos. CDL Class A Driving Exp (877)258-8782 www.meltontruck.com

Need CDL Drivers A or B with 2 yrs recent commercial experience to transfer motor homes, straight trucks, tractors, and buses. www.mamotransportation.com (800)501-3783

Drivers - Teams: $6,000 Team Sign-On Bonus when you team drive for Werner Enterprises! Call Now for details! 1-888-880-5902.

 

AAA Roofmasters Hiring Roofing Sales Representative. Required HS Diploma, Roofing Sales/Management/ Experience, Reliable Vehicle with ladder, Manage crews,scheduling, written estimates. #800-850-7663 info@aaaroofmasters inc.com.

 

MEAT AND POULTRY CUTTERS AND TRIMMERS

New Haven, Vermont Area. Workers needed to slaughter and pack meat at Misty Knoll Farm.

 

6 temporary positions to start approx. 10/17/11 to 11/25/11. 6 temporary positions to start approx. 10/17/11 to 12/22/11. Will perform slaughtering task and must meet cutting standards. A great deal of heavy lifting, standing and bending for long periods of time. Wage is $10.25 per hr. One month experience required. Work is guaranteed for 3/4 of contract period. Tools are provided without cost. Housing provided at no cost to workers who reside outside of the normal commuting distance. Transportation cost reimbursed after 15 days or 50% of contract period, whichever comes first. Contact the nearest Department of Labor Office for application and referral. Job order numbers: 93019 and 93022.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

 

 

Acreage & Farms

 

ABANDONED LAKESIDE FARM! 4 acres - Lake access - $16,900; 10 acres - Huge view - $29,900; 8 acres - Lakefront - $69,900. Foreclosure priced land in Upstate NY's So. Tier!! Survey, clear title! (877)352-2844. www.newyorklandandlakes.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.”

 

Houses For Rent

 

House for Rent 2BR 1BA, living room, dining room, kitchen, laundry room. 1300 sq. ft. Open two-car garage. First and last plus security deposit. 386-462-2474

 

MERCHANDISE

 

 

Machinery & Tools

 

Power Tools & Hand Tools for Sale Retiring patternmaker/woodworker has DeWalt, Porta-Cable, Milwaukee, Craftsman, & other brand tools. $5,000 plus value for $3,500. By appointment 352-219-2464

 

Garage Sales

 

Moving Sale 9/30-10/1 8:30-4 p.m. 24203 NW 94 Ave., Forest Grove Community Leather living room furniture, bedroom furniture, kitchen island, entertainment center, treadmill, bike, weight equipment, foosball table, collectibles, books, movies, CDs, linens, clothing and much more.

 

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

 

Miscellaneous

 

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

ELECTRIC BILLS HIGH? GO SOLAR! 60% OFF SALE ends 10/1/11. FPL/Progress Cash Rebates up to $21,000. NO Money Down, NO Payment 12-months. (877)247-4938; www.Rebate.SolarDirect.com

SAWMILLS from only $3997- MAKE MONEY & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill- Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info & DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com (800)578-1363 Ext.300N

DIRECTV Fall Special! Free HD, 3 mos FREE HBO/Showtime/Starz/Cinemax! NFL SUNDAY TICKET Free - Choice Ultimate/Premier - Pkgs from $29.99/mo. Till 10/15! (866)419-5666

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

 

WANTED TO BUY

 

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

CASH FOR CARS! Any Make, Model or Year. We Pay MORE! Running or Not. Sell Your Car or Truck TODAY. Free Towing! Instant Offer: (888)420-3807

 


To Place a Classified Call 386-462-3355.

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO. 2011-CA-1169-MG CAMPUS USA CREDIT UNION, Plaintiff, vs. EMORY C. DAVIS, JR., BILLIE GAYLE DAVIS, CITIFINANCIAL EQUITY SERVICES, INC., UNKNOWN TENANT(S) IN POSSESSION and SECOND UNKNOWN TENANT(S) IN POSSESSION, Defendants. _______/

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on the 4th day of October, 2011, at 11:00 A.M. at the Alachua County Family/Civil Justice Center, 201 E. University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601, the undersigned Clerk will offer for sale the following real and personal property more particularly described as: Lot fifteen (15) of Little Candlewood First Addition, according to the map or plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book "J," Page 32, of the Public Records of Alachua County, Florida. TOGETHER WITH: all the improvements now or hereafter erected on the property, and all easements, appurtenances, and fixtures now or hereafter a part of the property. The aforesaid sale will be made pursuant to the Final Judgment entered in Civil No. 2011-CA-1169-MG now pending in the Circuit Court of the Eighth Judicial Circuit in and for Alachua County, Florida. Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens, must file a claim within 60 days after the sale. Dated this 2nd day of September, 2011. J.K. Irby Clerk of Court By: /s/ Erika Powell As Deputy Clerk Meredith L. Minkus, Esquire Florida Bar No.: 41656 BURR & FORMAN LLP Post Office Drawer 1690 Winter Park, Florida 32790 Telephone: (407) 647-4455 Attorneys for Plaintiff

(Published: Alachua County Today – September 15 and 22, 2011)

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 10/10/2011, 10:00 a.m. at 14515 NW PEGGY RD, ALACHUA, FL 32615-5449, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids.

1G1ND52J316201413 2001 CHEVROLET

(Published: Alachua County Today - September 22, 2011)

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO. 2011-CP-322 DIVISION "A" IN RE: ESTATE OF FLORENCE ROBINS, Decedent. _________/

 

The administration of the Estate of FLORENCE A. ROBINS, deceased, whose date of death was February 5, 2011, is pending in the Circuit Court for Alachua County, Florida, Probate Division "A", the address of which is P.O. Box 600, Gainesville, Florida 32602. The names and address of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against the 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 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE, OR 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 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 FLORIDA 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 September 22, 2011. Signed on September 12, 2011. THE LAW OFFICE OF JUDITH B. PAUL /s/ JUDITH B. PAUL Attorney for Personal Representative 5745 SW 75th Street, #363 Gainesville, FL 32608 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Florida Bar No. 0026760, Telephone: 352-872-5911 Fax: 352-872-5912 /s/ VIOLET M. GARDIEFF Violet Gardieff, Personal Representative 2212 Kenwick Drive Valrico, Florida 33596

(Published: Alachua County Today - September 22 and 29, 2011)

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 10/06/2011, 10:00 a.m. at 14515 NW PEGGY RD, ALACHUA, FL 32615-5449, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids.

1FMZU32X4WZA76022 1998 FORD

(Published: Alachua County Today - September 22, 2011)

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA

 

CASE NO: 2011-CA-752 GREEN TREE SERVICING LLC 7406 Fullerton Street, Suite 201, Jacksonville, Florida 32256, Plaintiff, v. HANK E. SCHWALL, III, JANINE ANNE SCHWALL, and STATE EMPLOYEES CREDIT UNION F/K/A FIRST FLORIDA PUBLIC EMPLOYEES CREDIT UNION, Defendants. _____________/

NOTICE OF ACTION

TO: HANK E. SCHWALL, III, and JANINE ANNE SCHWALL, YOU ARE NOTIFIED that a civil action has been filed against you in the Circuit Court, County of Alachua, State of Florida, to foreclose certain real property described as follows: LOT FIFTEEN (15) OF ALLEN NELSON ESTATES, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK "A", PAGE(S) 37, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA. LESS THE SOUTH 50 FEET FOR RIGHT OF WAY FOR COUNTY ROAD SE-10;TOGETHER WITH THAT CERTAIN 1982 BRIGADIER, 56 x 24 MOBILE HOME, SERIAL NUMBER: GB1CS29475AB. You are required to file a written response with the Court and serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Timothy D. Padgett, Plaintiff's attorney, whose address is 2878 Remington Green Circle, Tallahassee, Florida 32308, at least thirty (30) days from the date of first publication, and file the original with the clerk of this court either before service on Plaintiff's attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise, a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint. Dated this 7 day of September, 2011. CLERK OF COURT J.K. "BUDDY" IRBY 201 East University Avenue Gainesville, Florida 32601 BY: /s/ Sherry Shelton Deputy Clerk Attorney for Plaintiff: Timothy D. Padgett, Esq. Timothy D. Padgett, P.A. 2878 Remington Green Circle Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 422-2520 (phone) (850) 422-2567 (fax)

 

(Published: Alachua County Today – September 15 and 22, 2011)

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

 

SCHOOLS/INSTRUCTION

 

 

Heat & Air JOBS - Ready to work? 3 week accelerated program. Hands on environment. Nationwide certifications and Local Job Placement Assistance! (877)359-1690

 

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

 

Drivers - Teams: $6,000 Team Sign-On Bonus when you team drive for Werner Enterprises! Call Now for details! 1-888-880-5902.

 

Medical Billing Trainees Needed! Hospitals & Insurance Companies hiring now! No experience? Local Training & Job Placement available! (888)528-5548

 

$5,000 Sign-On Bonus! Frac Sand Haulers with complete Bulk Pneumatic Rigs only. Relocate to Texas for tons of work! Fuel/Quick pay available. (800)491-9029

 

Freight Up = More $ 2 Mos. CDL Class A Driving Exp (877)258-8782 www.meltontruck.com

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

Part time cleaner/floor tech needed for commercial office building on US 441. Must have floor experience, ability to lift over 40 lbs and pass background check. $7.50/hour. Call Pat at 352-870-0363.

 

Driver $2000 Sign On Bonus! Start a New Career! 100% Paid CDL Training! No Experience Required. CRST EXPEDITED (800)326-2778 www.JoinCRST.com

 

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

 

ADOPTIONS

 

 

A childless couple seeks to adopt. Flexible work schedule. Will be HANDS-ON parents. Financial security. Expenses paid. Catherine & Michael. (ask for michelle/adam). (800)790-5260 FL Bar#0150789

 

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

 

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

 

 

Lots For Sale

 

 

BANK FORECLOSED, LAND LIQUIDATION, from $9,900, Blue Ridge mountains, paved roads, utilities, county water, panoramic views, excellent financing. Sale September 24th, Call now! (888)757-6867 ext. 214

 

Acreage & Farms

 

 

ABANDONED LAKESIDE FARM! 4 acres - Lake access - $16,900; 10 acres - Huge view - $29,900; 8 acres - Lakefront - $69,900. Foreclosure priced land in Upstate NY's So. Tier!! Survey, clear title! (877)352-2844. www.newyorklandandlakes.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

 

 

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

 

Miscellaneous

 

 

SAWMILLS from only $3997- MAKE MONEY & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill- Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info & DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com/300N (800)578-1363 Ext.300N

 

DIRECTV Fall Special! Free HD, 3 mos FREE HBO/Showtime/Starz/Cinemax! NFL SUNDAY TICKET Free - Choice Ultimate/Premier - Pkgs from $29.99/mo. Till 9/30! (866)419-5666

 

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

 

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

 

WANTED TO BUY

 

 

CASH FOR CARS! Any Make, Model, or Year. We Pay MORE! Running or Not. Sell Your Car or Truck TODAY. Free Towing! Instant Offer: (888)420-3807

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

 

CAMPING

 

 

MOTORHOMES

 

 

Online Bidding Available. Saturday, September 24 @ 10am Harrah's Resort & Casino Tunica, MS www.hendersonauctions.com (225)686-2252 Lic# 266

 

AUTOS, BOATS, MOTORCYCLES

 

AUTOS FOR SALE

 

2001 525 BMW. Top condition. Always garaged. Low mileage. $8900. Call 352-222-1055 or 386-462-2823.

 


To Place a Classified Call 386-462-3355.

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO. 10-CA-6549-MG CAMPUS USA CREDIT UNION, Plaintiff, vs. ALL UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, CREDITORS, LIENORS AND TRUSTEES, AND ALL OTHER PERSONS CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST ROY D. WATSON, DECEASED, and MARYANN WATSON, DECEASED, BRIAN D. MOORE, UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF BRIAN D. MOORE, UNKNOWN TENANT(S) IN POSSESSION and SECOND UNKNOWN TENANT(S) IN POSSESSION, Defendants. ___________________/

 

NOTICE OF ACTION

TO: ALL UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, CREDITORS, LIENORS AND TRUSTEES, AND ALL OTHER PERSONS CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST ROY D. WATSON, DECEASED, and MARYANN WATSON, DECEASED YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to foreclose a Mortgage on real property located in Alachua County, Florida and more particularly described as follows: The Southeast quarter of lot thirty-seven (37) in Smiths Addition to the Town of Micanopy, Florida, lying and being in Section twenty-six (26), Township eleven (11), Range twenty (20) east TOGETHER WITH: all the improvements now or hereafter erected on the property, and all easements, appurtenances, and fixtures now or hereafter a part of the property. has been filed against you and the other Defendants referenced above, and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses to it, if any, on Meredith L. Minkus, Esquire, Plaintiff’s attorney, at the address below, on or before thirty (30) days from the first date of publication of this notice and file your original written defenses with the Clerk of the Court either before service on Plaintiff’s attorneys’ or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint. DATED on August 30, 2011. J.K. Irby 201 E. University Avenue Gainesville, FL 32601 CLERK OF COURT Alachua County (COURT SEAL) BY:________________ S. Brown As Deputy Clerk

 

Meredith L. Minkus, Esquire Florida Bar No. 41656 BURR & FORMAN LLP 369 North New York Avenue Winter Park, Florida 32790 Telephone: (407) 647-4455 Attorneys for Plaintiff (Published: Alachua County Today - September 08 and 15, 2011)

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO. 2011-CA-1169-MG CAMPUS USA CREDIT UNION, Plaintiff, vs. EMORY C. DAVIS, JR., BILLIE GAYLE DAVIS, CITIFINANCIAL EQUITY SERVICES, INC., UNKNOWN TENANT(S) IN POSSESSION and SECOND UNKNOWN TENANT(S) IN POSSESSION, Defendants. _______/

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on the 4th day of October, 2011, at 11:00 A.M. at the Alachua County Family/Civil Justice Center, 201 E. University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601, the undersigned Clerk will offer for sale the following real and personal property more particularly described as: Lot fifteen (15) of Little Candlewood First Addition, according to the map or plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book "J," Page 32, of the Public Records of Alachua County, Florida. TOGETHER WITH: all the improvements now or hereafter erected on the property, and all easements, appurtenances, and fixtures now or hereafter a part of the property. The aforesaid sale will be made pursuant to the Final Judgment entered in Civil No. 2011-CA-1169-MG now pending in the Circuit Court of the Eighth Judicial Circuit in and for Alachua County, Florida. Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens, must file a claim within 60 days after the sale. Dated this 2nd day of September, 2011. J.K. Irby Clerk of Court By: /s/ Erika Powell As Deputy Clerk Meredith L. Minkus, Esquire Florida Bar No.: 41656 BURR & FORMAN LLP Post Office Drawer 1690 Winter Park, Florida 32790 Telephone: (407) 647-4455 Attorneys for Plaintiff

(Published: Alachua County Today – September 15 and 22, 2011)

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA

 

CASE NO: 2011-CA-752 GREEN TREE SERVICING LLC 7406 Fullerton Street, Suite 201, Jacksonville, Florida 32256, Plaintiff, v. HANK E. SCHWALL, III, JANINE ANNE SCHWALL, and STATE EMPLOYEES CREDIT UNION F/K/A FIRST FLORIDA PUBLIC EMPLOYEES CREDIT UNION, Defendants. _____________/

NOTICE OF ACTION

TO: HANK E. SCHWALL, III, and JANINE ANNE SCHWALL, YOU ARE NOTIFIED that a civil action has been filed against you in the Circuit Court, County of Alachua, State of Florida, to foreclose certain real property described as follows: LOT FIFTEEN (15) OF ALLEN NELSON ESTATES, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK "A", PAGE(S) 37, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA. LESS THE SOUTH 50 FEET FOR RIGHT OF WAY FOR COUNTY ROAD SE-10;TOGETHER WITH THAT CERTAIN 1982 BRIGADIER, 56 x 24 MOBILE HOME, SERIAL NUMBER: GB1CS29475AB. You are required to file a written response with the Court and serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Timothy D. Padgett, Plaintiff's attorney, whose address is 2878 Remington Green Circle, Tallahassee, Florida 32308, at least thirty (30) days from the date of first publication, and file the original with the clerk of this court either before service on Plaintiff's attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise, a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint. Dated this 7 day of September, 2011. CLERK OF COURT J.K. "BUDDY" IRBY 201 East University Avenue Gainesville, Florida 32601 BY: /s/ Sherry Shelton Deputy Clerk Attorney for Plaintiff: Timothy D. Padgett, Esq. Timothy D. Padgett, P.A. 2878 Remington Green Circle Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 422-2520 (phone) (850) 422-2567 (fax)

 

(Published: Alachua County Today – September 15 and 22, 2011)

 

NOTICE OF TOWN HALL MEETING City of Newberry Commission Monday, September 19, 2011 6:00 p.m.  Oak View Middle School 1203 N.W. 250th Street, Newberry

Purpose: Discuss the Acquisition of Canterbury

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE EIGHTH 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 SRADA 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. _________/ CLERK'S NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS GIVEN that, in accordance with the final judgment of foreclosure dated April 28, 2011 and this court's second order rescheduling sale Date of Foreclosed property. I will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, at the Alachua County Courthouse at 11 a.m. on October 11, 2011, the following described property: 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.

 

Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale.

 

Dated September 1, 2011 JK Irby Clerk of Courk /s/ Julie Rogers Circuit Court

(Published: Alachua County Today - September 8 and 15, 2011)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

SCHOOLS/INSTRUCTION

 

Heat & Air JOBS - Ready to work? 3 week accelerated program. Hands on environment. Nationwide certifications and Local Job Placement Assistance! (877)359-1690

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

 

 

Lineman Position City of Newberry

 

The City of Newberry is accepting applications for the position of Lineman. Applicants must be knowledgeable in Overhead & Underground Construction, Maintenance & Troubleshooting of Electric Distribution System, with a minimum of eight (8) years experience. Applicants must also possess a valid Class B CDL. Applicants may be subject to a skills test to determine most qualified. Pay range is $19 to $27 an hour.

 

The City of Newberry is a Drug Free Workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer, and offers a Health and Dental plan along with other benefits including Vacation, Sick Leave, and Florida State Retirement. Applications are available at The City Hall Annex located at 25445 West Newberry Road, Newberry, FL and on our website

 

Applications must be submitted no later than 4:30 pm on September 22, 2011.

Send to: City of Newberry, PO Box 369, Newberry FL 32669, Attn: Deborah Starr, Human Resources. Please call (352) 472-2446 ext. 112 if you have any questions.

Driver- GREAT MILES! Great Pay! $1000 Sign-on for Experienced CO's & $1500 Incentives for O/O's. Driver Academy Refresher Course available. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. (855)356-7121

Part time cleaner/floor tech needed for commercial office building on US 441. Must have floor experience, ability to lift over 40 lbs and pass background check. $7.50/hour. Call Pat at 352-870-0363.

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

$5,000 Sign-On Bonus! Frac Sand Haulers with complete Bulk Pneumatic Rigs only. Relocate to Texas for tons of work! Fuel/Quick pay available. (800)491-9022

Driver - Up to $2500 Sign on Bonus. Start a New Career! 100% Paid CDL Training! No Experience Required. CRST EXPEDITED (800)326-2778 www.JoinCRST.com

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

Drivers - Teams: $6,000 Team Sign-On Bonus when you team drive for Werner Enterprises! Call Now for details! 1-888-880-5902.

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

ADOPTIONS

 

A childless couple seeks to adopt. Flexible work schedule. Will be HANDS-ON parents. Financial security. Expenses paid. Catherine & Michael. (ask for michelle/adam). (800)790-5260 FL Bar#0150789

Are you pregnant? Considering adoption? Childless married couple seeking to adopt & provide loving home, education & travel. Financial security. Expenses paid. Lisa & Raymond. (Ask for Michelle/Adam) (800)790-5260. FL bar# 0150789

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

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

 

Lots For Sale

 

GA LAND SALE - 17 Tracts to choose from. Creeks, pond sites, wooded, clear cut, etc. Visit our website. stregispaper.com (478)987-9700 St. Regis Paper Co.

Acreage & Farms

 

BANK FORECLOSED, LAND LIQUIDATION, from $9,900, Blue Ridge mountains, paved roads, utilities, county water, panoramic views, excellent financing. Sale September 24th, Call now! (888)757-6867 ext. 214

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

 

 

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

Miscellaneous

 

 

SAWMILLS from only $3997- MAKE MONEY & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill- Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info & DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com/300N (800)578-1363 Ext.300N

DIRECTV Summer Special! 1 Year FREE Showtime! 3 mos FREE HBO/Starz/Cinemax! NFL SUNDAY TICKET Free - Choice Ultimate/Premier - Pkgs from $29.99/mo. Call by 9/30! (866)419-5666

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 Maintenance 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.

AUTOS, BOATS, MOTORCYCLES

 

AUTOS FOR SALE

 

2001 525 BMW. Top condition. Always garaged. Low mileage. $8900. Call 352-222-1055 or 386-462-2823.


To Place a Classified Call 386-462-3355.

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION CASE NO.: 01 2008 CA 002026 CITIMORTGAGE, INC. SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO ABN AMRO MORTGAGE GROUP, INC., SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO ATLANTIC MORTGAGE & INVESTMENT CORPORATION Plaintiff, vs. SEMIRAMIS BURUMCEKCI, et al Defendants.

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to an Order Rescheduling Foreclosure Sale filed August 18, 2011, and entered in Case No. 01 2008 CA 002026 of the Circuit Court of the EIGHTH Judicial Circuit in and for ALACHUA COUNTY, Florida, wherein CITIMORTGAGE, INC. SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO ABN AMRO MORTGAGE GROUP, INC., SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO ATLANTIC MORTGAGE & INVESTMENT CORPORATION, is Plaintiff, and SEMIRAMIS BURUMCEKCI, et al are Defendants, I will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, beginning at 11:00 AM at in the Lobby of The Clerk of Court of Alachua County 201 East University Avenue Gainesville, Fl 32601, in accordance with Chapter 45, Florida Statutes, on the 14th day of September, 2011, the following described property as set forth in said Summary Final Judgment, to wit: Condominium Unit 312, according to the Declaration of Condominium of Biven's Lake Estates South, a Condominium recorded in Official Records Book 887, page 901 to 932 inclusive, of the Public Records of Alachua County, Florida, together with all rights to ownership incident thereto in the common elements of such condominium and together with all other rights pertaining to the ownership of such as set forth in said Declaration. TAX PARCEL NUMBER: 07333-312-000 and all fixtures and personal property located therein or thereon, which are included as security in Plaintiff's mortgage. Any person claiming an interest in the surplus funds from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale. Dated this 30th day of August, 2011.

PHELAN HALLINAN PLC 888 SE 3rd Avenue Suite 201, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 T: 954-462-7000 F: 954-462-7001

(Published: Alachua County Today - September 01 and 08, 2011)

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE EIGHTH 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 SRADA 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. _________/ CLERK'S NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS GIVEN that, in accordance with the final judgment of foreclosure dated April 28, 2011 and this court's second order rescheduling sale Date of Foreclosed property. I will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, at the Alachua County Courthouse at 11 a.m. on October 11, 2011, the following described property: 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.

 

Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale.

 

Dated September 1, 2011 JK Irby Clerk of Courk /s/ Julie Rogers Circuit Court

(Published: Alachua County Today - September 8 and 15, 2011)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO. 2011CP1078 DIVISION A IN RE: ESTATE OF ROBERT F. GELLERMAN A/K/A ROBERT GELLERMAN, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of ROBERT F. GELLERMAN A/K/A ROBERT GELLERMAN, deceased, whose date of death was June 13, 2011; File Number 2011CP1078, is pending in the Circuit Court for Alachua County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is P.O. Box 600, Gainesville, FL 32602-0600. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the 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 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 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 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 FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD 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 September 1, 2011. Signed on August 22, 2011 /s/ Randall J. Marshall Attorney for Personal Representative Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Florida Bar No. 348414 Marshall Law Office, P.A. 1019 Town Center Dr., Suite 101 Orange City, FL 32763 Telephone: 386-775-0199 Fax: 386-775-0460 /s/ REINE PERKINS A/K/A GLAD LAREINE PERKINS Personal Representative 974 Saxon Blvd. Deltona, FL 32725-7651

(Published: Alachua County Today - September 01 and 08, 2011)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO. 10-CA-6549-MG CAMPUS USA CREDIT UNION, Plaintiff, vs. ALL UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, CREDITORS, LIENORS AND TRUSTEES, AND ALL OTHER PERSONS CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST ROY D. WATSON, DECEASED, and MARYANN WATSON, DECEASED, BRIAN D. MOORE, UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF BRIAN D. MOORE, UNKNOWN TENANT(S) IN POSSESSION and SECOND UNKNOWN TENANT(S) IN POSSESSION, Defendants. ___________________/

 

NOTICE OF ACTION

TO: ALL UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, CREDITORS, LIENORS AND TRUSTEES, AND ALL OTHER PERSONS CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST ROY D. WATSON, DECEASED, and MARYANN WATSON, DECEASED YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to foreclose a Mortgage on real property located in Alachua County, Florida and more particularly described as follows: The Southeast quarter of lot thirty-seven (37) in Smiths Addition to the Town of Micanopy, Florida, lying and being in Section twenty-six (26), Township eleven (11), Range twenty (20) east TOGETHER WITH: all the improvements now or hereafter erected on the property, and all easements, appurtenances, and fixtures now or hereafter a part of the property. has been filed against you and the other Defendants referenced above, and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses to it, if any, on Meredith L. Minkus, Esquire, Plaintiff’s attorney, at the address below, on or before thirty (30) days from the first date of publication of this notice and file your original written defenses with the Clerk of the Court either before service on Plaintiff’s attorneys’ or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint. DATED on August 30, 2011. J.K. Irby 201 E. University Avenue Gainesville, FL 32601 CLERK OF COURT Alachua County (COURT SEAL) BY:________________ S. Brown As Deputy Clerk

 

Meredith L. Minkus, Esquire Florida Bar No. 41656 BURR & FORMAN LLP 369 North New York Avenue Winter Park, Florida 32790 Telephone: (407) 647-4455 Attorneys for Plaintiff (Published: Alachua County Today - September 08 and 15, 2011)

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

 

SCHOOLS/INSTRUCTION

 

 

Heat & Air JOBS - Ready to work? 3 week accelerated program. Hands on environment. Nationwide certifications and Local Job Placement Assistance! (877)359-1690

 

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

 

 

$5,000 Sign-On Bonus! Frac Sand Haulers with complete Bulk Pneumatic Rigs only. Relocate to Texas for tons of work! Fuel/Quick pay available. (800)491-9022

 

$5,000 Sign-On Bonus! Frac Sand Haulers with complete Bulk Pneumatic Rigs only. Relocate to Texas for tons of work! Fuel/Quick pay available. (800)491-9022

 

Need 13 Good Drivers Top 5% Pay & 401K 2 Mos. CDL Class A Driving Exp (877)258-8782 www.meltontruck.com

 

Drivers- No Experience ~ No Problem. 100% Paid CDL Training. Immediate Benefits. 20/10 program. Trainers Earn up to 49¢ per mile! CRST VAN EXPEDITED (800)326-2778 www.JoinCRST.com

 

Driver- Southern Freight needs Drivers!! Solo, Team, Company & O/O. We have LOTS of FREIGHT!!! Call (877)893-9645 for details.

Drivers - Teams: $6,000 Team Sign-On Bonus when you team drive for Werner Enterprises! Call Now for details! 1-888-880-5902.

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

 

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

 

ADOPTIONS

 

 

A childless couple seeks to adopt. Flexible work schedule. Will be HANDS-ON parents. Financial security. Expenses paid. Catherine & Michael. (ask for michelle/adam). (800)790-5260 FL Bar#0150789

 

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

 

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

 

 

Acreage & Farms

 

 

GA LAND SALE - 17 Tracts to choose from. Creeks, pond sites, wooded, clear cut, etc. Visit our website. stregispaper.com (478)987-9700 St. Regis Paper Co

 

SAWMILLS from only $3997- MAKE MONEY & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill- Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info & DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com/300N (800)578-1363 Ext.300N

1 acre LaCrosse. Beautifully wooded, paved road frontage. Owner financing. No down payment. $27,900. $287/mo. 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.

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.

 

BANK FORECLOSED, LAND LIQUIDATION, from $9,900, Blue Ridge mountains, paved roads, utilities, county water, panoramic views, excellent financing. Sale September 24th, Call now! (888)757-6867 ext. 214RV's/Mobile Homes

 

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

DIRECTV Summer Special! 1 Year FREE Showtime! 3 mos FREE HBO/Starz/Cinemax! NFL SUNDAY TICKET Free - Choice Ultimate/Premier - Pkgs from $29.99/mo. Call by 9/30! (800)360-2254

 

AIRLINES ARE HIRING - Train for high paying Aviation Maintenance 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.

 

CAMPING

 

 

MOTORHOMES

 

 

PUBLIC AUCTION 150+ Spec and Dealer Model Travel Trailers. NO MINIMUM PRICE! Online Bidding Available Saturday, September 10, 10am Philadelphia, MS www.hendersonauction.com (225)686-2252 Lic# 266

 

AUTOS, BOATS, MOTORCYCLES

 

 

AUTOS FOR SALE

 

2001 525 BMW. Top condition. Always garaged. Low mileage. $8900. Call 352-222-1055 or 386-462-2823.

 


To Place a Classified Call 386-462-3355.

LEGAL NOTICE

Fictitious Names  

NOTICE OF INTENT TO REGISTER FICTITOUS NAME

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of The Philosophy Center located in Alachua County, Florida, with an address of Post Office Box 5456 in Gainesville, FL  32627, has registered said name with the Division of Corporations of the Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated the 1st day of September, 2011.

(Published: Alachua County Today - September 01, 2011)

PUBLIC NOTICE

 

Town of LaCrosse NOTICE OF ENACTMENT OF ORDINANCE BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LACROSSE, FLORIDA

Notice is hereby given that Ordinance Number 2011-03, which title hereinafter appears, will be considered for enactment by the Town Council of the Town of LaCrosse, Florida at the Town Council Meeting on Monday the 12th of September, 2011 starting at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter can be heard, in the Town Council Meeting Room, Town Hall at 20613 North State Road 121, LaCrosse, Florida. A copy of said Ordinance may be inspected by any member of the public at the Office of the Town Clerk, Town Hall, 20613 North State Road 121, LaCrosse, Florida during regular business hours, Tuesday and Thursday 9 a.m. through 1:30 p.m. On the date, time and hours first above mentioned, all interested parties may appear and be heard with respect to the proposed Ordinance.

ORDINANCE NO. 2011-03

AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF LACROSSE ESTABLISHING THE AUTHORITY OF THE TOWN COUNCIL TO CLOSE AND ABANDON ROADS AND RIGHTS OF WAY; PROVIDING PROCEDURES THEREFOR; PROVIDING FOR CONVEYANCE OF ROADS AND RIGHTS OF WAY CLOSED OR ABANDONED UNDER THIS ORDINANCE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. The public meeting may be continued to one or more future dates. Any interested party shall be advised that the date, time and place of any continuation of the public meeting shall be announced during the public meeting and that no further notice concerning the matter will be published. All persons are advised that, if they decide to appeal any decision made by the Town of LaCrosse Council with respect to any matter considered at such meeting or hearing, they will need a record of the proceedings, and for such purpose, they may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. C. Dianne Dubberly Town Clerk Town of LaCrosse, Florida

(Published: Alachua County Today - September 01, 2011)

 

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CONCERNING AN AMENDMENT TO THE TOWN OF LACROSSE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS

 

BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LACROSSE, FLORIDA, SERVING AS THE PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD OF THE TOWN OF LACROSSE, FLORIDA, AND THE LOCAL PLANNING AGENCY OF THE TOWN OF LACROSSE, FLORIDA, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, pursuant to Sections 163.3161 through 163.3248, Florida Statutes, as amended, and the Town of LaCrosse Land Development Regulations, as amended, hereinafter referred to as the Land Development Regulations, comments, objections and recommendations concerning an amendment, as described below, to the Land Development Regulations, will be heard by the Town Council of the Town of LaCrosse, Florida, serving as the Planning and Zoning Board of the Town of LaCrosse, Florida, and the Local Planning Agency of the Town of LaCrosse, Florida, at a public hearing on September 12, 2011, at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter can be heard, in the Town Council Meeting Room, Town Hall, located at 20613 North State Road 121, LaCrosse, Florida.

 

LDR 11-01, an application, by the Town Council, to amend the text of the Land Development Regulations by amending Article Two entitled, Definitions by adding a definition for County, by amending Article Eight of the Land Development Regulations entitled, Flood Damage Prevention Regulations, to comply with Federal Emergency Management Agency regulations.

 

The public hearing may be continued to one or more future dates.  Any interested party shall be advised that the date, time and place of any continuation of the public hearing shall be announced during the public hearing and that no further notice concerning the matter will be published, unless said continuation exceeds six calendar weeks from the date of the above referenced public hearing.

 

At the aforementioned public hearing, all interested parties may appear to be heard with respect to the amendment.

 

Copies of the amendment are available for public inspection at the Office of the Town Clerk, Town Hall, located at 20613 North State Road 121, LaCrosse, Florida, during regular business hours.

 

All persons are advised that if they decide to appeal any decision made at the above referenced public hearing, they will need a record of the proceedings, and that, for such purpose, they may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

 

Persons with disabilities requesting reasonable accommodations to participate in this proceeding should contact 352.463.3169 (Voice & TDD) or via Florida Relay Service 800.955.8771.

(Published: Alachua County Today - September 01, 2011)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO. 2011CP1078 DIVISION A IN RE: ESTATE OF ROBERT F. GELLERMAN A/K/A ROBERT GELLERMAN, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of ROBERT F. GELLERMAN A/K/A ROBERT GELLERMAN, deceased, whose date of death was June 13, 2011; File Number 2011CP1078, is pending in the Circuit Court for Alachua County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is P.O. Box 600, Gainesville, FL 32602-0600. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the 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 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 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 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 FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD 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 September 1, 2011. Signed on August 22, 2011 /s/ Randall J. Marshall Attorney for Personal Representative Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Florida Bar No. 348414 Marshall Law Office, P.A. 1019 Town Center Dr., Suite 101 Orange City, FL 32763 Telephone: 386-775-0199 Fax: 386-775-0460 /s/ REINE PERKINS A/K/A GLAD LAREINE PERKINS Personal Representative 974 Saxon Blvd. Deltona, FL 32725-7651

(Published: Alachua County Today - September 01 and 08, 2011)

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION CASE NO.: 01 2008 CA 002026 CITIMORTGAGE, INC. SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO ABN AMRO MORTGAGE GROUP, INC., SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO ATLANTIC MORTGAGE & INVESTMENT CORPORATION Plaintiff, vs. SEMIRAMIS BURUMCEKCI, et al Defendants.

 

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to an Order Rescheduling Foreclosure Sale filed August 18, 2011, and entered in Case No. 01 2008 CA 002026 of the Circuit Court of the EIGHTH Judicial Circuit in and for ALACHUA COUNTY, Florida, wherein CITIMORTGAGE, INC. SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO ABN AMRO MORTGAGE GROUP, INC., SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO ATLANTIC MORTGAGE & INVESTMENT CORPORATION, is Plaintiff, and SEMIRAMIS BURUMCEKCI, et al are Defendants, I will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, beginning at 11:00 AM at in the Lobby of The Clerk of Court of Alachua County 201 East University Avenue Gainesville, Fl 32601, in accordance with Chapter 45, Florida Statutes, on the 14th day of September, 2011, the following described property as set forth in said Summary Final Judgment, to wit: Condominium Unit 312, according to the Declaration of Condominium of Biven's Lake Estates South, a Condominium recorded in Official Records Book 887, page 901 to 932 inclusive, of the Public Records of Alachua County, Florida, together with all rights to ownership incident thereto in the common elements of such condominium and together with all other rights pertaining to the ownership of such as set forth in said Declaration. TAX PARCEL NUMBER: 07333-312-000 and all fixtures and personal property located therein or thereon, which are included as security in Plaintiff's mortgage. Any person claiming an interest in the surplus funds from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale. Dated this 30th day of August, 2011.

PHELAN HALLINAN PLC 888 SE 3rd Avenue Suite 201, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 T: 954-462-7000 F: 954-462-7001

(Published: Alachua County Today - September 01 and 08, 2011)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NUMBER 2011-CP-1077 DIVISION B IN RE: ESTATE OF CHRIS VAN DORP, Deceased. NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION The administration of the estate of CHRIS VAN DORP, deceased, File Number 2011-CP-1077, is pending in the Circuit Court for Alachua County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is P.O. Box 600, Gainesville, Florida 32602-0600. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below. ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE NOTIFIED THAT: All persons on whom this notice is served who have objections that challenge the validity of the will, the qualifications of the personal representative, venue, or jurisdiction of this Court are required to file their objections with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is served within three months after the date of the first publication of this notice must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and persons having claims or demands against the decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN THREE MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS, DEMANDS AND OBJECTIONS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. The date of the first publication of this Notice is August 25, 2011. Attorney for Personal Representative: Jed Berman, Attorney Florida Bar No. 117436 P.O. Drawer 30 Winter Park, FL 32790 407-644-4673 Personal Representative: Leendert Van Dorp 17865 SE 115th Ct. Summerfield, FL 34491

(Published: Alachua County Today - August 25, 2011)

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.

 

Driver- GREAT MILES! Great Pay! $1000 Sign-on for Experienced CO's & $1500 Incentives for O/O's. Driver Academy Refresher Course available. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. (855)356-7121

 

$5,000 Sign-On Bonus! Frac Sand Haulers with complete Bulk Pneumatic Rigs only. Relocate to Texas for tons of work! Fuel/Quick pay available. (800)397-2639

Drivers - Teams: $6,000 Team Sign-On Bonus when you team drive for Werner Enterprises! Call Now for details! 1-888-880-5902.

 

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

Need person to pick up chestnuts 5 miles south of Alachua. About 8 weeks work 8a.m.-1p.m. 3 times a week, Mon, Weds, Fri. $7.50/hr. 352-258-3990

 

Driver- Southern Freight needs Drivers!! Solo, Team, Company & O/O. We have LOTS of FREIGHT!!! Call (877)893-9645 for details.

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

 

ADOPTIONS

 

 

Are you pregnant? Considering adoption? Childless married couple seeking to adopt & provide loving home, education & travel. Financial security. Expenses paid. Lisa & Raymond. (Ask for Michelle/Adam) (800)790-5260. FL bar #0150789

 

A childless couple seeks to adopt. Flexible work schedule. Will be HANDS-ON parents. Financial security. Expenses paid. Catherine & Michael. (ask for michelle/adam). (800)790-5260 FL Bar#0150789

 

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

 

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

 

 

Waterfront Property

 

 

LAKEFRONT BARGAIN! 1+ Acres -only $49,900 DOCKABLE DEEPWATER! Was $89,900. Prime lakefront parcel with direct access to Gulf. On 12,000 acre recreational lake covered in huge live oaks! Close to the city. Paved roads, county water, power, phone, community boat launch. Excellent financing. Call now (866)952-5302

 

Condos For Sale

 

 

Developer Closeout Sale! Sat. 9/3 Only Prime Panama City Beach Waterfront Condo 3 Bedroom, 3 Bath, Only $289,900! Similar Unit Sold For $751,000. Bonus: NO CLOSING COSTS Over 40 units sold in just 6 weeks! Only 9 units remain. Call before they're gone! (877)888-2296 x90

 

Acreage & Farms

 

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.

 

UPSTATE NEW YORK FARMLAND SACRIFICE!5ACs - $19,900. Gorgeous views, apple trees, woods & meadows! Nearby lakes & state land! Perfect for country getaway! (877)458-8227 www.NewYorkLandandLakes.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.

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

 

DIRECTV Summer Special! 1 Year FREE Showtime! 3 mos FREE HBO/Starz/Cinemax! NFL SUNDAY TICKET Free - Choice Ultimate/Premier - Pkgs from $29.99/mo. Call by 9/30! (800)380-8939

 

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

 

 

"Get Well" Yard Sale and Car Wash Benefit! Sat, Sept. 3rd, 8AM until 1PM Roger's Tire, corner of N. Main St. and US 441, Alachua.

 

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

 

Miscellaneous

 

 

SAWMILLS from only $3997- MAKE MONEY & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill- Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info & DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com/300N (800)578-1363 Ext.300N

 

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

 

DIRECTV Summer Special! 1 Year FREE Showtime! 3 mos FREE HBO/Starz/Cinemax! NFL SUNDAY TICKET Free - Choice Ultimate/Premier - Pkgs from $29.99/mo. Call by 9/30! (800)380-8939

 

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

 

DISH NETWORK lowest nationwide price $19.99 a month. FREE HBO/Cinemax/Starz/Showtime FREE Blockbuster FREEHD-DVR and install. Next day install 800-652-9871. Restrictions apply call for details.

 

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.

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, Owner(s) Alachua BBQ, LLC, doing business under the firm name of: Sonny's Real Pit Bar BQFictitious Name), located at 15935 US Highway 441, in the County of Alachua, in the City of Alachua, Florida 32615, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.  Dated this 22nd  day of August, 2011.

(Published: Alachua County Today - August 25, 2011)

 

PUBLIC NOTICE

 

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: NORTHWOOD TOWING & REPAIR gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 09/15/2011, 11:00 am at 1540 NW 53 AVE GAINESVILLE, FL 32653, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. NORTHWOOD TOWING & REPAIR reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids. 2GBJG31M5B4150098 1982 CHEVROLET

(Published: Alachua County Today - August 25. 2011)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NUMBER 2011-CP-1077 DIVISION B IN RE: ESTATE OF CHRIS VAN DORP, Deceased. NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION The administration of the estate of CHRIS VAN DORP, deceased, File Number 2011-CP-1077, is pending in the Circuit Court for Alachua County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is P.O. Box 600, Gainesville, Florida 32602-0600. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below. ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE NOTIFIED THAT: All persons on whom this notice is served who have objections that challenge the validity of the will, the qualifications of the personal representative, venue, or jurisdiction of this Court are required to file their objections with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is served within three months after the date of the first publication of this notice must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and persons having claims or demands against the decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN THREE MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS, DEMANDS AND OBJECTIONS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. The date of the first publication of this Notice is August 25, 2011. Attorney for Personal Representative: Jed Berman, Attorney Florida Bar No. 117436 P.O. Drawer 30 Winter Park, FL 32790 407-644-4673 Personal Representative: Leendert Van Dorp 17865 SE 115th Ct. Summerfield, FL 34491

(Published: Alachua County Today - August 25, 2011)

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 09/17/2011, 10:00 a.m. at 14515 NW PEGGY RD, ALACHUA, FL 32615-5449, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids.

3B7HA18N62G125136 2002 DODGE

(Published: Alachua County Today - August 25, 2011)

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

 

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

 

NEED MORE RESPONSE? Advertise in Over 100 Florida Papers reaching MILLIONS of people. Advertising Networks of Florida, Put us to work for You! (866)742-1373 www.florida-classifieds.com.

 

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

 

 

Drivers - CDL-A DRIVERS NEEDED!! Start up to 44¢ per mile!! Lease Purchase Available! Great Hometime Experience Req'd. (800)441-4271 x FL-100 HornadyTransportation.com

 

$5,000 Sign-On Bonus! Frac Sand Haulers with complete Bulk Pneumatic Rigs only. Relocate to Texas for tons of work! Fuel/Quick pay available. (800)397-2639

 

DRIVERS- WEEKLY HOMETIME for most lanes. Up to 42cpm! Daily or weekly pay. No forced dispatch to NYC or Canada. CDL-A, 3 months recent experience. (800)414-9569. www.driveknight.com

 

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

 

Horizon Realty is accepting applications for a full time Administrative Assistant. Real Estate experience preferred with duties including MLS data entry, printing and internet advertising, photo editing and Adobe Pro experience a plus. Please fax resume to 386-462-3848.

 

Apply Now, 12 Drivers Needed Top 5% 2 Mos. CDL Class A Driving Exp (877)258-8782 www.meltontruck.com

Drivers - Teams: $6,000 Team Sign-On Bonus when you team drive for Werner Enterprises! Call Now for details! 1-888-880-5902.

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

 

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

 

ADOPTIONS

 

 

A childless couple seeks to adopt. Flexible work schedule. Will be HANDS-ON parents. Financial security. Expenses paid. Catherine & Michael. (ask for michelle/adam). (800)790-2560 FL Bar#0150789

 

Are you pregnant? Considering adoption? Childless married couple seeking to adopt & provide loving home, education, and travel. Financial security. Expenses paid. Lisa & Raymond (888)517-0112 #0150789

 

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

 

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

 

 

Lots For Sale

 

 

Auction 24 Beautiful Home Sites in Mountain Blue Saturday, August 27th, 11:00AM Jackson County, NC 10% BP NCL # 1787 (800)241-7591 www.jltodd.com (800)289-7512 www.wcproperties.com

 

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 acre LaCrosse. Beautifully wooded, paved road frontage. Owner financing. No down payment. $27,900. $287/mo. 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 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

 

Yard sale on Saturday, Aug. 27 from 8:30 a.m. until at 13610 NW 142 Avenue, Alachua to benefit D'Aisha Porter who is a 13 year old diagnoseed with a very aggressive rare cancer. Please come out and help D'Aisha. Your donation will be greatly appreciated.

 

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

 

Miscellaneous

 

 

DIRECTV Summer Special! 1Year FREE Showtime! 3 mos FREE HBO/Starz/Cinemax! NFL SUNDAY TICKET Free - Choice Ultimate/Premier-Pkgs from $29.99/mo. Call by 9/12! (800)363-3755

 

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 Maintenance Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified - Housing available CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance (866)314-3769.

 

DISH NETWORK lowest nationwide price $19.99 a month. FREE HBO/ Cinemax/ Starz/ Showtime FREE Blockbuster FREE HD-DVR and install. Next day install (800)908-2955. Restrictions apply call for details.

 

SAWMILLS from only $3997- MAKE MONEY & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill- Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info & DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com/300N (800)578-1363 Ext.300N

 

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.

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell this vehicle on 09/01/2011, 10:00 a.m. at 14515 NW PEGGY RD, ALACHUA, FL 32615-5449, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids.

1C3XC66R6LD879911 1990 CHRYSLER

(Published: Alachua County Today - August 18, 2011)

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 09/15/2011, 10:00 a.m. at 14515 NW PEGGY RD, ALACHUA, FL 32615-5449, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids.

1N4BU31D5VC220052 1997 NISSAN JS1NP41A4X2100949 1999 SUZUKI WBAHE1325SGE55444 1995 BMW

(Published: Alachua County Today - August 18, 2011)

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

NEED MORE RESPONSE? Advertise in Over 100 Florida Papers reaching MILLIONS of people. 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

SEASONAL CLOSING Now accepting EBT cards, MasterCard, Visa, Discover, Debit/Credit.

Call 386-462-6158.

 

EMPLOYMENT

 

 

Help Wanted

 

 

Frac Sand Haulers Wanted! Complete bulk pneumatic rigs only. Relocate to Texas for tons of work. Great company/pay. Gas cards/Quick Pay available. (800)397-2639

Drivers - Teams: $6,000 Team Sign-On Bonus when you team drive for Werner Enterprises! Call Now for details! 1-888-880-5902.

 

Freight Up = More $ 2 Mos. CDL Class A Driving Exp (877)258-8782 Text Melton to 50298 www.meltontruck.com

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

 

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

 

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

 

Drivers - CDL-A DRIVERS NEEDED!! Start up to 44¢ per mile!! Lease Purchase Available! Great Hometime Experience Req'd. (800)441-4271 x FL-100 HornadyTransportation.com

 

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

 

ADOPTIONS

 

 

A childless couple seeks to adopt. Flexible work schedule. Will be HANDS-ON parents. Financial security. Expenses paid. Catherine & Michael. (ask for michelle/adam). (800)790-2560 FL Bar#0150789

 

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

 

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

 

 

Waterfront Property

 

 

Lender- Ordered Lake Liquidation Sale! Saturday 8/27 only! 2+ acres with free boat slips only $19,900. Was $59,900. Boat, ski, fish on 160,000 acre Kentucky Lake. All infrastructure completed. Own for pennies on the dollar. Excellent financing. Call now (800)704-3154

 

Condos For Sale

 

 

WATERFRONT CONDO LIQUIDATION! SW Florida Coast! Brand new, upscale 2 bedroom, 2 bath, 1,675sf condo. Only $179,900! (Similar unit sold for $399,900) Prime downtown location on the water! Call now (877)888-7571, x28

 

Acreage & Farms

 

 

NY - SOUTHERN TIER FARM SALE! 9 acres - $24,900. Woods, lake rights, mins. North of the PA border! Survey, clear title! Call (877)458-8227 or click: www.NewYorkLandandLakes.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.

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

 

 

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

 

Miscellaneous

 

 

DIRECTV Summer Special! 1 Year FREE Showtime! 3 mos FREE HBO/Starz/Cinemax! NFL SUNDAY TICKET Free- Choice Ultimate/Premier- Pkgs from $29.99/mo. Call by 8/15! (800)363-3755

 

DISH NETWORK lowest nationwide price $19.99 a month. FREE HBO/ Cinemax/ Starz/ Showtime FREE Blockbuster FREE HD-DVR and install. Next day install (800)908-2955. Restrictions apply call for details.

 

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 Maintenance 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.

LEGAL NOTICE

Fictitious Names

NOTICE UNDER FICTITIOUS NAME ACT

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of The Urgent Care Center a Department of North Florida Regional Medical Center, located in Alachua County, Florida, with an address of 812 NW 57th Street, Gainesville, FL  32605, has registered said name with the Division of Corporations of the Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

 

Dated the 9th day of August, 2011. North Florida Regional Medical Center, Inc.

(Published: Alachua County Today – August 11, 2011)

 

PUBLIC NOTICE

 

 

CITY OF HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the following Item(s) will be heard at a meeting held by the City Commission of the City of Hawthorne, Florida, at a public hearing on September 20, 2011 at 6:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter can be heard, in the Commission Meeting Room, City Hall located at 6700 Southeast 221st Street, Hawthorne, Florida. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITYOF HAWTHORNE, ALACHUA COUNTY FLORIDA, AMENDING ARTICLE II, SECTION 30-37, OF THE CITY CODE OF ORDINANCES ENSURING COMPLIANCE WITH STATE LAW BY PROVIDING THAT FIREARMS ARE PROHIBITED IN CITY PARKS UNLESS ONE POSSESSES A CURRENT CONCEALED FIREARM/WEAPONS PERMIT; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF CONFLICTING ORDINANCES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. . PLEASE NOTE: Pursuant to Section 286.015, Florida Statues, if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Commission with respect to any matter considered at such meeting, he or she will need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceeding is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. In accordance with the American with Disabilities Act, a person with disabilities needing any special accommodations to participate in City Commission Meetings should contact the office at City Hall at 352-481-2432. On the date, time and place first above mentioned, all interested persons may appear and be heard with respect to the proposed actions. This/ These Ordinance(s) may be inspected by the public prior to the hearing at City Hall located at the address above.

(Published: Alachua County Today - August 11, 2011)

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

 

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

 

NEED MORE RESPONSE? Advertise in Over 100 Florida Papers reaching MILLIONS of people. Advertising Networks of Florida, Put us to work for You! (866)742-1373 www.florida-classifieds.com.

 

SCHOOLS/INSTRUCTION

 

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

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

 

EMPLOYMENT NOTICE Water/Waste water Technician Apprentice City of Newberry

Entry level position, performing maintenance, repair and installation for the water/wastewater distribution and collection systems. Requirements: a valid Florida Driver’s License, Class B CDL and a good driving record. Plumbing knowledge and ability to operate heavy equipment preferred but not required. The City of Newberry is an Equal Opportunity Employer & Drug Free Workplace. Generous benefit package available. Applications are available at City Hall Annex located at 25445 West Newberry Road Newberry Fl 32669 or www.ci.newberry.fl Contact Human Resources: 352-472-2446 ext. 112. Applications must be returned to Human Resources no later than 4:30 pm, Monday, August 15, 2011.

 

 

DRIVERS- WEEKLY HOMETIME for most lanes. Up to 42cpm! Daily or weekly pay. No forced dispatch to NYC or Canada. CDL-A, 3 months recent experience. (800)414-9569. www.driveknight.com

 

Drivers- No Experience ~ No Problem. 100% Paid CDL Training. Immediate Benefits. 20/10 program. Trainers Earn up to 49¢ per mile! CRST VAN EXPEDITED (800)326-2778 www.JoinCRST.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

 

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

 

Need CDL Drivers A or B with 2 yrs recent commercial experience to transfer motor homes, straight trucks, tractors, and buses. www.mamotransportation.com (800)501-3783.

 

EMPLOYMENT NOTICE City of Newberry Parks & Recreation Grounds & Maintenance Technician Diamond Sports Park

Must have knowledge of basic landscape maintenance and turf installation; be able to perform maintenance on various grounds and athletic fields. Current valid Florida Driver's License is required.

 

The City of Newberry is an Equal Opportunity Employer & Drug Free Workplace. Generous benefit package available.

 

Applications are available at City Hall Annex located at 25445 West Newberry Road Newberry Fl. 32669 or www.ci.newberry.fl.us Contact Human Resources: 352-472-2446 ext. 112. Applications must be returned to Human Resources no later than 4:30 pm, Monday, August 19, 2011.

 

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

 

 

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

 

 

Investors - Outstanding and immediate returns in equipment leasing for oilfield industry. Immediate lease out. Tax benefits and high returns. We need more equipment! (800)397-2639

 

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

 

ADOPTIONS

 

 

A childless couple seeks to adopt. Flexible work schedule. Will be HANDS-ON parents. Financial security. Expenses paid. Catherine & Michael. (ask for michelle/adam). (800)790-2560 FL Bar#0150789

 

Are you pregnant? Considering adoption? Childless married couple seeking to adopt & provide loving home, education, and travel. Financial security. Expenses paid. Lisa & Raymond (888)517-0112 Bar#0150789

 

ADOPTION Please help us adopt, Married couple would love to be parents www.brianandstacyprayforababy.com Please call (888)578-0708 LCFS No: 012998

 

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. '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.

 

Condos For Sale

 

 

WATERFRONT CONDO LIQUIDATION! SW Florida Coast! Brand new, upscale 2 bedroom, 2 bath, 1,675sf condo. Only $179,900! (Similar unit sold for $399,900) Prime downtown location on the water! Call now (877)888-7571, x28

 

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

 

NY – SOUTHERN TIER FARM SALE! 9 acres - $24,900. Woods, lake rights, mins. North of the PA border! Survey, clear title! Call (877) 458-8227 or click: www.NewYorkLandandLakes.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.

 

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

 

Miss Joni's Preschool is having a multi-family yard sale on Saturday Aug. 13 from 7 a.m. to noon. 12440 US HWY 441. Everything must go. Toys, kitchen items, office, clothes, furniture, etc.

 

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

Sat., Aug. 13, 8 a.m. Meadowglen subdivision C.R. 235A North of Santa Fe High School.

 

Miscellaneous

 

 

DIRECTV Summer Special! 1 Year FREE Showtime! 3 mos FREE HBO/Starz/Cinemax! NFL SUNDAY TICKET Free- Choice Ultimate/ Premier-Pkgs from $29.99/mo. Call by 8/15! (800)363-3755

 

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

 

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

 

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.

editorialsAlbert Einstein is credited with the often repeated definition of insanity:  doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.  Perhaps Congress and the President should become acquainted with this adage.  Unfortunately, it appears that not only are they quite familiar with it, it has become not just a fall back plan, but standard operating procedure.

For those following the Debt Ceiling fiasco, more than a few cynics predicted a last minute agreement would be reached between the President and the Democratic and Republican leaders of the House and Senate. Why was this not surprising to long-time politicians? And why is it becoming less and less surprising to the American public?

How many renditions of the “missing-the-deadline-will-bring-about-cataclysmic-repercusions, but it isn’t our fault we’re in this position” is the American public supposed to swallow?  Another saying that comes to mind is fool me once, shame on you.  Fool me twice, shame on me.  Why does it appear that this never ending race to the finish line is an orchestrated attempt to simply cultivate politics as usual?

The American public sees this play out time and time again.  Set against a looming deadline, pressure mounts, plans are revealed, some in more detail than others.  It may be the sheer threat that a plan exists, or will exist, or in some cases, may never exist, that throws the entire country into a tailspin.  Major media adds to the hype, analyzing, scrutinizing and conjecturing ad nauseam.  They may as well bring out the crystal ball and have a go.  For in reality, no one knows the outcomes, the consequences, intended or unintended, of various plans – or of no plans.

What can be certain is that Congress will spend an inordinate amount of time, foot dragging, pontificating, posturing, prevaricating and plain old delaying.  The big loser isn’t either party, or any party for that matter.

It is the American public, whom must suffer the threats, some veiled, others quite deliberate that they will somehow come out of the bargain, not only worse off than before, but that they will take the brunt of the always catastrophic negative effects.

And while Congress and the President are playing their political games, maneuvering for the one-upmanship position, taking credit, or assigning blame, it is those folks outside the 10-square mile logic-free zone, also known as Washington, D.C., that endure the agony with a deer-in-the-headlights look.  But there is no escape, no safe haven in sight.  Because the political professionals already have their scripts, are playing out their roles, arguing, posturing, and oh, so miraculously, coming up with the 11th hour compromise that leaves those on the extreme right or the extreme left wings of either party less than satisfied.

Politicians busy making the celebratory compromise-is-a-wonderful-thing speeches would have everyone believe a miracle has occurred and the country has been snatched from the precipice of the apocalypse.  And the American public is left scratching their heads wondering if the agreement is a good one or not.

Perhaps the public would have more confidence if it had been developed in a measured manner, with full examination of possible effects, and embraced long before the final gong of the closing bell.

Was it a good thing to send the stock market plunging and gasping over the past weeks? Would seniors, veterans and lots of other folks who were targeted with threats of financial and medical ruin agree that the thoughtless and irresponsible actions, or lack thereof, of this Congress and President were a good thing? Is degradation of America in the eyes of the world a proud moment?

No side is guiltless in this battle.  What is certain is that the debt ceiling has been raised and promises have been made.  Only time will tell if this latest round of promises evolves into meaningful dialogue or becomes redirected as political fodder.

But for now, Congress can puff out their collective chest, slap each other on the back and head home or elsewhere, espousing their ability to reach across the aisle and get the job done for the American public…until the next deadline is looming large.

lettersI am writing about the "veterans’ transitional housing" planned for the Holiday Inn building at Newberry Road and I-75. It is a partnership between the Veterans Administration and the Alachua County Housing Authority (ACHA.) The ACHA is not a county organization.  The county commission does appoint members of its governing board, but gives no taxpayer dollars or policy direction.  It is a separate, non-profit agency.  It seems at least one commissioner is confused about this.

Following a two-year analysis and property search for potential sites, they settled on the Holiday Inn building, applied for a Veterans Administration grant, and won.

This transitional housing facility is different from a homeless shelter in the following ways: Clients are motivated, self-selected individuals who are seeking counseling. The facility is their home, and each client has their own room, with bathroom.  They can keep their belongings there, and they aren't turned out into the streets to wander each morning. Food is provided for them. Clients participate in a rigorous process of counseling.  They're drug-tested.  They must follow rules; if they break the rules, they can be expelled.  Soldiers returning from the war in Iraq or Afghanistan are living with a peer group experiencing the same problems they're experiencing.  This group dynamic has proven to be beneficial.

Adjacent business owners are being selfish and are primarily concerned that the facility will hurt their business.  They haven't had the foresight to think that these returning soldiers can also be customers.

These men are not criminals or dangerous panhandlers, but patriots that went to war to protect the freedoms of you and me.  Our freedoms come with a price and supporting our returning veterans are part of that price that anyone who calls himself a patriot should be willing to pay and then welcome them into our midst.

These men are wounded warriors and need our support, not slamming the door in their face.

If we don't use this grant as written, it will simply disappear and that would be a shame.

Linda Kemp Pollini

Melrose, Fla.

lettersAnother good person has passed away. Howard Sharper was the hardest working person in Alachua, or maybe anywhere. Mr. Sharper worked for the City of Alachua in the early days of the recreation department. He not only worked for the recreation department, but he also worked for many citizens in the City of Alachua and the surrounding areas.

Howard loved his family and everyone else he encountered.  As his health failed he continued to work and help his friends and family.

Mr. Howard Sharper will truly be missed but he will never be forgotten. Everyone will remember Mr. Howard Sharper as the doggone hardest worker around.

P.S.  A special note to Howard.  My kids remember you very well as the kindest person they have ever met.

Hal Brady

City of Alachua

Director of Parks & Recreation

lettersThe Jimmy Hill family would like to thank all for the outpouring of love and support through the much cherished cards, calls, visits, flowers, food, and prayers.  In our time of deep sorrow all these precious displays of remembrance and affection are a great uplifting to our lives.

The Jimmy Hill Family

Alachua, Fla.

Merrillwood_KiwanisSafe haven to offer after school activities

On Saturday, children in Alachua’s Merrillwood neighborhood found relief from the heat along with fun and free food thanks to the Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe.  The club has been painting the Alachua Police Department substation that will serve as a safe haven for children in the low-income neighborhood and offer structured after school activities. 

With the clock ticking on the countdown to the school year’s opening day bell, local Kiwanians have been doubling their efforts to help some local youngsters. While many children have a variety of after school choices, some kids don’t. That's why members of the Santa Fe Kiwanis Club have been spending their Saturdays up to their elbows in paint, working to spruce up a local gathering place in the city of Alachua.

The Alachua Police Department (APD) substation in the Merrillwood neighborhood of Alachua will soon be what Kiwanis Club members are calling a “safe haven” for children.  Located within Merrillwood’s low income public housing community, the substation is surrounded by the 40 homes owned by the Alachua County Housing Authority.  The Housing Authority offers reduced rental rates for those who qualify, but the agency does not offer any special amenities for the many children who live in what some locals call “the projects.”

While after school activities for some children range from privately offered care to enrichment classes such as music, dance, gymnastics, academics, etc., for most of the Merrillwood children, after school activities consist of the walk home from school to the neighborhood, television, video games, and maybe just hanging out with friends.  One of the biggest problems facing children coming from a low income family is the lack of money for outside school expenses.

The Kiwanis Club is hoping to change that, and with the support of the APD, when children head home after school in a few short weeks, they will have some place to go that will offer structured activities that are fun and supervised.

Kiwanis member Rick Hill said that the 23-member High Springs club has been working to help transform the substation into more than a law enforcement stronghold, but a safe haven for the neighborhood’s children. Among those pitching in Saturday were club members Hill, High Springs Commissioner Sue Weller and husband, Tom Weller, Felicia DeCoursey and husband, Calvin.

Setting the stage for the after school program, on Saturday the Kiwanis Club members threw a kickoff party, serving up grilled hotdogs, chips and chilled soft drinks to neighborhood youngsters.  And with the addition of inflatable water slides, several dozen children were attracted to the excitement.  Nine-year-old Ray Anderson, a student at Alachua Elementary, wasted no time in diving onto a make-shift slip-n-slide, a large heavy duty plastic tarp spread over the grass, and doused in a combination of water and liquid soap.

The celebration also brought out Alachua Mayor Gib Coerper.  “The City of Alachua appreciates the Kiwanis Club for doing this for the children of this community,” said Coerper. “The Kiwanis motto is to serve children, and they are certainly doing that here.  We are pleased they not only assist in the High Springs area, but they reach into Alachua as well. We appreciate their hard work and efforts.”

APD Police Chief Joel DeCoursey was on hand with a small contingent of the police force.  DeCoursey believes the substation is a great location to reach neighborhood children and is grateful to the Kiwanis Club for their work to improve the building, which he admits was in “deplorable condition.”

“It’s about giving back to the community,” DeCoursey said. “The Kiwanis Club helped a daycare center in High Springs, and now they’re working to improve the substation here in Alachua, and help the children.”

“This is a reward to the neighborhood kids for having a good school year,” said DeCoursey about the party.  “Most of these children,” he said, pointing at the excited group of youngsters, “are honor roll students.” DeCoursey added that the law enforcement presence at the summer celebration, with the backdrop of the picnic and the water games, is a means of showing the kids that police officers are more than “guys who chase bad guys.”

“We are real people and we can be their friend,” he said.  “This sort of activity helps break down barriers, and can help guide these children down the right path.”  DeCoursey explained it is this type of relationship that helps the youngsters understand they can come to the police for help.  “We at the APD certainly appreciate all the help the Kiwanis Club is giving to us here. This leads the children into developing a positive attitude about life, and that one day, they too will give back to their community.”

Several APD Explorers, under the direction of Detective Carrie Lund, stopped by to survey the progress of the project.  Lund said the youth group was present in an unofficial capacity; they just wanted to be part of the day’s activities.  The Explorers use the substation frequently and know many of the children in the neighborhood.  “We care about these children and this building,” said Lund.  “This is our place, too, and we look at these children as part of our extended family.”

While the inside of the building and portions of the exterior have received new coats of paint, there is still more to be done.  Club members say the next steps include renovation of the floors and new blinds for the windows.  But if the smiles on the children’s faces are any indication, the project is already a resounding success.

AlachuaMotorcycleHigh Springs firefighter Chad Hood was killed in an early morning crash when his motorcycle collided with a minivan.

A High Springs firefighter was killed in a Tuesday morning motorcycle crash, the Alachua Police Department (APD) reports.

According to preliminary police reports, 35-year-old firefighter Chad Hood was driving a Suzuki motorcycle northbound on U.S. Highway 441 in Alachua when he collided with a Volkswagen minivan.  The accident happened around 6:37 a.m. near a Sunoco gas station in the area of the Turkey Creek neighborhood.

The minivan pulled out of the Sunoco gas station and crossed in front of Hood’s line of travel, presumably to turn southbound on U.S. 441, APD Spokesman Jessie Sandusky said.

Hood reportedly struck the side of the van.  He was transported to Shands Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Sandusky said a helmet was found at the scene, but police are not yet certain if Hood was wearing it.  The driver of the minivan, Jason Davis, is being cited for the accident.  Additional charges could follow, but Sandusky said toxicology reports on Davis would take several months.

Friends of Hood say the firefighter was on his way to the High Springs fire station when the accident occurred.  He was a Gainesville resident and graduate of Buchholz High School.  He had been with the High Springs Fire Department since 2007.

Hood’s death leaves a void in the High Springs Fire Department.  “Chad was a full member of the family here and he is already greatly missed,” Fire Chief Verne Riggall said Wednesday.

“He was someone who was quiet and reserved but always did his part and always put his family first,” he said.

Hood leaves behind a wife, Susan, and a young son, Wyatt.  High Springs residents Linda Gestrin and Robyn Rush have established a memorial fund to benefit Hood’s wife and son.  Contributions may be made to the “Chad Hood Memorial Fund” at Capital City Bank.

After a lengthy debate, an ordinance which effectively opens the doors for alcohol sales at restaurants anywhere in the city of High Springs, the commission narrowly passed the measure Thursday night.

In a 3-2 vote, commissioners gave the okay for a controversial new ordinance removing the distance requirements that a restaurant serving alcohol must be from a church or a school.  The new law becomes effective Sunday, July 7.  Under High Springs’ current regulations, alcoholic beverages may not be served within 500 feet of a church or 600 feet of a public or private school.

To be exempt from the 500 and 600 feet distance requirements, establishments serving alcoholic beverages must meet a total of nine specific criteria.  The language aims to eliminate the possibility of a bar serving within the minimum distances by requiring that the alcohol being served is by a restaurant that derives at least 51 percent of its gross revenue from the sale of food and nonalcoholic beverages.

Other criteria include having sufficient metal cutlery, china dishes, seating and cooking equipment on hand to serve at least 60 customers.  It also may not serve alcoholic beverages at any time that it is not prepared to also serve “full-course meals with a substantial variety of culinary choices,” the ordnance reads.

In recent years, the City’s alcohol restrictions have come under harsh criticism from some, while others say it’s necessary for safety and to keep order in High Springs.  As in the past, the public hearing Thursday also drew droves of residents and business owners who voiced their opinion on the matter.

Resident Sylvia Newcomb opposed the changes saying, “I think if you ask the majority of the citizens of High Springs, they will tell you they don’t want a decrease in distance from schools.”

Suggesting that approving the ordinance would turn voters against sitting commissioners seeking re-election, she said, “A more equitable way of solving this issue… is put it on the ballot and let the citizens speak.”

Susan Flemming, a downtown commercial property owner, disagreed and suggested relaxing the rules would serve to increase economic development.  “I have lost two tenants in the last two years because of the economy and because of not being able to serve alcohol.”

“People want to come in and have a nice meal, a glass of wine, a beer maybe, not to sit around and get hammered,” Flemming said.  “I am a Christian woman. I do believe in God, and I also believe in moderation.”

One of Flemming’s tenants, Los Avina Mexican Restaurant owner Jorge Avina, recently announced he would be moving his business to Alachua’s Main Street.  Chief among the reasons Avina cited for the move was the ability to sell and serve alcoholic beverages with meals.

“When people eat Mexican food, they want the option of having a beer or a glass of wine,” Avina said in a mid-July interview.  “My business in High Springs has been stable, but it’s not growing.”

Commissioner Dean Davis, however, said Los Avina is an exception.  “We’ve lost six businesses this month, and none of them have anything to do with alcohol, except for [Los Avina],” Davis said.  “The only way a little business is going to survive in High Springs is if the local people support it.”

Commissioner Eric May supports removing the distance minimums for restaurants, which he believes shouldn’t be grouped with bars.  “Why would a businessman, who is looking to invest his dollars…put them in a community that unfairly groups these two businesses together,” he said.  “I believe in the free market, and I believe in enterprise, and in High Springs and what it could be.”

Mayor Larry Travis was also in favor of allowing restaurants to serve alcohol regardless of distances from schools and churches. “We have to think outside the box to make ourselves competitive,” Travis said.  “This is just one small spoke in the wheel, but I think it’s a big one.”

Vice-Mayor Byran Williams, who is also a pastor, said his opposition to lifting the distance minimums didn’t come from his religious beliefs.  “My biggest issue is safety,” he said.  “If someone wants to drink, that’s their prerogative, but I think there’s a place and a time for everything,” he added, alluding to the potential of impaired drivers being in the vicinity of a school.

After the nearly two hours of discussion and debate, the commission passed the measure in a 3-2 vote with Williams and Davis opposing the measure.

Many property owners in the City of High Springs should catch a slight break on their property tax bill in the coming year.  Commissioners voted 4-1 Thursday evening to keep the ad valorem tax rate at 6.15 mills.

For the City to collect the same property taxes in the 2011/12 fiscal year as it did in the 2010/11 fiscal year, it would have to raise the rate to 6.6531 mills.  A weak economy and slow real estate market have pushed down the values on property, meaning cities and counties across the state would have to increase the tax rate to achieve the same ad valorem revenues year over year.

Interim City Manager Jenny Parham will have to go back to the drawing board on parts of her budget to find cuts.  That’s because the 6.15 mill rate will bring in about $110,000 less in the coming fiscal year than the current one.

Commissioner Eric May initially made a motion at a July 28 meeting to keep the millage at 6.15 mills, but without a second to back it up, the measure died.  Commissioner Sue Weller then proposed setting the rate at the roll back rate of 6.6531 mills to maintain the current tax revenues.  That motion also died for a lack of a second.

It was only after Commissioner Dean Davis said he would prefer to keep the tax rate at 6.15 that the commission was able to put together a motion for consideration.

Weller opposed dropping the rate, noting that the commission could set the tax rate at 6.6531 until it can find ways to cut during the budgeting process and then drop it down.

“I think we need to look at the roll back rate.  We have several departments requesting funds that aren’t even in this budget.

“We don’t know if we’re going to need an additional $10,000 or 20,000 to make this budget work,” Weller said, adding that she didn’t intend to have the final rate set that high, but was just allowing room to work with the budget.

Mayor Larry Travis concurred with Weller, but May saw it differently.

May said dropping the tax rate was part of a larger economic plan to attract more businesses to High Springs.

“I feel confident that there is at least $110,000 we can cut,” he said.  “If we put ourselves in a box now, it will really prompt us to do the cutting we need to do.”

Although Travis ultimately supported May’s proposal, he said the reduced ad valorem revenues would mean cuts.  “I think at some point in time, we’re going have to decide what we’re trying to do with our public safety,” he said.  “We want to have a full-time police department, a full-time fire department, but the only way we can do that is with ad valorem tax…We’ve got to find a way to cut.”

Vice-Mayor Byran Williams agreed with May saying, “I hope the citizens understand what we’re trying to do here.  It’s a tough decision, but it’s got to be made.”

With Weller casting the only dissenting vote, the commissioner sent Parham back to find the $110,000 in cuts from the $4.4 million general fund budget she proposed.

A public hearing reviewing the proposed millage rate and the budget is set for Sept. 8 at 6:30 p.m.



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: ABSTRACT BODYWORKS, located at 4936 NW 39th Avenue, in the County of ALACHUA, in the City of GAINESVILLE, Florida 32609, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

 Dated at Alachua, Florida, this 20th day of July, 2011. Robin Kepler

(Published: Alachua County Today - August 08-04-11)

PUBLIC NOTICE

  

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

The City of High Springs is currently seeking proposals from qualified firms to provide contract mowing and general landscape maintenance at various specified City locations in accordance with the terms, conditions, and specifications in this RFP. Bid specifications may be obtained at City Hall. It will be the sole responsibility of the bidder to inspect the properties designated to be served by the contract prior to submitting a proposal.

 

Sealed proposals must be submitted to the Office of the City Manager at City Hall, 110 NW 1st Avenue, High Springs, Florida 32643 by 3:00 pm, Friday, August 26, 2011.

 

THE CITY OF HIGH SPRINGS RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY OR ALL PROPOSALS AND TO ACCEPT THE BID FOUND TO BE IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE CITY.

(Published: Alachua County Today - July 21 and Aug. 04, 2011)

NOTICE OF PROPOSED ENACTMENT OF ORDINANCE BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WALDO, FLORIDA

Notice is hereby given that City Council of the City of Waldo will consider the following ordinance for second and final reading on September 8, 2011, at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as may be heard, at the Yerkes Center, 14245 Cole Street, Waldo, Florida All interested parties may appear and be heard with respect to the proposed ordinance.

ORDINANCE NO. 2011-02 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF WALDO, FLORIDA, ADOPTING NOISE REGULATIONS; MAKING LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS; PROVIDING DEFINITIONS, EXEMPTIONS, AND PROHIBITED NOISE LEVELS; PROVIDING FOR ENFORCEMENT; PROVIDING INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CODIFIER; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

A copy of the proposed ordinance is available for public inspection at City Hall, 14655 Kennard Street, Waldo, Florida, during regular business hours. Persons with disabilities requesting reasonable accommodations to participate in this proceeding should contact City Hall at (352) 468-1001 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting date.

 

Please be advised that if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Council with respect to any matter considered at said hearing, that person will need a record of the proceedings, and that for such purpose, that person may need to insure that a verbatim record is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - August 04, 2011)

 

STATE OF FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NOTICE OF DRAFT PERMIT

The Department of Environmental Protection gives notice of its preparation of a draft permit to the City of Archer, John Glanzer, Post Office Box 39, Archer, Florida 32618 for the Archer Wastewater Treatment Facility. This permit authorizes the permittee to construct and operate a 0.25 million gallons per day (MGD) domestic wastewater treatment facility (WWTF) which would land apply 0.25 MGD of reclaimed water to a slow-rate restricted public access (except subsurface) system. The facility will be located at latitude 29o30'46" N, longitude 82o29'57" W, north of Brown Acres Drive, on the east side of the rail road track, Archer, Florida 32618 in Alachua County.

 

Any interested person may submit written comments on the Department's draft permit or may submit a written request for a public meeting to Dean Setiono, 7825 Baymeadows Way, Suite B200, Jacksonville, Florida 32256-7577, in accordance with Rule 62-620.555, Florida Administrative Code. The comments or request for a public meeting must contain the information set forth below and must be received in the Department's Northeast District Office within 30 days of publication of this notice. Failure to submit comments or request a public meeting within this time period shall constitute a waiver of any right such person may have to submit comments or request a public meeting under Rule 62-620.555, Florida Administrative Code.

 

The comments or request for a public meeting must contain the following information: (a) The commenter's name, address, and telephone number; the applicant's name and address; the Department permit file number; and the county in which the project is proposed;

 

(b) A statement of how and when notice of the Department's action or proposed action was received; (c) A statement of the facts the Department should consider in making the final decision; (d) A statement of which rules or statutes require reversal or modification of the Department's action or proposed action; and

 

(e) If desired, a request that a public meeting be scheduled including a statement of the nature of the issues proposed to be raised at the meeting. If a public meeting is scheduled, the public comment period is extended until the close of the public meeting. However, the Department may not always grant a request for a public meeting. Therefore, written comments should be submitted within 30 days of publication of this notice, even if a public meeting is requested. If a public meeting is held, any person may submit oral or written statements and data at the public meeting on the Department's proposed action. As a result of significant public comment, the Department's final action may be different from the position taken by it in this draft permit.

 

The permit application file and supporting data are available for public inspection during normal business hours, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except legal holidays, at the Department's Northeast District Office, 7825 Baymeadows Way, Suite B200, Jacksonville, Florida 32256-7577, at phone number (904) 256-1700.

(Published: Alachua County Today - August 04, 2011)

 

NOTICE OF PROPOSED ENACTMENT OF ORDINANCE BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WALDO, FLORIDA

Notice is hereby given that City Council of the City of Waldo will consider the following ordinance for second and final reading on September 8, 2011, at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as may be heard, at the Yerkes Center, 14245 Cole Street, Waldo, Florida

All interested parties may appear and be heard with respect to the proposed ordinance.

ORDINANCE NO. 2011-03

 

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF WALDO, FLORIDA; ESTABLISHING AN AUDIT COMMITTEE PURSUANT TO STATE LAW; PROVIDING INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CODIFIER; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

A copy of the proposed ordinance is available for public inspection at City Hall, 14655 Kennard Street, Waldo, Florida, during regular business hours. Persons with disabilities requesting reasonable accommodations to participate in this proceeding should contact City Hall at (352) 468-1001 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting date. Please be advised that if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Council with respect to any matter considered at said hearing, that person will need a record of the proceedings, and that for such purpose, that person may need to insure that a verbatim record is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

(Published: Alachua County Today - August 4, 2011)

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

NEED MORE RESPONSE? Advertise in Over 100 Florida Papers reaching MILLIONS of people. Advertising Networks of Florida, Put us to work for You! (866)742-1373 www.florida-classifieds.com.

 

SCHOOLS/INSTRUCTION

 

 

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

 

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

 

 

Driver- Great Miles! Great Pay! $1000 Sign-on for experienced CO's & $1500 incentives for O/O's. Driver Academy Refresher Course available. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. (855)356-7121

 

EMPLOYMENT NOTICE Water/Waste water Technician Apprentice City of Newberry

Entry level position, performing maintenance, repair and installation for the water/wastewater distribution and collection systems. Requirements: a valid Florida Driver’s License, Class B CDL and a good driving record. Plumbing knowledge and ability to operate heavy equipment preferred but not required. The City of Newberry is an Equal Opportunity Employer & Drug Free Workplace. Generous benefit package available. Applications are available at City Hall Annex located at 25445 West Newberry Road Newberry Fl 32669 or www.ci.newberry.fl Contact Human Resources: 352-472-2446 ext. 112. Applications must be returned to Human Resources no later than 4:30 pm, Monday, August 15, 2011.

 

 

Need 13 Good Drivers Top 5% Pay & 401K Great Equipment & Benefits 2 Mos. CDL Class A Driving Exp (877)258-8782 www.meltontruck.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

 

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

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

 

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

 

ADOPTIONS

 

 

A childless couple seeks to adopt. Flexible work schedule. Will be HANDS-ON parents. Financial security. Expenses paid. Catherine & Michael. (ask for michelle/adam). (800)790-2560 FL Bar#0150789

 

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. '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.

 

Waterfront Property

 

 

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.

 

Condos For Sale

 

 

WATERFRONT CONDO LIQUIDATION! SW Florida Coast! Brand new, upscale 2 bedroom, 2 bath, 1,675sf condo. Only $179,900! (Similar unit sold for $399,900) Prime downtown location on the water! Call now (877)888-7571, x28

 

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.

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 acre LaCrosse. Beautifully wooded, paved road frontage. Owner financing. No down payment. $27,900. $287/mo. 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 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.

Garage Sale-Fri & Sat-16725 NW 175th Terr, Alachua. Household items, adult and children clothes, zoo zoo pets and accessories, toys, some antique items.

 

Miscellaneous

 

 

DIRECTV Summer Special! 1 Year FREE Showtime! 3 mos FREE HBO/Starz/Cinemax! NFL SUNDAY TICKET Free- Choice Ultimate/Premier-Pkgs from $29.99/mo. Call by 8/15! (800)363-3755

 

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

 

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

 

WANTED TO BUY

 

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

 

Auctions

 

 

Absolute Auction. 138+/- acre farm, 2652+/- sq ft. home,Covington County,near Andalusia AL & Gantt Lake, offerred in 7 Parcels,combinations. GTAuctions.com, (205)326-0833. Granger, Thagard& Associates, Jack. F Granger, #873

 

BANKRUPTCY AUCTION-August 2nd-8th, 28 Florida & Georgia Properties! Residential and Commercial lots and structures in Duval, Sumter, Volusia and More! Register Now at www.flemingauction.com



To Place a Classified Call 386-462-3355.

HS_Cat_Sanctuary_06-11Today file photo/ Nearly 700 cats were seized from Haven Acres Cat Sanctuary in High Springs over a two day period in June.

Alachua County authorities are reporting that Alachua County Animal Services and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) can now begin the placement of the Haven Acres cats, following the surrender of the cats by Haven Acres Cat Sanctuary.

"It was only a matter of time before we got the cats," states David Flagler, Alachua County Animal Services Director. "We are excited to enter this new phase with the cats, we are disappointed that the cats had to spend two months in cages while the Sanctuary owner's came to this decision."

On June 7 and 8 of this year, Alachua County Animal Services, with the assistance of several local and national organizations seized nearly 700 live cats from the Haven Acres Cat Sanctuary in High Springs.

The seizure was part of a criminal investigation and in response to concerns of alleged hoarding, said Flagler. Animal Services was tipped off in late May when a person wanting to drop off a cat at the sanctuary became concerned upon seeing the conditions of the animals there, Flagler said.

The County Commission had restricted the Sanctuary to a maximum of 200 cats, and the seizure was touted as one of the largest cat hoarding cases in the United States.

Most of the cats had been kept in pens scattered across the eight-acre property, but some were kept inside a home and elsewhere. There were deceased cats found, including some in a refrigerator and at least one in a cage.

Specific adoption events have not yet been scheduled, but residents will soon have an opportunity to adopt these cats said county officials.

Louise Naomi Christopher, age 90, passed away at her home on Sunday, July 31, 2011, surrounded by her family.

She was born in Hahira, Ga., and was a member of the Santa Fe Baptist Church in Santa Fe, Fla.  She retired from Lockheed Martin Marietta Corp in Orlando, Fla., with 25 years of service in the food services division.

In 1986, Ms. Christopher moved from Orlando to Alachua to be near her sister, Mrs. Edna Mae Weeks. She enjoyed the many friends she made after moving to the “country,” helping to start a new church in Santa Fe, and working as one of the owners of the Pot O’ Gold in High Springs.  She performed numerous catering events, specializing in wedding cakes. She taught cake decorating in Orlando and High Springs and assisted in the publication of a successful cookbook titled “Frosting On The Cake.”

She was a talented artist, which was demonstrated by the many beautiful wedding and other occasion cakes she made over the years. Her paintings and crafts are treasured by her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur F. Christopher; daughters, Martha Sue Hancock Via and Marjorie E. Hancock Virgine; sister, Edna Mae Weeks and brother, Elwood Harris.

She is survived by son, Bruce (Audrey) Hancock of New Smyrna Beach; son, Dale Pat Hancock of Alachua; daughter, Jo Sanders of Orlando; sister-in-law, Grace Harris of Alachua; step-sister, Geraldine Purvis of Alapaha, Ga; step-brother, Pete Gaskins of Orlando; nieces, Patty Hill and Sandy Carroll, Alachua, Debby Crofton of Hohenwald, Tenn; and grandson, Mike (Debra) Hancock of Orlando.

Visitation will be on Thursday, August 4, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Evans-Carter Funeral Home in High Springs.

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, August 6 at 11 a.m. at the Santa Fe Baptist Church in Santa Fe, Fla. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Orlando, Fla.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Haven Hospice, 4200 NW 90th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32606.

Velma June Butler McKnight, 70, passed on Thursday, July 28, 2011 at Fulton County Hospital, Fulton, Ga.  The first of seven children, she was born to the late Roosevelt Butler, Sr. and Irma Lee Butler Ruise.

She gave confirmation of salvation at an early age while attending Church of God in Christ, Alachua, Fla.

She was a graduate of A. L. Mebane class of 1958, a graduate of Edward Waters College, and worked as a Management Librarian at the San Diego Public Library.

She was an avid baseball fan (Padres).

She is survived by her husband, Rev. Edward McKnight; son, Terence Murray of San Diego, Calif. and daughter, Tarsha Murray of Houston, Texas; step-children, Dafphne Collins, Delores Kingdom (James) Smith, and Latoya Lawson, all of Alabama; eight grandchildren; brothers, Roosevelt (Laura) Butler, of High Springs, Robert Butler of Louisville, Ky., Walter (Anne) Butler of Flint, Mich. and Alvin (Reese) Butler of Tampa, Fla.; sisters, L. Carol (Moses) Haile of Gainesville, Fla. and Virginia Green of Alachua, Fla.; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Funeral services for Mrs. McKnight will be Saturday, August 6, 2011 at Female Protective Society, Gainesville, Fla. at 3 p.m. with her husband Rev. McKnight, officiating.  Burial will follow in Newnansville Cemetery.  Visitation will be Friday 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home.

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

Chad_HoodUPDATE:  The funeral services for High Springs Fire Fighter Chad Hood are as follows:

The viewing is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 4, from 6 p.m to 7:30 p.m. at Williams Thomas Funeral Home located at 823 NW 143rd Street, Jonesville.  The funeral will be on Friday, Aug. 5 at 11 a.m. at the North Central Baptist Church located at 8001 NW 23rd Avenue, Gainesville. Burieil will be in the cemetery located at the Countryside Baptist Church immediately following the funeral services.  The location of the cemetery is 10926 NW 39th Avenue, Gainesville. It is directly behind the chuch/school.

*     *     *

A High Springs firefighter was killed Tuesday morning in a crash in Alachua.  According to preliminary police reports, Firefighter Chad Hood was driving a motorcycle northbound on U.S. Highway 441 shortly after 6:30 a.m. when a minivan pulled out of a Sunoco gas station onto the highway.  Hood reportedly struck the side of the van.  He was pronounced deceased at Shands Hospital.  More details on this story to come in the August 4 printed edition of Alachua County Today.

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.

columnColumn by Ellen Boukari

What do the 30th president of the United States, an advice columnist and journalist/talk show host have in common?

Not much?

What if you knew these individuals to be Calvin Coolidge, the original Dear Abby and Geraldo Rivera?

Still not much?

Think again.

They each share what could be described as the most significant day of their life — their birthday (Unless you count the sensationalized but altogether disappointing day Geraldo unsealed Al Capone’s secret vault).

Their birthdays also happen to coincide with the birth of this great nation – the Fourth of July.

In their own way, they each share something else:  Coolidge, a man of few words, Dear Abby, a woman of many words and Rivera, well we’re still not certain what he’ll be remembered for, other than the Al Capone vault debacle — and perhaps his incredibly overstated mustache.

Imagine having the Fourth of July as your birthday.  The benefits are endless.  Your birthday is a national holiday.  No work for you … and you get fireworks!

Good cheer abounds as festivities take center stage throughout the land.  Not only do entire communities celebrate, the entire country is in party overload.  The color theme is always red, white and blue.  No need to suffer trendy but detestable colors such as puce or persimmon.  And there are always plenty of matching decorations – streamers, bunting, sparkly hats, balloons and bows.  And you get fireworks!

You have songs, books and movies.  The weather is great.  Outdoor fun rules — swimming, golfing, biking and hiking, and don’t forget America’s favorite pastime — baseball — all taking prominence in July.  It’s a national tradition.  People actually look forward to your birthday. And did I mention …you get fireworks!

You can’t beat that with a Louisville Slugger!

July is the month for some extraordinary birthdays, most notably the birth of this great nation.  So, whether you celebrate the Fourth of July because it’s your birthday, your anniversary or because it’s a great American holiday, have fun, be safe and blow out the color coordinated candles for me.

And … enjoy the fireworks!

editorialsThis 4th of July Americans worldwide will celebrate the founding of our nation.  For 235 years the United States has been a symbol to all those who love, respect and yes, hunger for freedom.  Let us not forget that while we enjoy magnificent displays of fireworks, thousands of our military personnel remain abroad.  As we stand in awe of the flashes of light during this holiday weekend, let us remember that these displays symbolize the "rockets’ red glare” and the “bombs bursting in air" that Francis Scott Key so eloquently described in our National Anthem.

The loss of lives in the fight against terrorism and oppression drives home the reality that maintaining the freedoms we enjoy comes at a high price.  This has always been so.  Since the birth of our nation, patriots have placed themselves in harm’s way to protect our way of life.

Americans enjoy peace and prosperity gained through great sacrifice, and we should remember the debt owed to those who came before us.  It was not without great courage that the Continental Congress and the American Colonies declared independence from Great Britain.  The freedom and national heritage, which we celebrate annually, cost our forefathers dearly.  Some lost their homes, their fortunes, their families, and some paid the ultimate price.

As we go about our day-to-day lives, can we say we truly know what constitutes “sacrifice?”  Are we willing to risk the loss of our livelihood, property or even our lives to defend our nation and our freedom?  Today, hundreds of thousands of men and women are doing just that.  They are our United States military, on duty and on call 24/7/365 days a year.

During this holiday weekend, take a moment to reflect and thank these brave individuals who are responsible for the rights and privileges Americans enjoy.  And for those of the opinion that America has somehow lost its greatness, consider the millions of people in other countries who would gladly exchange their lives for ours, and their country for America.

This Independence Day, as we celebrate with family and friends, pause for a moment to remember our military and the individuals who make it possible for us to celebrate the Fourth of July here in our small corner of the world.  Offer a prayer for the safety of our fighting men and women across the globe, and be appreciative of all who have made Independence Day worth celebrating.

We at Alachua County Today take this opportunity to wish all our readers a happy and safe 4th of July.

A little bit of everything

CRCR2Photo 1: As longtime customer Gwen Richardson knows, shopping at C&R Produce ranges from the practical to the whimsical.  She pays Mark Cruce for her purchase of fresh vegetables under the watchful eyes of her 7-year old grandnephew Zachery Ridgell. Photo 2: Fruit, vegetables and sturdy clay pots are only a sample of the bounty awaiting inside C&R Produce.

 Nearly 30 years ago, C & R Produce of Alachua operated out of a pickup truck.  Today, the local produce stand consists of a building, many times expanded and the variety of products has increased significantly.  But the little produce stand is still selling some of the freshest seasonal vegetables around from the same roadside location on U.S. Highway 441 in Alachua.

C&R Produce has become a landmark in the local community in Alachua. Anyone who has ever driven north on U.S. Highway 441 between Gainesville and Alachua is sure to have seen a somewhat awkward and disproportionate figure in overalls, waving at them, perched against the colorful sign that reads “C & R Produce.”

C&R Produce isn’t just a favorite of locals who pass the stand on their way home from work every day.  Gwen Richardson of Hawthorne and her grandnephew, 7-year-old Zachary Ridgell, stopped in Wednesday morning.  Richardson was visiting her mother in Alachua.

“I stop here every time I pass by,” she said.

Richardson picked out a cornucopia of the freshest vegetables and fruits, some to take back home to Hawthorne, and some for her mother.

“I love this place because the produce is fresh, it tastes good and they have a nice variety here,” she said.

Although C&R is best known for its produce, some shoppers are searching for items better left uneaten.

Turkey Creek resident Lynda Short was on the lookout for river rocks.  The second of her rock gardens is still a work in progress, and she’s waiting for C&R’s new delivery of the stones so she can proceed with the ponds and other garden features she’s building.  Wednesday, Short said she knew the new river rocks weren’t in yet, but she stopped anyway.

“I don’t pass this place without stopping.

“The stones you get at the big stores just aren’t the same. These are authentic and much nicer,” she said.

And she’s right.  C&R Produce owners Ira Cruce and his brother-in law, A.J. Rawlins make periodic trips to North Carolina where they pick up everything from river rocks to mountain butter and hoop cheese.

Luckily for Short, those river rocks and new batches of cheese, butter and other unique products will probably be in stock by mid-August when the Cruce and Rawlins families come back from their next trek to the mountains.

C&R Produce may be out of river rocks, but they have more seasonal produce in stock than anyone could pack into a country kitchen.

Among the finds at the stand are squash, cream corn, silver queen corn, cucumbers, pickling cucumbers, avocados, green beans, pole beans, tomatoes, okra, eggplants, cabbage, onions, patty pan squash, potatoes and new potatoes.

If that’s not enough, have a look at their apples, pineapples, lemons, limes, mangos, watermelons, cantaloupe and ripe Georgia peaches.  But wait, there’s more.  Have a gander at their handmade Georgia pottery, Mobley’s bacon and smoked sausage.  Have a bag of fresh boiled peanuts, or pick up some mountain butter along with wide variety of relishes, preserves and honey.

Over the years, Rawlins and Cruce have become experts at fitting yet another fruit, vegetable or interesting product into their roadside produce stand.  But not even they could have crammed so much stuff into the back of that old pickup truck they started with in the early 1980s.

Three decades later, the two men look back and joke about how their little business got started.

The stand is situated on the same 13 or so acres where Cruce’s and Rawlins’ families still live.  It expanded from the bed of Rawlins’ truck to a tent and picnic table, he said, and eventually into an actual structure.

It had a roof and stood about 20 feet long by about 12 feet wide, give or take. Though there were shutters on the front that could be closed down at night, there was an opening in the back with no door.

Stepping into the open-air shop as it now stands, about three times the size of the original door-less structure, the smell of fresh Georgia peaches assails your senses.  Coming out of Florida’s mid-day summer sun, one might be tricked, if only for a moment, into thinking the enclosure is air-conditioned.

Thanks to the sprinklers misting cooling water across the tin-roofed building, customers find a spot of shade and a bit of relief from the afternoon heat.

The produce stand carries fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables and some others they fetch from around the southeast.  It’s open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m., on Saturdays from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.

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: RJ Interior Trim, located at 4822 SW 63 Blvd, in the County of Alachua, in the City of Gainesville, Florida 32608, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

Dated at Alachua, Florida, this 30 day of June, 2011. Owner: Robert G. Smith

 

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.

 

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: Gainesville Home Repair Service, located at PO Box 141482, in the County of Alachua, in the City of Gainesville, Florida 32614, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

 

Dated at Alachua, Florida, this 30 day of June, 2011. Owner: Ed Galoustian

 PUBLIC NOTICE

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR ALACHUA COUNTY,

FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 11CP740 Division IN RE: ESTATE OF STACIE ROSE LAVENDER Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

 

The administration of the estate of Stacie Rose Lavender, deceased, whose date of death was March 15, 2011, is pending in the Circuit Court for Alachua County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 201 E. University Avenue, P.O. Box 600, Gainesville, FL 326020600. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the 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 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 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 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 FLORIDA 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 June 23, 2011.

Attorney for Personal Representative: Alexander J. Ombres, Esquire Attorney for Steven Lavender Florida Bar Number: 0278521 Arnold Matheny & Eagan, P.A. 605 E. Robinson Street, Suite 730 Orlando, Florida 32801 Telephone: (407) 8411550 Fax: (407) 8418746 E-Mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Personal Representative: Steven Lavender 5421 Mariesa Avenue West Palm Beach, Florida 33417

(Published: Alachua County Today - June 23 and 30, 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 A.M. on Monday, July 11, 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. G13 Christian Hines K07 Delia Hunt 277 William Davis C07 Charles Thomes L16 Angela Lamb 359 Cecil Valentine K9B Arthur Raimondo D21 Queneller Clark

(Published: Alachua County Today - June 23 and 30, 2011)

 

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)

 

City of Alachua Request for Bids RFB 2011-03 NW 143 Place Road Resurfacing Project

The City of Alachua is requesting bids from qualified, licensed contractors for road resurfacing on NW 143 Place. Qualified firms shall submit an original and three (3) signed copies of their bids by 2:00 p.m. 26 July 2011. Bids will not be accepted after this time and date. Sealed bids should be clearly marked RFB 2011-03, NW 143 Place Road Resurfacing Project and the name of the vendor.

 

Addenda information will be issued to all holders of bid documents that have registered with the Purchasing / Safety Specialist and posted on the City’s website, www.cityofalachua.com. Bidders are responsible for visiting the website to ensure that they have all addenda prior to submitting their bid.

 

If submitted by mail, the sealed bid should be enclosed in another envelope addressed to the Purchasing Coordinator. If submitted otherwise, it shall be delivered to the Administrative Services Department. Sealed bids are to be addressed as follows for either mail or hand delivery:

 

Stuart Strickland Purchasing/Safety Coordinator PO Box 9 Alachua FL 32614-0009 15100 NW 142 Terrace Alachua FL 32615 386-418-6105 ph 386-418-6107 fax sstrickland@cityofalachua. org Bid documents may be downloaded from the City’s website www.cityofalachua.com

(Published: Alachua County Today – June 30, 2011)

 

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR GENERAL CONSULTING ENGINEERING SERVICES

The City of High Springs is soliciting qualification statements for General Consulting Engineering Services. More information may be obtained at the City Manager’s Office, 110 NW 1st Avenue, High Springs, Florida or at www.highsprings.us. Qualification packet must be completed and submitted to the Office of the City Manager by 2:00, July 29, 2011. THE CITY OF HIGH SPRINGS RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SELECT THE ENGINEER DEEMED TO BE IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE CITY.

 

TOWN OF LA CROSSE NOTICE OF FIRST PUBLIC HEARING

The Town of La Crosse is considering applying to the Florida Department of Community Affairs (DCA) for a FFY 2011 Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) of up to $600,000. These funds must be used for one of the following purposes: 1. To benefit low and moderate income persons; or 2. To aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight; or 3. To meet other community development needs having a particular urgency because existing conditions pose a serious and immediate threat to the health or welfare of the community and where other financial resources are not available to meet such needs. The activity categories for which these funds may be used are in the areas of housing, neighborhood and commercial revitalization, or economic development (new jobs). Eligible uses of funds include such physical improvement activities as housing and commercial building rehabilitation, clearance, water and sewer improvements, street improvements, drainage, housing site development, parking, and loans to businesses. Additional information regarding the range of activities that may be undertaken will be provided at the public hearing. For each activity that is proposed, at least 70% of the funds must benefit low and moderate income persons. In developing an application for submission to DCA, the Town must plan to minimize displacement of persons as a result of planned CDBG activities. In addition, the Town is required to develop a plan to assist displaced persons. The public hearing to receive citizen views concerning the community's housing, economic and other community development needs will be held on Monday, July 11, 2011, during a Regular Town Council meeting which will begin at 7:30 PM at the La Crosse Town Hall, 20613 North SR 121 La Crosse, FL 32658. This is a handicapped accessible facility. Any person with disabilities needing special accommodation should submit a request to Dianne Dubberly, Town Clerk, (386) 462-2784 (TDD# (800) 955-8771 at least 24 hours before the meeting.

 

A FAIR HOUSING/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/HANDICAP ACCESS JURISDICTION

(Published: Alachua County Today - June 30, 2011)

 

City of Alachua Request for Bids RFB 2011-04 NW 146 Avenue Road Resurfacing Project

The City of Alachua is requesting bids from qualified, licensed contractors for road resurfacing on NW 143 Place. Qualified firms shall submit an original and three (3) signed copies of their bids by 2:00 p.m. 26 July 2011. Bids will not be accepted after this time and date. Sealed bids should be clearly marked RFB 2011-04, NW 146 Avenue Road Resurfacing Project and the name of the vendor.

 

Addenda information will be issued to all holders of bid documents that have registered with the Purchasing / Safety Specialist and posted on the City’s website, www.cityofalachua.com. Bidders are responsible for visiting the website to ensure that they have all addenda prior to submitting their bid.

 

If submitted by mail, the sealed bid should be enclosed in another envelope addressed to the Purchasing Coordinator. If submitted otherwise, it shall be delivered to the Administrative Services Department. Sealed bids are to be addressed as follows for either mail or hand delivery:

 

Stuart Strickland Purchasing/Safety Coordinator PO Box 9 Alachua FL 32614-0009 15100 NW 142 Terrace Alachua FL 32615 386-418-6105 ph 386-418-6107 fax sstrickland@cityofalachua. org Bid documents may be downloaded from the City’s website www.cityofalachua.com

(Published: Alachua County Today – June 30, 2011)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

 

Advertise in Over 100 Papers throughout Florida for One Low Rate. Advertising Networks of Florida, Put us to work for You! (866)742-1373 .

 

SPECIAL EVENTS

 

 

Make your wedding special at a budget price!

Don’t let these tough times keep you from having your dream wedding. Weddings performed anywhere. Non-denominational , non judgmental, any and all marriages. Your choice of wedding vows, candle ceremonies, and sand ceremonies. Starting at $69. Many upgrades and wedding planner services available for an additional fee.

Call us at (352)317-7340 or (352)317-0846.

 

SCHOOLS/INSTRUCTION

 

 

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

 

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 INFORMATION

 

 

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

 

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

 

 CDL-A DRIVERS. Central Florida company seeks Solo & Team Drivers. Tank and Dry Van positions offering some regional. 1yr OTR/ Good MVR required. (877)882-6537 or www.oakleytransport.com

 

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- 100% OWNER OPERATORS. Paid Weekly. Practical Miles. Unique Fuel Surcharge Program. Own Truck or Lease Purchase. CDL-A with Hazmat required. Call (800)496-4696. www.drivefaf.com

 

CH2M Hill Inc., provider of professional engineering services has opening for a Staff Engineer (job code 57801) in Gainesville, FL to perform duties in resource management planning and modeling, including water, electrical energy, thermal energy, and solid waste. Send resume to: CH2M HILL, Attn: Jose Buenrostro, 9191 South Jamaica St., Englewood, CO 80112 (must ref. job code)

 

CYPRESS TRUCK LINES Home Weekends! Southeast Regional, Top Pay & Great Benefits! 6 Months TT exp CDL with clean MVR. Call (800)545-1351 www.cypresstruck.com

 

AIRLINES ARE HIRING - Train for high paying Aviation Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified - Job placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance (877)741-9260.

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

Part time cleaner/floor tech needed for commercial office building on US 441. Must have floor experience, ability to lift over 40 lbs and pass background check. $7.50/hour. Call Pat at 352-870-0363.

 

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

 

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

 

 

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

 

 

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

 

SERVICES OFFERED

 

 

LEGAL SERVICES

 

 

Bankruptcy, Foreclosure Defense, Consumer Rights. Peter Kelegian, Attorney at Law, Gainesville, Florida. Free no obligation consultation. Serving counties throughout North Florida. (352)672-6444. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. #702706

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

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.

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.

 

MERCHANDISE

 

 

Garage Sales

 

 

MOVING SALE-THE BLESSED HOPE FOOD PANTRY WILL HOLD A YARD SALE AT THE FORMER BLESSED HOPE THRIFT STORE IN NEWBERRY FL. THE YARD SALE WILL BE HELD BEHIND THE THRIFT STORE IN THE FENCED AREA. LOW PRICES, HOT DOGS AND SOFT DRINK $2, 5 BUILDINGS TO CHOOSE FROM-ALL DONATIONS ARE WELCOME! ALL PROCEEDS WILL GO TO REBUILD BLESSED HOPE OR STOCK THE FOOD PANTRY- COME AND JOIN OUR

COMMUNITY- MARK YOUR CALENDARS JULY 1-2 9A.M. -2P.M.

 

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.

David Christopher Jordan, 39, of Fort White passed on Tuesday, June 21, 2011. He was born to Edna Jordan and the late Charles Jordan.

Survivors include his children, Deontray, Davonta, Dontavious Jordan and Jerrick Jenkins; mother, Edna Jordan; brother, Maurice (Sheila) Jordan; sister, Tiffany Jordan; a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral services for Mr. Jordan were held on Saturday, June 25, 2011 at 4 p.m. at Bethlehem United Methodist Church, Rev. Clarence DeSue, Pastor.  Burial followed in the Bethlehem Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to A. Jerome Brown Funeral Home, High Springs, Fla.

Darlene Barber Freeman, 54, a lifetime High Springs resident, died early Sunday, June 26 at Haven Hospice of the Suwannee Valley at Lake City following a six year battle with cancer.

She was a graduate of Santa Fe High School and was employed for many years at Barber’s Auto Service and Gainesville Nissan. She worked as a dispatcher for the High Springs Police Department.

She was preceded in death by her father, Derlwood Barber and a brother, Martin Lee Frishkorn.

Survivors include her husband of 38 years, Larry Freeman of High Springs; three daughters; Kathy (Mike) Parrish of Lake Butler, Jennifer (Mike) Kietzman of High Springs and Lara (Marc) Falkenstein of Sacramento, Calif.; one brother; Mark Frishkorn of High Springs; two sisters, Ann Deal of High Springs and Terrie Barber of Riverside, Calif.; her mother; Delores Barber of High Springs; four grandchildren, Lane, Tara, Austin and Caleb.

Visitation will be Tuesday, June 28  from 6 to 8 p.m. at Evans-Carter Funeral Home, High Springs. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 29 at High Springs First United Methodist Church with Rev. Alan Patz and Rev. Benton Mangueira officiating. Burial took place in High Springs Cemetery.

lettersThanks to the City of Archer for annexing Bethlehem Methodist Episcopal Cemetery. This historical burial ground of black citizens from the 1800s to the early 1900s is significant to the history of Archer.

This has been a very long, long journey, which started in 2004 and through five city managers who either were not competent or had a problem with annexing this black cemetery into the city.

Thanks to Archer’s current city manager John Glanzer and his assistant, John Mayberry, the annexation was accomplished.

We cannot thank Mr. Glanzer enough for completing the paperwork and presenting them to the Archer City Commission who approved the transaction.

We also thank the Commission of 2010 for waiving the fees for the annexation: Laurie Costello, Blanch Parker, Marjorie Zander, Roberta Lopez and the late Ken Green. The vote was four to one.

We would like to recognize the late Commissioner Roberta Hodges who worked with us on the annexation of the cemetery. She would have been so proud.

Also we want Archer Elementary School to be annexed. A city is not worth very much that does not have a school in its city limits. This is an invitation to get on board and campaign to get this be done.

Clyde C. Williams, President

Bethlehem Methodist Episcopal Cemetery

Restoration Organization, Inc. 

Archer, Fla. 

WaldoSummerCampLisa Hill’s summer camp in Waldo is not only a place for area children to enjoy arts, crafts and games, they also receive breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday.

Nearly three dozen children and their parents have one Waldo citizen to thank for a summer camp program that wouldn’t be without the forethought of a mother who saw a need.  Lisa Hill, a Waldo parent, started the summer day camp out of compassion for the children in her community.

The idea of a summer camp came two years ago when a neighborhood child asked where her then 10-year-old son Draven was.

“My entire family struggled to send Draven to the Boys and Girls Club,” Hill recalled.

“We were always shuffling back and forth to Gainesville and I knew how hard it was for us, and here was this other little boy that so badly wanted to go to summer camp, but couldn’t.

“That was when I made a commitment to start a summer camp the following year,” said Hill.

Waldo City Manager Kim Worley remembered when Hill approached the Town Council and asked for permission to use the Waldo Community Center to host the camp.

“The Council saw someone who wanted to do some good, and they got behind her and supported it,” said Worley.

In the summer of 2010, Hill started her first summer camp, limiting it to just two weeks.  This year, she jumped in feet first, offering a summer day camp that began June 13 and will end August 8.

Children in the community are welcomed into the program Monday through Friday from 8 p.m. until 5 p.m.  And for families where a dollar is stretched thin, the best part about the camp may be that it’s all free.

Living across the street from the Community Center, Hill doesn’t have far to go.  She arrives each day at 7 a.m. to get breakfast and activities ready for the children.

“Sometimes the children will arrive at 7:30 and I have to tell them, ‘no, I have 30 more minutes,’” Hill joked.

Throughout the day, youngsters at the camp move from arts and crafts to board games, dominos and outside to the playground beside the Community Center.  They play soccer, volleyball, kickball and basketball.

Thanks to the recent purchase of a water slide by the City, the children get a break from the scorching heat each Tuesday and Thursday afternoon.

“They absolutely love spending the afternoon playing on the slide and cooling off,” said Hill.

Jayne Davis, who lives and works in Waldo, takes time out of her schedule to volunteer at the camp.

“This is a safe place, where the children are protected and have things to do,” said Davis.

While Hill is the leader behind the camp, she said it wouldn’t be possible without the support of other volunteers and donations from the community.  The camp continues to need additional volunteers, Hill said, encouraging folks around the community to pitch in.  They also need donations of craft supplies, games or anything else that might help with activities for the children.

Among her army of helpers are three seniors, one parent and two college students.

“I come here and help out because everyday, I get at least one parent that says ‘thank you,’ and that’s how I know we’re appreciated,” said Davis.

Thelma Bay, also a volunteer, is a longtime Waldo resident and described by Worley as a “child advocate.”

Bay became involved in the summer camp upon the request of Hill, who knew of her volunteer work in local schools.

Mary Ann Rich, another of Hill’s volunteers, helps each afternoon with cleaning up.

“It’s really nice of [Hill] to step forward and offer this camp because a lot of parents can’t afford to pay for a place to send their children,” said Rich.

Noting Hill’s arguably massive undertaking of a nearly two-month summer camp, Rich said, “She’s very brave.”

Although there are a few other summer programs in Waldo, none of them are free.  The need for the summer camp seems apparent given the success of the program led by Hill.

Worley praised Hill’s leadership saying, “This shows how one person can make a difference.”

Community lifeline at risk

BlessedHopeA fire devastated the Blessed Hope Food Pantry in Newberry, but supporters are hopeful the organization can recover and continue offering assistance to area residents in need.

Blessed Hope Food Pantry continues searching for a new location as Newberry continues to struggle over the loss of this community lifeline.

The man accused of setting fire to the original pantry, 27-year-old Antonie Felipe, has been arrested.  But that is small consolation to the organization that must find a new location by the end of July.  Facing the loss of support the community has come to know and depend upon, Evelyn McKoy, 73, a founder and current head of the Blessed Hope Food Pantry, searched for words to express how important the pantry was to the residents of Newberry.

“I can’t even describe what Blessed Hope did for this community,” McKoy said. “One match and a can of lighter fluid destroyed the lives of so many people.”

Despite being burned down with an estimated $10,000 in property damage, the pantry has managed to remain open, but tougher times seem to be inevitable.

The pantry is now without adequate funds to operate and a new location must be found by July 31, or the pantry could be forced to close their doors permanently

Newberry Mayor Bill Conrad said it is important for the city of Newberry to come together and save this essential community resource.

“When all those people who needed something and were down on their luck, we could always say, ‘go to Blessed Hope,’” Conrad said.

The City of Newberry is looking for a new location within the city limits for the pantry to set up shop. With the approaching deadline, even a temporary location would be beneficial in order to give supporters more time to find an acceptable location.

At a support group meeting held June 16 at the Newberry Municipal Building, a number of residents expressed their concerns stating there must be at least one person in the community that could help to keep the pantry going until it could get its feet on the ground.

With 1,000 - 1,200 individuals served each month by Blessed Hope Food Pantry, residents say it would be a devastating loss if the pantry is forced to close. In addition to Newberry area residents, others helped come from Hawthorne, Archer, Trenton and High Springs. Community-wide support is strong, as is the belief that the current situation may be the incentive to start the process of a new beginning.

“I personally, as an individual, want to help the Blessed Hope Food Pantry. It’s a wonderful service that’s provided,” Conrad said. “These ladies do great work feeding thousands of people.”

In order to keep the pantry operating, there are a number of expenses that must be paid, including utilities, pest control, paper bags, office supplies, food purchased for the food pantry, materials for records, an alarm system and the cost of purchased food, all of which totals nearly $1,500 per month.

The organization says the ideal long-term location for the food pantry would be 500 – 1,000 square feet of climate controlled space on 1- 1/2 acres in the Newberry area. Blessed Hope Food Pantry is certain to be a topic of discussion at the June 27 Newberry City Commission meeting, and residents are encouraged to offer suggestions or donations to assist the organization.

Donations for the pantry can also be mailed to Evelyn McKoy at P.O. Box 722, Newberry, FL 32669 or deposited directly at Capital City Bank in Newberry.

“I’m just hoping the people that can help, have the concern and love for the less fortunate,” McKoy said.

Walmart plans still need tweaking, city says

 A Walmart Supercenter slated for Alachua has been bandied about for about the last half-decade.  But the latest news on the project will likely leave many scratching their heads.

In March, the world’s largest retailer submitted a revised site plan to the City of Alachua’s Development Review Team.  That revised plan came after City officials provided feedback with concerns about the previously submitted plan.

Shortly after the March submission, a Walmart spokeswoman, Michelle Belaire, said the company hoped to have final approvals from the City of Alachua in the next three months.  It’s doubtful that will happen since the City of Alachua has yet against returned the plans to the mega retailer.

To discuss the submitted plans, the City’s Development Review Team held a meeting with Walmart recently, Alachua City Manager Traci Cain said.

“At that meeting staff provided comments related to the application’s consistency with the Land Development Regulations.

“We are now waiting for the applicant to address the comments and resubmit the plans,” said Cain.

City officials said they didn’t know how long Walmart would take to resubmit a yet again revised plan.

After the Development Review Team completes its evaluation, the plans must be reviewed by the City’s Planning and Zoning board and then the City Commission before permits to build can be issued.

Once the site is approved, Walmart said it would begin a bidding process for Florida-based general contractors, a process which will take another three or four months. Once construction begins, the store should be open in about one year.

Situated just south of the intersection of I-75 and US 441, the proposed store would be about 155,000 square feet and would include a drive-

through pharmacy and garden center. The store will also have tenant space available for other retailers, but the tenants have yet to be determined.

Santa Fe College to feature Lisa Jackson’s artwork

 Photo 1: Lisa Jackson; Photo 2: “The Route of the Maya” is but one of Jackson’s photographs that will be on display in the President’s gallery at Santa Fe College

 Lisa_Jackson Route_of_the_MayaBorn into a family of artists and travelers, it’s no surprise that Lisa Jackson shares their passion for both.  Jackson was born in Gainesville and raised in Alachua, serving as the yearbook editor and graduating from Santa Fe High School.

More recently Jackson attended Santa Fe College and graduated cum laude from the same institution that will soon be displaying her works of art titled “Art and Culture as One.”

Jackson has traveled extensively, studying and recording a variety of cultures.  Jackson sees the world as her greatest classroom, and says her photo exhibit at Santa Fe College offers a view of the world through her lens.

The exhibit will include Jackson’s experiences ranging from Tibetan monasteries to the Great Wall of China to Guatemalan markets and Hawaiian sunsets. The exhibit will be on display in the President’s gallery at Santa Fe College, Building F-201 from July 19 – Aug. 17.

Judge James Nilon dismissed charges Tuesday of probationary violations pending against Charles Grapski.  The one-time Florida House and City of Alachua commission candidate had been facing four violations of probation alleged in a March 15 report.  Most of these violations were for failing to pay fees.

In defending against some of the charges, Grapski's attorney provided explanations, which Nilon apparently found plausible.  Grapski's defense also presented a certificate dated June 12 indicating that he had completed an eight-hour class on anger management and impulse control.  Among the pending violations was that Grapski had not completed the course as required.

In his order, Judge Nilon wrote, “Although the Probation Officer had probable cause to believe that a violation had occurred and/or the defendant violated the conditions of Probation supervision, it has been demonstrated that Probation should not be revoked as the interests of society may be best served otherwise.”

Nilon also noted that Grapski should report to his probation officers on June 23 before noon.

The probationary supervision under which is Grapski currently monitored stems from a case dating back to August 2007.

As proceedings were concluding Tuesday, Nilon appeared to become perturbed with Grapski.  The judge called the one-time political activist back into the courtroom where he verbally reprimanded Grapski and informed him that he would respect the court.

Grapski was escorted out of the courtroom by several Alachua County Sheriff's Office Deputies.  A short time later, he was being carried out on a gurney through a side entrance of the downtown courthouse.  Grapski was placed in an ambulance for treatment of a reported fall in the stairwell

Hawthorne_GS_pic_2_056Back L-R: Troop Leader Heidi Michael, Perton Zoe, Reese Michael, Destini Cooper, Rachel Alexandre, Shell Elementary Principal Denise Schultz; Front: Roxy Michael

On May 26 a Girl Scout Daisy Troop proudly gave back to their Hawthorne community. Troop 304 has been holding their weekly meetings at Shell Elementary School during the school year.

The troop has been learning about the Girl Scout Law by earning "Daisy Petals." The Rose Petal represents "Making the World a Better Place," and the girls thought they could do just that by planting a flower garden.

Shell Elementary had just recently installed a new marquee sign in front of the school. This presented the perfect opportunity for the girls to put the Girl Scout Law into action.  Thanking the school for allowing the troop to hold meetings there and to dress up the area around the newly installed sign, the girls planted a colorful flower garden.

A local Hawthorne business, Blue Star Nursery on US Highway 301, donated the flowers for the project. Daisy Troop 304 planted the flowers, mulched the entire area and then presented the garden to Shell Elementary Principal Denise Schultz.

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 BILTMORE FINANCIAL GROUP, located at 5055 SW 91 Terrace Haile Village Center in the County of Alachua, in the city of Gainesville, Florida, 32608 intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated at Alachua, Florida this 17th day of June, 2011.

Owner: Patricia A. Gleason

(Published: Alachua County Today - June 23, 2011)

 

PUBLIC NOTICE

 

 

IN THE CIRCUIT FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO. 2011-CP-653 DIVISION B IN RE: ESTATE OF KATHRYN FLOYD ADAMS, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of KATHRYN FLOYD ADAMS, deceased, whose date of death was APRIL 4, 2011, and whose social security number is XXX-XXX-4805, is pending in the Circuit Court for ALACHUA County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is PO BOX 600, GAINESVILLE, FL 32602-0600. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the 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 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 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 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 FLORIDA 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 June 16, 2011. Attorney for Personal Representative: /s/ Robert C. Adams ROBERT C. ADAMS Florida Bar No. 0106062 107 E. Franklin St. PO Box 1026 Monroe, NC 28111 Telephone: 704-226-9070 Personal Representative: /s/ Robert C. Adams Robert C. Adams 107 E. Franklin St. PO Box 1026 Monroe, NC 28111 (Published: Alachua County Today – June 16 and 23, 2010)

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT, EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 01-10-CA-2802 DIVISION: J WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., a national banking association, successor by merger to Wachovia Bank, N.A., Plaintiff, v. BOSTON SEAFOOD WHOLESALE, LLC, a Florida limited liability company; BOSTON SEAFOOD DISTRIBUTORS, INC., a Florida corporation; U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, ADMINISTRATOR OF THE SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, an agency of the Government of the United States of America; and THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Defendants. ____________/

NOTICE OF SALE

Notice is given that under a Final Judgment dated May 3, 2011, in Case No. 01-10-CA-2802 in the Circuit Court of the Eighth Judicial Circuit in and for Alachua County, Florida, in which Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., is Plaintiff and Boston Seafood Wholesale, LLC, Boston Seafood Distributors, Inc., U.S. Small Business Administration, Administrator of the Small business Administration, and The United States of America, are defendants, the Clerk of the Court will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash in the lobby of the Alachua County Family/Civil justice Center, 201 E. University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32601, beginning at 11:00 a.m.. on July 5, 2011 the following described property set forth in the Final Judgment:

 

SEE ATTACHED EXHIBIT "A"

Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale.

 

DATED this 9th day of May, 2011. J.K. Irby Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller By: /s/ Erika Powell Deputy Clerk

Publication of this notice was made on June 16, 2011 in the Alachua Today.

 

EXHIBIT A

 

LOT 11 NORTHWEST INDUSTRIAL PARK UNIT No. 2 ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK L PAGE 30 OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF ALACHUA COUNTY FLORIDA. The Real Property or its address is commonly known as 6805 NW 18 DRIVE, GAINESVILLE, FL 32653.

 

Together with: all existing or subsequently erected or affixed buildings, improvements and fixtures; all easements, rights of way, and appurtenances; all water, water rights, water courses and ditch rights (including stock in utilities with ditch or irrigation rights); and all other rights, royalties and profits relating to the real property, including without limitation all minerals, oil, gas, geothermal and similar matters.

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - June 16 and 23, 2011)

 

FAIR HOUSING WORKSHOP

The City of Hawthorne is a fair housing advocate. The City is holding a workshop to explain the Fair Housing Ordinance for all of the protected classes (race, color, familial status, handicap, national origin, religion and sex). The public is invited to attend. The workshop is scheduled for July 5, 2011 at 6:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as possible at the Hawthorne City Hall located at 6700 SE 221st Street, Hawthorne, Florida. Any handicapped, visually or hearing impaired person or non-English speaking person needing special assistance at the meeting should contact Interim City Manager Ellen Vause at the City of Hawthorne at (352) 481-2432 at least five days prior to the meeting and assistance will be provided.

(Published: Alachua County Today - June 16, 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 A.M. on Monday, July 11, 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. G13 Christian Hines K07 Delia Hunt 277 William Davis C07 Charles Thomes L16 Angela Lamb 359 Cecil Valentine K9B Arthur Raimondo D21 Queneller Clark

(Published: Alachua County Today - June 23 and 30, 2011)

 

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR GENERAL CONSULTING ENGINEERING SERVICES

The City of High Springs is soliciting qualification statements for General Consulting Engineering Services. More information may be obtained at the City Manager’s Office, 110 NW 1st Avenue, High Springs, Florida or at www.highsprings.us. Qualification packet must be completed and submitted to the Office of the City Manager by 2:00, July 29, 2011. THE CITY OF HIGH SPRINGS RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SELECT THE ENGINEER DEEMED TO BE IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE CITY.

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA

 

CASE NO: 01-2011-CA-001002 RBC BANK (USA), successor by merger to Florida Choice Bank, Plaintiff, v. A AACCESSIBLE MORTGAGE, INC., a Florida corporation and EARNEST FREDERICK, individually, jointly and severally, Defendants. ____________________/

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, the Clerk of the Circuit Court for Alachua County, Florida, under and pursuant to the Final Summary Judgment in Favor of RBC heretofore entered on the 3rd day of June, 2011, in that certain cause pending in the Circuit Court of the Eighth Judicial Circuit, in and for Alachua County, Florida, being Civil Action No. 01-2011-CA-001002, in which RBC BANK (USA), successor by merger to Florida Choice Bank (“RBC”), is the Plaintiff and A AACCESSIBLE MORTGAGE, INC., a Florida corporation (“A Aaccessible”) and EARNEST FREDERICK, individually (“Frederick”), jointly and severally, are the Defendants and under and pursuant to the terms of the said Final Summary Judgment in Favor of RBC will offer for sale at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for cash, in the lobby of the Alachua County Family/Civil Justice Center, 201 E. University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32601, on the 6th day of July, 2011, at the hour of 11:00 a.m. in the morning, the same being a legal sales day and the hour a legal hour of sale, the real and personal property situated in Alachua County, Florida and legally described as follows:

Real Property

THE WEST 80 FEET OF LOT 38, WOODLAND PARK, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK “D”, PAGE 51, PUBLIC RECORDS OF ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA. FOLIO: 16054-036-000 ADDRESS: 2325 S.E. 9TH PLACE, GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA 32641 together with all improvements, tenements, hereditaments and appurtenances pertaining thereto. The property aforesaid, together with all improvements, tenements, hereditaments and appurtenances and retaining thereto belonging, or in anywise appertaining, is being sold to satisfy RBC’s claims under said Judgment. DATED this 8th day of June, 2011. J. K. IRBY Clerk of the Circuit Court Alachua County, Florida By: /s/ Erika Powell Deputy Clerk

(Published: Alachua County Today - June 16 and 23, 2011)

 

FIRST PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

The City of Hawthorne is considering applying to the Florida Department of Community Affairs (DCA) for a Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) of up to Six Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($650,000.00). These funds must be used for one of the following purposes: 1. To benefit low and moderate income persons; 2. To aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight; or 3. To meet other community development needs of recent origin having a particular urgency because existing conditions pose a serious and immediate threat to the health or welfare of the community and where other financial resources are not available to meet such needs. The categories of activities for which these funds may be used are in the areas of housing, neighborhood revitalization, commercial revitalization, or economic development and include such improvement activities as acquisition of real property, loans to private-for-profit business, purchase of machinery and equipment, construction of infrastructure, rehabilitation of houses and commercial buildings, and energy conservation. Additional information regarding the range of activities that may be undertaken will be provided at the public hearing. For each activity that is proposed, at least 70% of the funds must benefit low and moderate income persons. In developing an application for submission to DCA, the City of Hawthorne must plan to minimize displacement of persons as a result of planned CDBG activities. In addition, the City of Hawthorne is required to develop a plan to assist displaced persons.

 

A public hearing to receive citizen views concerning the community’s economic and community development needs will be held on July 5, 2011 at 6:30PM or as soon thereafter as possible at the City of Hawthorne City Hall located at 6700 SE 221st Street, Hawthorne, Florida. For information concerning the public hearing contact: Interim City Manager Ellen Vause at the City of Hawthorne, 6700 SE 221st Street, Hawthorne, Florida 32640. Telephone (352) 481-2432.

 

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 City Hall 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 contact City hall at least five calendar days prior to the meeting and a language interpreter will be provided. Any handicapped person requiring special accommodation at this meeting should contact City Hall at least five calendar days prior to the meeting. A Fair Housing/Equal Opportunity/Handicap Accessible Jurisdiction.

(Published: Alachua County Today - June 16, 2011)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR ALACHUA COUNTY,

FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 11CP740 Division IN RE: ESTATE OF STACIE ROSE LAVENDER Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

 

The administration of the estate of Stacie Rose Lavender, deceased, whose date of death was March 15, 2011, is pending in the Circuit Court for Alachua County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 201 E. University Avenue, P.O. Box 600, Gainesville, FL 326020600. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the 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 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 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 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 FLORIDA 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 June 23, 2011.

Attorney for Personal Representative: Alexander J. Ombres, Esquire Attorney for Steven Lavender Florida Bar Number: 0278521 Arnold Matheny & Eagan, P.A. 605 E. Robinson Street, Suite 730 Orlando, Florida 32801 Telephone: (407) 8411550 Fax: (407) 8418746 E-Mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Personal Representative: Steven Lavender 5421 Mariesa Avenue West Palm Beach, Florida 33417

(Published: Alachua County Today - June 23 and 30, 2011)

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

 

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Advertise in Over 100 Papers throughout Florida for One Low Rate. Advertising Networks of Florida, Put us to work for You! (866)742-1373 www.florida- classifieds.com

 

SPECIAL EVENTS

 

 

Make your wedding special at a budget price!

Don’t let these tough times keep you from having your dream wedding. Weddings performed anywhere. Non-denominational , non judgmental, any and all marriages. Your choice of wedding vows, candle ceremonies, and sand ceremonies. Starting at $69. Many upgrades and wedding planner services available for an additional fee.

Call us at (352)317-7340 or (352)317-0846.

 

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. Watermellons, 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 INFORMATION

 

 

CLAIMS ADJUSTERS NEEDED due to active Storm Season. JEL's 5-day Boot Camp, Nations #1 hands-on trainer can prepare you. High Income www.JELTraining.com - Companies waiting

 

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

 

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

 

EMPLOYMENT

 

 

Help Wanted

 

Part time cleaner/floor tech needed for commercial office building on US 441. Must have floor experience, ability to lift over 40 lbs and pass background check. $7.50/hour. Call Pat at 352-870-0363.

 

Need CDL Drivers A or B with 2 yrs recent commerical experience to transfer motor homes, straight trucks, tractors, and buses. www.mamotransportation.com (800)501-3783

 

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

 

ACT NOW! New Pay Increase! 37-46 cpm. New Trucks in 2011. Need 2 months CDL-A Driving Exp. (877)258-8782 www.meltontruck.com

 

ACT NOW! New Pay Increase! 37-46 cpm. New Trucks in 2011. Need 2 months CDL-A Driving Exp. (877)258-8782 www.meltontruck.com

 

CDL-A DRIVERS. Central Florida company seeks Solo & Team Drivers. Tank and Dry Van positions offering some regional. 1yr OTR/ Good MVR required. (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

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

 

Drivers - CDL-A Start up to 43c per mile!! SIGN-ON BONUS!! GREAT HOME TIME!!! Lease purchase available. Experience Req'd. (800)441-4271 x FL-100 HornadyTransportation.com

 

CYPRESS TRUCK LINES Home Weekends! Southeast Regional, Top Pay & Great Benefits! 6 Months TT exp CDL with clean MVR. Call (800)545-1351 www.cypresstruck.com

Cook wanted. Part time. Please call between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Experience required. DW Ashton Catery, Alachua. 386-462-4633.

 

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

 

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

 

 

Mortgage Lenders

 

 

Access Reverse Mortgage! Florida-based: Application & closing in your home. Experience: almost 1,000 reverse mortgages funded. Award-winning customer service. BBB A rating. NMLS #4566. 1(800)806-7126

 

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.

 

Condos For Sale

 

 

. Lake Condos & Lots Priced @ Foreclosure/Short sale! Up to 100% Financing/5% interest. 2Acre Lake Lot w/dock, $19,900 (866)434-8969ext100

 

Acreage & Farms

 

1 acre LaCrosse. Beautifully wooded, paved road frontage. Owner financing. No down payment. $27,900. $287/mo. 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.

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.

 

MERCHANDISE

 

 

Garage Sales

 

YARD SALE JUNE 25 & 26 AT 18203 APRIL BLVD CITY OF ALACHUA PAST TRAVELLERS CAMPGROUND, LADIES CLOTHES 18 plus, SHOES 7, ELECTRONICS, TOOLS, ETC. FOLLOW SIGNS OR CALL FOR DIRECTIONS 352-262-3663.

 

Multi-Family Yard Sale Saturday, June 25, 2011 7:00AM - 3:00PM 14705 NW 146th Avenue (near Hal Brady Recreation Center) Alachua, FL Household items, tools, building supplies, home interior, dishes, etc. CHEAP...everything must go!

 

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 - Job placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance (877)741-9260.

 

Miscellaneous For Sale

 

$99 Mattress Sets $149
All New Material,Pillow Tops,Over 10" Thick , 5 Year Warranty,
Made in USA! All Sizes Available
And In Stock. Delivery Available
Anywhere! Also Ask About Our
Furniture Selections. Mattress
Only From $99, Sets From $149.
Complete Sleep & Furnishings of
Gainesville. (352) 331-1212

 

WANTED TO BUY

 

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

 

Auctions

 

 

NC Mountain Property Auctions, Mountain Castle, Acreage, Lots, Homes, Month of June, Sealed Bid, Online & Live. Iron Horse Auction, (800)997-2248. NCAL3936. www.ironhorseauction.com

 


To Place a Classified Call 386-462-3355.

Irene Heathcoe Thomas, 82, passed away June 22, 2011 in Live Oak, Fla.

Mrs. Thomas was an elementary school teacher and a member of Northwest Baptist Church of Gainesville. Survivors include her daughters, Diane Bryant of Alachua, Judith Gobble of Dothan Ala., and Elaine Thomas of Tallahassee, Fla.

Visitation will be on Friday, June 24 from 1 to 2 p.m. at Evans-Carter Funeral Home, followed by a funeral service at 2 p.m. with Rev. Terry Elixson officiating.

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

Retired Master Sergeant Rev. Russell Bernard Hill, 59, passed on Monday, June 20, 2011 in Hobbs, N.M.

Rev. Hill was a former resident of High Springs, Fla.

He was the pastor of Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church, Hobbs, N.M.  He was a graduate of A. L. Mebane Class of 1969.

He leaves to cherish his memories his wife, Porn Hill; daughter, April Hill; and son, Oliver Hill; sisters, Esther Thomas of High Springs, Ruthie (Charles) Moore of High Springs, Rev. Dr. Maxine (Cecil II) Woodside of Tampa, and Missionary Brenda (Elder Lowell) James of High Springs; stepbrother, Ronald (Roberta) Wilson of High Springs and stepsister Adelma Miller of Orlando.

Funeral Services for Rev. Hill will be Friday, June 24, 2011 at First United Methodist Church in Hobbs, N.M. at 11 a.m.

Arrangements Entrusted to Griffin Funeral Home, Hobbs, N.M.  Courtesy of A. Jerome Brown Funeral Home, High Springs, Fla.

Willie Mae Fleming Taylor, 62, of Fort White, Fla., passed on Friday, June 17, 2011 at Haven Hospice in Lake City, Fla.

She was born to the late Edward L. Fleming and Juanita B. Fleming.

Mrs. Taylor was a member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church and employed as a Certified Nursing Assistant.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William George Taylor; sisters, Ruby Fleming and Kerris Fleming-Clark and brother Buddy Lee Fleming.

She leaves to cherish her memories a daughter, Sharon Fleming; four grandchildren; three great grandchildren; stepson, Eyian (Renorda) Taylor; her siblings, Lucy M. Robinson, Edward (Barbara) Fleming, Idella Fleming, Edward (Lana) Fleming, Jr., Lunette Fleming, Glenn (Mary) Fleming, Sr., Lillie (Roger) Daies, all of Fort White; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws the Taylor Family of High Springs, and friends

Funeral Services for Ms. Taylor will be held Saturday, June 25, 2011 at 11 a.m. at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, Fort White.  Rev. Donnell Sanders, pastor.  Burial will follow in Philadelphia Memorial Garden, Lake City.  Visitation will be Friday at funeral home 6-7 p.m.

Arrangement entrusted to A. Jerome Brown Funeral Home, High Springs, Fla.

Richard Alan McClean, 48, of High Springs, died June 18, 2011.

Mr. McClean was employed at Camp Kulaqua in High Springs. He graduated from high school in Niceville, Fla. and was a graduate of the Culinary Institute in Montpelier, Vt.

He lived in High Springs for several years, having moved from Daytona Beach, Fla., where he was an executive chef.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Pat McClean of High Springs and brother-in-law, Ken Trokey of Trenton, Ill.

Survivors include his father and wife, Mac and Chris McClean of San Antonio, Texas; a sister, Jeanne Trokey of Trenton, Ill.; brothers, Bob of Pensacola, Fla., Mike (Christy) of Greenwood, Fla., and Jim of Biscayne Park, Fla.; a niece, Celeste; a great nephew, Shawn; nephew, Justin , and his dear friend, Tom Irvin of High Springs.

Visitation followed by Rosary was held at Evans-Carter Funeral Home in High Springs on June 22, 2011. The funeral Mass will be on June 23 at St. Madeleine Catholic Church, High Springs, at 11 a.m.

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

Doyce Ann Phillips, 74, passed away on June 16, 2011 at NFRMC in Gainesville.  She was a counselor in the Salvation Army and a member of Westside Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Franklin and Vera Fountain.

Survivors include her son, Mark E. Phillips of Newberry, Fla. and daughter, Donna Phillips of Pacific Grove, Calif.; sisters, Peggy Thevenet of Ft. Myers, Fla. and Janice Hernberger of High Springs, Fla.

Visitation was held on Saturday, June 18, 2011, followed by a memorial service with Rev. Morris C. Beck officiating, at Evans-Carter Chapel. Interment was in High Springs Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The American Cancer Society. Arrangements are under the care of Evans-Carter Funeral Home in High Springs.

Alachua County Emergency Management recently added Weather Warning capabilities to its CodeRED high speed notification system. CodeRED Weather Warning is an opt-in only weather warning product that taps into the National Weather Service's Storm based warnings. CodeRED Weather Warning automatically alerts affected citizens in the path of severe weather moments after official warnings have been issued. With this new addition of services, residents can sign up to receive warnings for tornados, severe thunderstorms and floods.

David Donnelly, Alachua County Emergency Management Director cautions, "Such systems are only as good as the telephone number database supporting them. If your phone number is not in the database, you will not be called."

A feature offered by the CodeRED system is the ability for individuals and businesses to create an account and add their own phone numbers directly into the system's database. Alachua County Emergency Management urges all individuals and businesses to visit the CodeRED website (click here to view) and fill in the enrollment information.

Those without internet access or have questions should contact Alachua County Emergency Management at 352-264-6500, Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. to supply their information over the phone. Required information includes first and last name, street address (physical address, no P.O. boxes), city, state, zip code, and primary phone number, additional phone numbers can be entered as well.

For more information about Alachua County Emergency Management or the CodeRED system, click here or contact David Donnelly at 352-264-6500.

HS_Cat_Sanctuary_06-11Alachua County Animal Services employees worked to assemble cages for the nearly 700 cats seized last week from Haven Acres Cat Sanctuary.

A controversial cat sanctuary near the city of High Springs is unlikely to reopen as a refuge for unwanted felines.  Alachua County Animal Services seized 697 cats from the sanctuary last week, the largest of its type in county history.

This week, Alachua County officials filed a notice of intent to revoke the special exception that allowed Haven Acres Cat Sanctuary to operate, Code Enforcement Director Rick Wolf said.

“The basis for requesting revocation is because of failure to comply with numerous conditions,” he said.

One such violation is the keeping of nearly 700 cats, well beyond the 200-cat limit placed on the facility.

Pennie and Steve Lefkowitz, who operated Haven Acres, have 15 days to respond to the notice, which was reportedly delivered to them on Tuesday.

“This is the first time I can remember issuing a notice of intent to revoke a zoning action,” said Wolf.

Though uncommon, he said the county’s codes do provide an outline for the process.

The revocation proceeding will require a hearing before the County Commission since Haven Acres was approved by that board through a zoning action in 2010.

Wolf said his initial conversations with the Lefkowitzes seem to indicate that they were interested in requesting a voluntary termination of the special exception, but added that the County is unable to do anything until the 15 days expires.  As of Wednesday afternoon, the hearing to revoke the special exception had not been scheduled.

In a February inspection by his code enforcement department, Wolf said Haven Acres was not violating any of the conditions imposed by the County.

“To the best of our knowledge, from a code enforcement standpoint, they had fewer than 200 cats,” he said.

Occasional odor complaints from neighboring homeowners in the Edgemoor neighborhood would prompt a closer look.  But after he and other code enforcement officers visited the site, Wolf said, “We could not substantiate odor complains that would violate the odor management plan.”

As for the jump from roughly 200 cats to nearly 700 in just a few months, Wolf attributes the change to a sharp increase in the intake of felines at the sanctuary.

Alachua County Animal Services Director David Flagler seemed to agree with Wolf.

When asked if the increase might be due to breeding, Flagler said many of the cats at the facility were spayed or neutered.

“That’s one of the things I think Pennie and Steve [Lefkowitz] did really well,” he said.

Haven Acres reportedly had a much greater reach than just Alachua County, and that might have led to a growing out of control feline population.  Organizations from as far away as Orlando were sending cats to the sanctuary according to Flagler.

“It apparently became a regional hub to take in animals,” Flagler added.

As for the 697 cats seized from Haven Acres, most have received medical treatment.  About 20 of them have been euthanized after veterinary staff determined the felines were beyond treatment, Flagler said.

Although in custody of the cats, Animal Services does not yet have ownership, which will require a hearing and an order by a judge.

After ownership is established, Flagler said the County could begin attempting to reunite some of the animals with their original owners.  He estimates that 40 percent are feral and may not be suitable as pets.

Although a major seizure of animals, the cost of the operation is not being born solely by Alachua County taxpayers.

Coordination of medical care for the cats is being handled by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), which both took lead roles in the seizure.

Flagler estimates the cost to the County will be $40,000 to $50,000.  Most of that cost accounts for the overtime involved with operating two separate animal shelters.

“Given the tremendous seizure of animals, the cost to the County has been very minimal,” he said.

“The biggest cost to county residents is that we are asking them to be a little bit more patient with us as many of our officers have been assigned to the cat warehouse,” said Flagler.

Hawthorne_Murder Flowers left on the lawn of the Hudnall home serve as a reminder of the grisly crime that occurred inside the SE 71st Avenue house.

The murder of a Hawthorne resident, apparently by someone wielding a pickax, has left the small Florida town reeling.

William Hudnall, 51, a new resident to the city of Hawthorne, was brutally murdered at home in his sleep on June 8.

The victim’s 19-year-old daughter, Guenevere Hudnall, and his wife, Stephanie Hudnall, 41, have been arrested and are charged with First-Degree Premeditated Murder.

The two suspects are currently being held in the Alachua County Jail.

At 11:49 a.m. on Thursday, June 9, the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office Combined Communications Center received the 9-1-1 call from 22118 SE 71st Avenue in Hawthorne.

Once on scene, Alachua County Sherriff’s Office (ACSO) deputies discovered the deceased man and quickly suspected murder to be the cause of death.

Guenevere Hudnall has been accused of physically committing the crime with a pickax, while her mother, Stephanie Hudnall, allegedly drove her daughter to and from the victim’s residence.

The 9-1-1 call made by Stephanie Hudnall was described as a medical emergency on the phone, but authorities, once on scene, were rapidly able to recognize a different scenario.

The suspicious circumstances surrounding William Hudnall’s death led ASCO detectives to quickly launch a murder investigation.  Less than 24 hours after showing up at the scene of the crime, the two suspects were arrested and immediately taken to be held at the Alachua County Jail.

It appears that Social Security Benefits may have been the motive behind the vicious attack.

Witnesses stated the murder was a shock to them. A few even said they saw Guenevere Hudnall helping with various chores around the residence.

The victim was described as a quiet man who was most recently making home renovations before the murder occurred.

Anyone with any new information about the murder should contact the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office at 352-955-1818.

Newcomer Tommie Howard unopposed

Hawthorne_ElectionUnsuccessful Hawthorne city commission candidate James G. Franklin (standing) congratulates William A. Carlton (seated), who won his bid for re-election Tuesday night.

 Hawthorne City Commissioner William A. Carlton was re-elected to serve for an additional two years on the city commission.

The clash for Seat 3 on the commission ended Tuesday after Carlton defeated his opponent, James G. Franklin, Sr., for the position.

“I’m elated and pleasantly surprised,” Carlton said. “My opponent ran a good clean race with nothing derogatory in it at all.”

Of the 600 registered Hawthorne voters, 112 voted for Carlton, with 57 voting for his opponent.  Pulling in over 62 percent of the vote, Carlton was handily selected to be a voice on the commission for the next 104 weeks.

“It’s not the turnout that I anticipated, but we have to respect the decision of the people,” Franklin said. “Mr. Carlton has been a good public servant, and I’m sure he will continue to be, and I myself will continue to be involved.”

As for future campaigning for the city commission, Franklin said he would have to decide what to do when the time came.

At Hawthorne City Hall, 161 residents came out to cast ballots resulting in 107 votes for Carlton and 54 for Franklin.  Eight absentee ballots accounted for the remainder of the votes cast, resulting in 5 for Carlton and 3 for Franklin.

“I feel very happy that I won because at my age, I wondered,” Carlton said.

Carlton, 84, said he’s been serving the City of Hawthorne for more than 20 years. He said he likes the current commissioners and looks forward to working with them again.

“I think I have a good relationship with the commission. They’re a good group of people,” Carlton said. “I feel good about it and I look forward to serving with the new commissioner, [Tommie C. Howard, Jr.]. He will be an asset for the commission, I’m sure.”

Carlton restated his belief that the City of Hawthorne needs to continue its forward progress.

“I think we’ve had a lot of problems that were uncalled for,” said Carlton. “I believe we need to be honest with the people all the time about the finances and it needs to be in advance, not after the fact.”

Carlton said he speaks his mind, and even though he and the commission may not always agree on everything, he believes all the commissioners have the common goal of bettering Hawthorne.

“The people who come to the meetings know I speak from the heart and I speak the truth. I try to talk about the issues and stay away from personal matters,” Carlton said.

Carlton, Vice Mayor Matthew Surrency and new City Commissioner Tommie C. Howard, Jr. will remain on the commissioner until June 2013.

Hawthorne Mayor Eleanor Randall and Commissioner DeLoris Roberts will be up for re-election in June 2012.

Charter Amendments on Ballot

Included on the City of Hawthorne ballot were 13 Charter Amendments for voter approval or denial.  These Charter Amendments were all approved Tuesday by the electorate.

Charter Amendment 1:

Shall the charter of the City of Hawthorne, Florida, be amended to mandate that the city commission provide by Ordinance for the City Manager to furnish a fidelity bond?

Passed: 136-27

Charter Amendment 2:

Shall the charter of the City of Hawthorne, Florida, be amended to provide a procedure to be followed by the City when an adopted budget is found to be unbalanced?

Passed: 144-18

Charter Amendment 3:

Shall the charter of the City of Hawthorne, Florida, be amended to provide that a City Manager removed due to misfeasance or malfeasance shall not receive severance compensation?

Passed: 151-15

Charter Amendment 4:

Shall the charter of the City of Hawthorne, Florida, be amended to require that the City Manager operate as a fiscal conservative and maintain City solvency?

Passed: 139-24

Charter Amendment 5:

Shall the charter of the City of Hawthorne, Florida, be amended to require background checks on a city manager and otherwise restrict employment to a term specific and under a standard city manager contract?

Passed: 150-15

Charter Amendment 6:

Shall the charter of the City of Hawthorne, Florida, be amended to require the City Manager to prepare and submit a balanced annual budget and prepare and submit a five-year capital program?

Passed: 146-19

Charter Amendment 7:

Shall the charter of the City of Hawthorne, Florida, be amended to require the City Manager to provide monthly reports of the finances and administrative activities of the City?

Passed: 148-8

Charter Amendment 8:

Shall the charter of the City of Hawthorne, Florida, be amended to require that the City Manager has a continuous duty to keep the Commission fully advised as to the financial condition and future needs of the city?

Passed: 143-12

Charter Amendment 9:

Shall the charter of the City of Hawthorne, Florida, be amended to establish an expenditure cap of five thousand dollars ($5,000.00) for City Manager budgeted expenditures?

Passed: 126-24

Charter Amendment 10:

Shall the charter of the City of Hawthorne, Florida, be amended to require that the City Manager maintain a general accounting system for the City and each of its offices, departments and agencies and exercise financial budgetary control over same?

Passed: 143-11

Charter Amendment 11:

Shall the charter of the City of Hawthorne, Florida, be amended to require that the City Manager make reports to the City Commission, as required, concerning the operations of the city departments, offices and agencies subject to his or her direction and supervision?

Passed: 145-11

Charter Amendment 12:

Shall the charter of the City of Hawthorne, Florida, be amended to require the City Manager to produce and maintain a Personnel Rules and Regulations manual for commission approval?

Passed: 142-11

Charter Amendment 13:

Shall the charter of the City of Hawthorne, Florida, be amended to require that personnel appropriations within a budget be kept separate from other funding categories and not modified without Commission approval?

Passed: 136-16

Mugshot_-_Deandrea_M_Parks_ASO11JBN005988Mugshot_Reshad_C_Wilson_-ASO11JBN005981Photo 1: Deandrea M. Parks; Photo 2: Reshad C. Wilson

Two adults and two minors were arrested Monday after High Springs Police Department (HSPD) officers were reportedly tipped off that a burglary was in process.

A resident living near the 17000 block of Southside Court in High Springs called HSPD Monday afternoon reporting that five black men were entering a home she knew they did not have permission to enter, HSPD Chief James Troiano said.

Officer Ryan Scott arrived at NW 174th Avenue moments later where he saw a man allegedly acting suspiciously.  After resisting Scott initially, Troiano said the man was ultimately arrested.

A short time later, a second resident called HSPD reporting that three black men were “acting suspiciously” in the wooded area behind the home believed to have been burglarized, police reports state.  Officers Scott and Steve Holley responded to that location and reportedly found three men exiting the woods.  After being told to stop, Troiano said the men fled the scene but were arrested after a brief search.

A fifth man was believed to be involved although he has not been located police reports state. He has been described as a young black male with short black dreadlocks wearing a grey shirt, black shorts and dark colored shoes.

Each of the four arrested were reportedly positively identified by the witness as the men who allegedly entered the home.

Deandrea M. Parks, 25, of High Springs was arrested and charged with burglary, felony criminal mischief for kicking out the rear window of Officer Scott’s patrol car and resisting an officer with violence.

Reshad C. Wilson, 21, of High Springs was arrested and charged with burglary, loitering and prowling, resisting an officer without violence.  Wilson also had an outstanding warrant for violation of probation.

Samuel Bernard Keith, 16, of High Springs was arrested and charged with burglary.

Buddy Flemming, 16, of High Springs was arrested and charged with burglary.

Troiano encourages citizens to report suspicious activity in High Springs.

“It is important to note that without citizen cooperation we would not have received the timely information that led to the arrests of these individuals,” said Troiano.

“This is also the second incident in a week where citizens have called the HSPD to report suspicious activity.  Citizens are urged to continue to be the eyes and ears of our department and report all suspicious activity,” he said.

Anyone wishing to report a crime may do so and remain anonymous by calling Alachua County Crime Stoppers at (352) 372-STOP (7867).

Free meals for anyone 18 or younger

School_Summer_Feeding_ProgramAlachua Elementary School Food Service Worker Omeshia Wright serves up lunch at the school on Wednesday.  Wright estimates that 300 or more children in the Alachua/High Springs area are being served each day through the Summer Meal Program.

Schools across the county are offering free meals to all children 18 years old or younger, regardless of family income.  Funded by the federal government and known as the Summer Meal Program, the twice-daily servings are being provided at 28 schools in Alachua County.

Both breakfast and lunch are being served during the summer months through the Alachua County Public Schools Food and Nutrition Department. The program started Monday and is running through July at many of the participating schools according to School Board of Alachua County (SBAC) officials.

A child need not even be enrolled at the school to qualify for the meals.  The only requirement is that the child be 18 years old or younger and show up with their name and a telephone number to register.

“Families can take their children to the site that’s most convenient for them,” said Maria Eunice, director of the district’s Food and Nutrition Department.

“All they need to do is register their child the first day they come, and all they’ll need to register is the child’s name and a phone number.  Then they just show up during the serving times and enjoy a nutritious meal,” she said.

Alachua Elementary School Food Service Worker Omeshia Wright served more than 70 youngsters Wednesday.  Some of those served were part of a summer program, others were attending summer school, but involvement in a school program or activity is not required to receive the meals.

Wright estimates that some 300 or more children in the Alachua/High Springs area are being served each day.

Early each morning, Wright and food service workers from other nearby schools meet at Irby Elementary where they prepare and package hundreds of breakfasts and lunches.  Each of the workers then takes the meals to their respective schools and serves them.

The Summer Meal Program has been likened to the National School Lunch Program offered during the school year.  The summer program aims to provide nutritionally balanced meals to all children regardless of race, color, sex, disability, age, or national origin, according to school board officials.

The program is only approved for geographical areas of need, defined as areas where 50 percent or more of the children qualify for free and reduced price meals during the school year.

Even after registering for meals at one school, families may switch to another school simply by re-registering at the new site the first day they go to that location.

A complete list of sites along with dates and times can be found at www.acpsfood.com.  Parents wishing to obtain more information about the Summer Feeding Program may also call 352-955-7539.

Meal sites, dates and times for Alachua County’s outlying communities:

Alachua Elementary: Monday-Friday, 6/13-7/22 (closed 7/4); breakfast 7:30-8:15, lunch 11:30-noon

Archer Community: Monday-Thursday, 6/13-7/28 (closed 7/4 & 7/5); breakfast 7:30-8:15, lunch 11:30-noon

Hawthorne High: Monday-Thursday, 6/13-7/28 (closed 7/4 & 7/5); breakfast 8:30-9, lunch noon-12:30

Irby Elementary: Monday-Thursday, 6/13-6/30; breakfast 7:30-8, lunch 11:30-noon

Mebane Middle: Monday-Thursday, 6/13-7/28 (closed 7/4 &7/5); breakfast 7:30-8, lunch 11:11:30

Newberry Elementary: Monday-Friday, 6/13-7/22 (closed 7/4); breakfast 7:30-8, lunch 11:30-noon

Newberry High: Monday-Thursday, 6/13-6/30; breakfast 8-8:30, lunch 11:30-noon

Shell Elementary: Monday-Thursday, 6/13-6/30; breakfast 7:45-8:15, lunch 10:30-11

Waldo Community: Monday-Friday, 6/13-7/22 (closed 7/4); breakfast 7:30-8, lunch 11-11:45

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 CLOSET OF FAITH, located at 19523 Peggy Road, in the county of Alachua, in the city of Alachua, Florida, 32615 intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated at Alachua, Florida this 13th day of June, 2011.

Owner: Christy Miller

(Published: Alachua County Today - June 16, 2011)

PUBLIC NOTICE

 

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA

 

CASE NO: 01-2011-CA-001002 RBC BANK (USA), successor by merger to Florida Choice Bank, Plaintiff, v. A AACCESSIBLE MORTGAGE, INC., a Florida corporation and EARNEST FREDERICK, individually, jointly and severally, Defendants. ____________________/

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, the Clerk of the Circuit Court for Alachua County, Florida, under and pursuant to the Final Summary Judgment in Favor of RBC heretofore entered on the 3rd day of June, 2011, in that certain cause pending in the Circuit Court of the Eighth Judicial Circuit, in and for Alachua County, Florida, being Civil Action No. 01-2011-CA-001002, in which RBC BANK (USA), successor by merger to Florida Choice Bank (“RBC”), is the Plaintiff and A AACCESSIBLE MORTGAGE, INC., a Florida corporation (“A Aaccessible”) and EARNEST FREDERICK, individually (“Frederick”), jointly and severally, are the Defendants and under and pursuant to the terms of the said Final Summary Judgment in Favor of RBC will offer for sale at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for cash, in the lobby of the Alachua County Family/Civil Justice Center, 201 E. University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32601, on the 6th day of July, 2011, at the hour of 11:00 a.m. in the morning, the same being a legal sales day and the hour a legal hour of sale, the real and personal property situated in Alachua County, Florida and legally described as follows:

Real Property

THE WEST 80 FEET OF LOT 38, WOODLAND PARK, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK “D”, PAGE 51, PUBLIC RECORDS OF ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA. FOLIO: 16054-036-000 ADDRESS: 2325 S.E. 9TH PLACE, GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA 32641 together with all improvements, tenements, hereditaments and appurtenances pertaining thereto. The property aforesaid, together with all improvements, tenements, hereditaments and appurtenances and retaining thereto belonging, or in anywise appertaining, is being sold to satisfy RBC’s claims under said Judgment. DATED this 8th day of June, 2011. J. K. IRBY Clerk of the Circuit Court Alachua County, Florida By: /s/ Erika Powell Deputy Clerk

(Published: Alachua County Today - June 16 and 23, 2011)

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: Hyde-N-Seek Recovery, Inc. gives Notice of Lien and intent to sell the following vehicles on 6/21/2011, 10:00 a.m. at 1354 NW 53rd Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32609, pursuant to subsection 677.210 of the Florida Statutes. Hyde-N-Seek Recovery, Inc. reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids. 1999 1GHDX03E3XD187851 OLDSMOBILE FRIENDLY AUTO FINANCE 1997 1FTCR10A5VUC98272 FORD REPUBLIC BANK 2001 3C8FY4BB91T655205 CHRYSLER NATIONAL AUTO LENDERS 2001 KNDJB723515096369 KIA DAIMLER CHRYSLER FINANCIAL

(Published: Alachua County Today - June 02, 2011 and June 16, 2011)

 

CITY OF HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the following Item(s) will be heard at a meeting held by the City Commission of the City of Hawthorne, Florida, at a public hearing on June 21, 2011 at 6:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter can be heard, in the Commission Meeting Room, City Hall located at 6700 Southeast 221st Street, Hawthorne, Florida. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, ALACHUA COUNTY FLORIDA, AMENDING SECTION 2-31 OF THE CITY CODE OF ORDINANCES WHICH PROVIDES FOR CITY COMMISSIONER COMPENSATION; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF CONFLICTING ORDINANCES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. PLEASE NOTE: Pursuant to Section 286.015, Florida Statues, if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Commission with respect to any matter considered at such meeting, he or she will need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceeding is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. In accordance with the American with Disabilities Act, a person with disabilities needing any special accommodations to participate in City Commission Meetings should contact the office at City Hall at 352-481-2432.

On the date, time and place first above mentioned, all interested persons may appear and be heard with respect to the proposed actions. This/ These Ordinance(s) may be inspected by the public prior to the hearing at City Hall located at the address above.

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - June 16, 2011.)

 

FIRST PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

The City of Hawthorne is considering applying to the Florida Department of Community Affairs (DCA) for a Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) of up to Six Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($650,000.00). These funds must be used for one of the following purposes: 1. To benefit low and moderate income persons; 2. To aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight; or 3. To meet other community development needs of recent origin having a particular urgency because existing conditions pose a serious and immediate threat to the health or welfare of the community and where other financial resources are not available to meet such needs. The categories of activities for which these funds may be used are in the areas of housing, neighborhood revitalization, commercial revitalization, or economic development and include such improvement activities as acquisition of real property, loans to private-for-profit business, purchase of machinery and equipment, construction of infrastructure, rehabilitation of houses and commercial buildings, and energy conservation. Additional information regarding the range of activities that may be undertaken will be provided at the public hearing. For each activity that is proposed, at least 70% of the funds must benefit low and moderate income persons. In developing an application for submission to DCA, the City of Hawthorne must plan to minimize displacement of persons as a result of planned CDBG activities. In addition, the City of Hawthorne is required to develop a plan to assist displaced persons.

 

A public hearing to receive citizen views concerning the community’s economic and community development needs will be held on July 5, 2011 at 6:30PM or as soon thereafter as possible at the City of Hawthorne City Hall located at 6700 SE 221st Street, Hawthorne, Florida. For information concerning the public hearing contact: Interim City Manager Ellen Vause at the City of Hawthorne, 6700 SE 221st Street, Hawthorne, Florida 32640. Telephone (352) 481-2432.

 

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 City Hall 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 contact City hall at least five calendar days prior to the meeting and a language interpreter will be provided. Any handicapped person requiring special accommodation at this meeting should contact City Hall at least five calendar days prior to the meeting. A Fair Housing/Equal Opportunity/Handicap Accessible Jurisdiction.

(Published: Alachua County Today - June 16, 2011)

 

FAIR HOUSING WORKSHOP

The City of Hawthorne is a fair housing advocate. The City is holding a workshop to explain the Fair Housing Ordinance for all of the protected classes (race, color, familial status, handicap, national origin, religion and sex). The public is invited to attend. The workshop is scheduled for July 5, 2011 at 6:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as possible at the Hawthorne City Hall located at 6700 SE 221st Street, Hawthorne, Florida. Any handicapped, visually or hearing impaired person or non-English speaking person needing special assistance at the meeting should contact Interim City Manager Ellen Vause at the City of Hawthorne at (352) 481-2432 at least five days prior to the meeting and assistance will be provided.

(Published: Alachua County Today - June 16, 2011)

 

IN THE CIRCUIT FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO. 2011-CP-653 DIVISION B IN RE: ESTATE OF KATHRYN FLOYD ADAMS, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of KATHRYN FLOYD ADAMS, deceased, whose date of death was APRIL 4, 2011, and whose social security number is XXX-XXX-4805, is pending in the Circuit Court for ALACHUA County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is PO BOX 600, GAINESVILLE, FL 32602-0600. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the 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 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 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 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 FLORIDA 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 June 16, 2011. Attorney for Personal Representative: /s/ Robert C. Adams ROBERT C. ADAMS Florida Bar No. 0106062 107 E. Franklin St. PO Box 1026 Monroe, NC 28111 Telephone: 704-226-9070 Personal Representative: /s/ Robert C. Adams Robert C. Adams 107 E. Franklin St. PO Box 1026 Monroe, NC 28111 (Published: Alachua County Today – June 16 and 23, 2010)

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT, EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 01-10-CA-2802 DIVISION: J WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., a national banking association, successor by merger to Wachovia Bank, N.A., Plaintiff, v. BOSTON SEAFOOD WHOLESALE, LLC, a Florida limited liability company; BOSTON SEAFOOD DISTRIBUTORS, INC., a Florida corporation; U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, ADMINISTRATOR OF THE SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, an agency of the Government of the United States of America; and THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Defendants. ____________/

NOTICE OF SALE

Notice is given that under a Final Judgment dated May 3, 2011, in Case No. 01-10-CA-2802 in the Circuit Court of the Eighth Judicial Circuit in and for Alachua County, Florida, in which Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., is Plaintiff and Boston Seafood Wholesale, LLC, Boston Seafood Distributors, Inc., U.S. Small Business Administration, Administrator of the Small business Administration, and The United States of America, are defendants, the Clerk of the Court will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash in the lobby of the Alachua County Family/Civil justice Center, 201 E. University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32601, beginning at 11:00 a.m.. on July 5, 2011 the following described property set forth in the Final Judgment:

 

SEE ATTACHED EXHIBIT "A"

Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale.

 

DATED this 9th day of May, 2011. J.K. Irby Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller By: /s/ Erika Powell Deputy Clerk

Publication of this notice was made on June 16, 2011 in the Alachua Today.

 

EXHIBIT A

 

LOT 11 NORTHWEST INDUSTRIAL PARK UNIT No. 2 ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK L PAGE 30 OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF ALACHUA COUNTY FLORIDA. The Real Property or its address is commonly known as 6805 NW 18 DRIVE, GAINESVILLE, FL 32653.

 

Together with: all existing or subsequently erected or affixed buildings, improvements and fixtures; all easements, rights of way, and appurtenances; all water, water rights, water courses and ditch rights (including stock in utilities with ditch or irrigation rights); and all other rights, royalties and profits relating to the real property, including without limitation all minerals, oil, gas, geothermal and similar matters.

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - June 16 and 23, 2011)

CITY OF HAWTHORNE

NOTICE OF SALE OF REAL PROPERTY BY SEALED BID

 

The City of Hawthorne is seeking sealed bids for the sale of four (4) separate parcels of real property, identified as follows:

Parcel No. 1. 19498-003-000 Physical Address SE 74th Lane & SE225 Way Zoning Designation Res SF 2

 

Parcel No. 2. 19507-000-000 Physical Address SE 74th Lane Zoning Designation Res SF 2 Parcel No. 3. 19599-002-000 Physical Address 22602 SE 73rd Ave Zoning Designation Res SF 2 Parcel No. 4.19759-000-000 Physical Address 501 NW 7th St Zoning Designation Res SF 2

 

A separate bid shall be submitted for each parcel. Sealed bids must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on July 15, 2011. Bids received after the deadline will be disqualified from consideration. All bids must be submitted in a sealed envelope marked “Sealed Bid” with the Parcel No. indicated. Only hand-delivered or mailed bids will be accepted. Bid packages may be mailed to: City of Hawthorne, P.O. Box 1270, Hawthorne, Florida 32640 or hand-delivered to the City of Hawthorne at 6700 SE 221st St., Hawthorne, Florida 32640. The City reserves the right to withdraw the property from sale at any time before acceptance of bid or to reject all bids at any time. The City will convey the property by quit claim deed. Property will be sold “as is” with no implied or express warranties, no guarantees, with all faults and no seller representations. Buyer shall be solely responsible for performing due diligence in researching the property before submitting a bid and ultimately purchasing the property including, but not limited to, survey, title search, etc. Buyer shall be responsible for all such costs including all closing costs. Contact person: Ellen Vause, Interim City Manager, 6700 SE 221st St., Hawthorne, Florida 32640, (352) 481-2432, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

NOTICE TO PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

 

If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact LaKesha McGruder, City Clerk, at 6700 SE 221st St., Hawthorne, Florida 32640 for further information.

(Published: Alachua County Today - June 16, 2011)

 

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

 

Advertise in Over 100 Papers throughout Florida for One Low Rate. Advertising Networks of Florida, Put us to work for You! (866)742-1373 www.florida-classifieds.com.

 

SPECIAL EVENTS

 

 

Make your wedding special at a budget price!

Don’t let these tough times keep you from having your dream wedding. Weddings performed anywhere. Non-denominational , non judgmental, any and all marriages. Your choice of wedding vows, candle ceremonies, and sand ceremonies. Starting at $69. Many upgrades and wedding planner services available for an additional fee.

Call us at (352)317-7340 or (352)317-0846.

 

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

 

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

 

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 INFORMATION

 

 

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

 

EMPLOYMENT


Help Wanted

 

 

Drivers - CDL-A Start up to 43¢ per mile!! SIGN-ON BONUS!! GREAT HOME TIME!!! Lease purchase available. Experience Req'd. (800)441-4271 x FL-100 HornadyTransportation.com

 

CALL NOW! Top 5% Pay! Excellent Benefits. 300 New T660's. Need 2 months CDL-A Driving Exp. (877)258-8782 www.meltontruck.com

 

Drivers Earn Up to 39¢/mi HOME SEVERAL NIGHTS & WEEKENDS 1 yr OTR Flatbed exp. Call: (800)572-5489 Joy ext. 238 Susan ext. 227 SUNBELT TRANSPORT, LLC

 

Drivers- No Experience- No Problem. 100% Paid CDL Training. Immediate Benefits. 20/10 program. Trainers Earn up to 49¢ per mile! CRST VAN EXPEDITED (800)326-2778 www.JoinCRST.com

 

Driver- Great Miles! Great Pay! $1000 Sign-on for experienced CO's & $1500 Incentives for O/O's. Driver Academy Refresher Course available. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. (855)356-7121

 

CDL-A Drivers - Relocate for Tons of Great Paying Texas Oilfield work! Great company/Paid benefits! Must have bulk pneumatic trailer experience. Call today! (800)491-9029

Part time cleaner/floor tech needed for commercial office building on US 441. Must have floor experience, ability to lift over 40 lbs and pass background check. $7.50/hour. Call Pat at 352-870-0363.

Mechanic needed - knowledge of trucks, forklifts and farm equipment preferred. No tobacco, drug-free workplace. Pay based on experience. Apply at Southern Specialty Equipment, 26003 W. US Highway 27, High Springs, FL 32643. No phone calls please.

Cook wanted. Part time. Please call between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Experience required. DW Ashton Catery, Alachua. 386-462-4633.

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

 

SERVICES OFFERED

 

 

LEGAL SERVICES

 

 

Bankruptcy, Foreclosure Defense, Consumer Rights. Peter Kelegian, Attorney at Law, Gainesville, Florida. Free no obligation consultation. Serving counties throughout North Florida. (352)672-6444. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

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

 

MUSIC & DANCE INSTRUCTION

 

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

 

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.

 

Acreage & Farms

 

 

LAND SALE STEINHATCHEE, FL 10 Acres $39,900 $900 Down, $326/Mo. Great Hunting/Fishing. Near Gulf and River. Call (352)542-7835 cell: (352)356-1099

 

NC mountain property must go. 4.5 acres with outstanding views and privacy. $25,000 OBO, great for home or cab. (828)394-9298. Ask for Richard

1 acre LaCrosse. Beautifully wooded, paved road frontage. Owner financing. No down payment. $27,900. $287/mo. 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 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 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.

 

Real Estate Services

 

 

Access Reverse Mortgage! Florida-based: Application & closing in your home. Experience: almost 1,000 reverse mortgages funded. Award-winning customer service. BBB A rating. NMLS #4566. 1(800)806-7126

 

MERCHANDISE


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 - Job placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance (877)741-9260.

WANTED TO BUY

 

DONATE VEHICLES, BOATS, PROPERTY and get a free vacation. www.dvarinst.com Helping teens in crisis for 30 years. Max IRS Deductions. Free Towing. Call (800)338-6724 Today

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.

Clifford Ely Stennett, 76, passed away at his nephew’s  home in Fort White on June 12, 2011. He was born in Tampa, Fla., and was a boilermaker.  He was a member of AARP and the Boilermakers ’Union.

Mr. Stennett is survived by two nephews; Daniel S. (Chrissie) Hair of Ft. White and Reggie Stennett of Kentucky; niece, Renae Stennett of Kentucky.

A memorial service was held on Wed., June 15, 2011 at the Evans-Carter Chapel. Arrangements are under the care of Evans-Carter Funeral Home, High Springs, Fla.

Betty H. Newsome, 76, of Fort White, Fla., previously a longtime resident of South Bay, Fla., passed away on Tuesday, June 7, 2011 in Gainesville, Fla., following a short battle with cancer.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack W. Newsome; mother, Mattie Miller; and son, Andrew Newsome.

Betty, along with her husband, Jack, owned Sawgrass Restaurant in South Bay for some 20 years.

Survivors include two daughters, Bridgette Kipp (Mark) Syrie of Clewiston, Fla., and Dixie Newsome of Fort White, Fla.; sister, Linda Miller Cone, Thomasville, Ga.; six grandchildren; and 10 great grandchildren.

Visitation was held on Saturday, June 11, 2011, at Evans-Carter Funeral Home in High Springs, Fla. Funeral services were held June 13, 2011 at Akin-Davis Chapel in Clewiston, Fla., with burial in Ridgetown Cemetery in Clewiston. Arrangements are under the care of Evans-Carter Funeral Home, High Springs, Fla.

Tony Leeman Bielling, 72, passed away at his residence in Fort White, Fla. on Monday, June 13, 2011.

Mr. Bielling did fuel analysis for Gainesville Regional Utilities and was a member of Mount Horeb Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Theresa Kay Langford Bielling; four sons, Mitch Bielling of Haines City, Fla., Robin Bielling of Cuhuta, Ga., Billy Bielling of Green Cove Springs, Fla., Jeff Swilley of St. Augustine, Fla.; daughters, Ramona Meadows of Orange Lake, Fla., Tori Roxby of New Port Ritchey, Fla.; brothers, Tommy Bielling of Alachua, Toby Bielling of Anaheim, Calif.; mother, Irene Parrish of Providence, Fla.; 14 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 16 at 10 a.m., with visitation one hour prior to service, at Mount Horeb Baptist Church with Rev. James West and Rev. S.J. Brown officiating.

Arrangements are under the care of Evans-Carter Funeral Home.

HS_Cat_Sanctuary_June_2011Adam Parascandola, Director of Animal Cruelty Investigations for the Humane Society of the United States hugs a Haven Acres Cat Sanctuary cat that was rescued along with an estimated 700 other cats in High Springs.  Parascandola nicknamed the cat Velcro for his affectionate response to the attention/PHOTO: JULIE BUSCH BRANAMAN/The HSUS

Alachua County Animal Services along with two other organizations seized 697 cats and one rooster from the Haven Acres Cat Sanctuary near High Springs.  Steve and Pennie Lefkowitz, whose home is also on the property, operate Haven Acres.

The seizure, which occurred over a two day period beginning Tuesday morning, was part of a criminal investigation and in response to concerns of alleged hoarding, said Animal Services Director David Flagler.

Animal Services was tipped off in late May when a person wanting to drop off a cat at the sanctuary became concerned upon seeing the conditions of the animals there, Flagler said.

The tip prompted an investigation by Flagler’s office, which reportedly found medically neglected cats.”

“We suspected the cat sanctuary had far more cats than we could take care of ourselves,” he said.

That’s when Flagler said they called in help from The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), which both took lead roles in the seizure.

Officials conducting the operation first believed the number of cats to total about 500.  By Wednesday afternoon, the final tally was 697 felines.  That’s more than triple the 200 cat limit Haven Acres was permitted by Alachua County to keep.

“Whether the sanctuary started with good intentions, it is now clear that it is unable to properly care for this number of animals, and we want to make sure they get the care and attention they need,” said Ashley Mauceri, deputy manager of Animal Cruelty Investigations for The HSUS.

Most of the cats were being kept in pens scattered across the eight-acre property, but some were kept inside the home and elsewhere.

There were deceased cats found, including some in a refrigerator and at least one in a cage, said Flagler.

“Anywhere you could put a cat, there was one,” he said.

County code enforcement checks apparently did little to catch the escalating feline population at Haven Acres.  The operation was within its 200-cat limit according to code enforcement statistics retrieved this year.  Flagler said every time code enforcement made a visit, they were told by people at the sanctuary that there were 197 cats on site.

According to The HSUS, a veterinarian on the scene Tuesday determined that many of the cats were underweight and suffering from medical ailments such as upper respiratory infections and parasite infestation.

The ASPCA Forensics Team was deployed to Haven Acres Tuesday where they were charged with documenting conditions and gathering evidence.

The cats were taken to an emergency shelter where they are continuing to be evaluated and treated according to The HSUS.  The cats are expected to remain at that shelter while Alachua County Animal Services seeks a judge’s order placing the felines in the custody of the County.

If Animal Services does gain legal custody of the cats, they are expected to be available for adoption through a non-profit organization.

A sanctuary with a contentious history

Although the sanctuary is zoned and permitted by Alachua County, it sits in a pocket surrounded by High Springs land and homeowners on all sides, leaving High Springs residents affected by it, but the City without any oversight as it to its operations.

The county’s permitting of the sanctuary even resulted in a lawsuit filed several years ago by the City of High Springs.

Steven and Pennie Lefkowitz, whose eight-acre enclave at 21023 NW 168th Lane is surrounded by the City of High Springs, had used their property as a sanctuary for more than 400 cats and other animals since 2002.

The Lefkowitzs were granted a special exception for a private animal shelter in August 2007 by the Alachua Board of County Commissioners, to which the City of High Springs quickly filed an appeal, resulting in an ensuing lawsuit with the couple.

Many complaints had been made over the years by neighbors and High Springs city officials.

Neighbors complained of a strong odor emanating from the property.  For several years, city officials warned Alachua County officials that they worried the ‘sanctuary’ could be a public health threat.

City officials also expressed their concerns over the couple’s practice of burying deceased cats on their property.

Over the years, the living conditions of the cats have been reported as questionable by some.  The Lefkowitzes, however, refuted claims that the cats lived in unsanitary conditions, saying litter boxes are changed regularly and their cages are appropriate housing.

In November 2009, High Springs and Alachua County Commissioners agreed on stipulations that would lessen the impact the cat sanctuary has on its neighbors, still allow Haven Acres to operate, and settle the lawsuit High Springs had filed against Alachua County for permitting the sanctuary around a residential neighborhood.

During a Nov. 17, 2009 county commission meeting, County Commissioner Mike Byerly said of Haven Acres, “Every animal that doesn’t come to this shelter will be loose in the neighborhoods, passing diseases to pets, killing birds and probably dying on their own.

“That’s the public interest…There is a need for a facility like this,” Byerly said.

Magic, Aladdin and Peanut encourage youngsters to read

HS_Library_Therary_HorsesHS_Library_Therapy_Horses_2Photo 1: Youngsters gathered around Magic, a miniature therapy horse and the star of Gentle Carousel, and Gentle Carousel Inc. Executive Director Jeorge Garcia-Bengochea at High Springs library summer reading program kick off Tuesday afternoon.; Photo 2 – L-R:  Shelby DuBose, 11; John E. Ritch, 8; and Sydney Cadrain, 10, were introduced to Magic, the star of Gentle Carousel, by Gentle Carousel Inc. Executive Director Jeorge Garcia-Bengochea.

With well over 200 children in and out of the High Springs Library throughout the event, Gentle Carousel made the summer reading program kick off a huge success.

Gentle Carousel brought with them three of their miniature therapy horses including America’s Most Heroic Horse, Magic, for all the children and parents alike to enjoy.

Debbie Garcia-Bengochea, who is Educational Director for Gentle Carousel, Inc., an all volunteer 501(c)(3) non profit organization based out of High Springs, and handles most of the school-related programs, said it’s nice to come back and do an event like this in your hometown. It gives the volunteers a chance to relax from all the traveling.

High Springs Library hosted the event on Tuesday and the program’s theme was geared toward getting children to read and visit the library as often as possible.

“Encouraging children to read is a huge thing,” Garcia-Bengochea said. “A big thing we push is the reading program we have called “Reading is Magic” and we really encourage the parents to read to their children just 15 minutes a day every day. It makes a massive difference.”

The “Reading is Magic” program brings real miniature horses inside a library or classroom to inspire young readers to want to read. This award-winning program helps to motivate children to check out a book or even ask their parents to read to them.

They are 19-27 inches tall and visit hospitals, schools, care programs and patients in hospice care all around the world.

Magic, the star of Gentle Carousel, was named One of History’s Ten Most Heroic Animals by Time Magazine and CNN, Most Heroic Pet in America by AARP the Magazine, Ten Most Heroic Animals of 2010 by Newsweek and The Daily Beast, and selected as Power of One Hero by Reader’s Digest and AmericanTowns.

Along with Magic, two other horses, Aladdin and Peanut, visited the library as well and the director and staff handled the program and the tiny equine stars with ease.

This all-volunteer, non-profit organization touches the lives of many people around the world.

Ann Ritch, librarian in High Springs, said she loves what Gentle Carousel does for the library and all the children.

“We’ve been doing this for several years and Gentle Carousel always does a great job,” Ritch said. “They’re big supporters of the library and are enthusiastic about reading.”

Taylor Roberts, 7, just finished first grade in High Springs. Along with numerous other children, she went up and had her pictures taken with the horses.

She said she really liked the horses, especially their cute outfits and big blue eyes.

Part of Gentle Carousel’s success involves a reading list they distribute to the children.

“We have reading lists with books about horses and use them to try and get the kids back to the library,” Garcia-Bengochea said. “We have horses that match all the horses in the classic children’s books.”

She said the staff will read a book about a horse and then bring out a horse that looks just like the one in the story.

In total, Gentle Carousel has 26 miniature horses in their program, which has been running for about 10 years.

Garcia-Bengochea said she’s happy with the effect the program has on the children at the library.

“A lot of library cards are signed up for the summer, horse-related books are checked out, and the kids use our book list,” she said. “We get a lot of kids here and the main thing we want to do is to get them to the library. If we can get them here, get them signed up, get them checking out books, and letting them see what else is available in the library, then that’s worthwhile. That’s what we’re here for.”

Anyone interested in making donations, or learning more about Gentle Carousel and the miniature therapy horses can visit the Web site at www.horse-therapy.org for information.

Mug_-_Jamie_Floricel_Cruz Mug-_Rigoberto_Wilson Photo 1: Cruz; Photo 2: Wilson

Three people from Miami, Fla., were arrested following a rash of automobile burglaries in High Springs Sunday afternoon.  A fourth person was believed to be involved, but was not caught.

The High Springs Police Department (HSPD) reportedly received a call from a resident who said he was watching a man break into several cars at the High Springs Civic Center.

As HSPD officers Steve Holley and Ryan Scott arrived at the scene, the caller told the dispatcher the man in question just entered a small red four-door sedan and appeared to be leaving the area.

When HSPD Officer Steve Holley tried to stop the car, the driver attempted to run into him, said HSPD Chief James Troiano.  It was at that point that items were allegedly being thrown from the red car as it fled the area.  Police lost sight of the car near the 1000 block of North Main Street due to dusty road conditions, according to an HSPD report.

Police located the car a short time later while it was parked behind Economy Mini Storage on U.S. Highway 441.  As officers approached the car, four occupants exited and ran in different directions.  Holley was able to catch Jamie F. Cruz, 22, of Miami, said Troiano.  She was charged with three counts of burglary and one count of resisting an officer without violence.

Alachua County Sheriff’s Sergeant Mike Powers and Alachua Police Department (APD) officers were able to arrest two men who were believed to have been involved.

One of the men was nabbed after reportedly being spotted walking along U.S. 441 and described by a motorist as “tired.”

Rigoberto Wilson, 24, of Miami, Fla., was arrested and also charged with three counts of burglary and one count of resisting an officer without violence.

Also of Miami, a minor, 17-year-old Tommy F. Blash, Jr. was charged with three counts of burglary.

The Gainesville Police Department (GPD) also filed charges of burglary and grand theft against Cruz and Wilson.

Officers later stopped a gold minivan after the eyewitness to the burglaries called HSPD to report the location of the van he believed was with the red car at the Civic Center earlier that day.  All four of the men in that minivan were found to be from the Miami area, said Troiano.  They were not charged, but officers said it was clear they knew the occupants of the red sedan.

A search of the red vehicle resulted in officers locating hundreds of licenses and credit cards, glass shards and a window punch.

HSPD officers are expected to be working over the next week to contact all of the owners of the licenses and credit cards, as well as applicable law enforcement agencies to resolve any related vehicle burglaries.

The Hawthorne City Commission will be seeing changes in the next couple of days.

With three seats expiring, political newcomers could soon be sitting on the commission dais. Election Day is set for June 14 at City Hall, with voting taking place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Current terms of office are expiring for City Commissioners Harry Carter and William “Billy” Carlton, and Vice-Mayor Matthew Surrency

Commissioner Carter, Seat 1, opted to not seek re-election for an additional term and will likely be replaced candidate Tommie C. Howard Jr. in the coming weeks.

Vice-Mayor Matthew Surrency’s term of office is coming to a close as well, but due to lack of opposition, he will regain his position on the commission.

Incumbent Commissioner Carlton is facing off against James G. Franklin, Sr. in the Seat 3 race.

Franklin , 47, is a business manager for an educational non-profit agency in Alachua County, and has resided in Hawthorne for the past 40 years. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of South Florida.

“It’s time to set aside traditional politics. The presence of government is not to make people’s lives more difficult, but we continue to see and experience how government is doing just that with legislation and taxation,” said Franklin.  “Public servants should have the best interest of the people, but because of traditional politics and personal agendas, the people’s interest is lost.”

Franklin believes that people want to be heard first and foremost and they want assurances that their concerns are going to be looked into, not just given routine answers. “People have lost faith in their commissioners. A commissioner is a service position that determines how to make people’s lives better. You have to put other’s interests before your own and somehow, we’ve lost that idea,” said Franklin.

Franklin also believes the city needs sound financial management and needs to find budgetary solutions. “If elected I can definitely help with the process,” he said.

Franklin added he has qualities that will help to move the city forward. “I can bring fresh ideas. I think my opponent has served the city well, but it’s time for a change,” Franklin said.

Commissioner Carlton, 84, is a retired lifelong Hawthorne resident who has worked in a number of businesses throughout his life.

Referencing the city’s financial situation, Carlton said, “I think we have the same problems that everyone else has. We have had problems but I believe they have been cured at this point.”

Carlton added, “We continue to have city managers overspending the budget without notifying anyone on the commission ahead of time about what is happening.”

Carlton believes that current interim city manager Ellen Vause is doing a good job, noting “The budget situation is very tense. When the financial report from the audit comes at the end of June, we will be able to determine what to do next.

“If we don’t know where we are, there’s no way we can go ahead and make intelligent decisions,” he said.

About the election and his opponent, he said, “I’ve served about 20 years and I’ve had business experience all my life. I’ve always worked for myself. I just think I understand everything that’s going on in Hawthorne.

“Franklin has his ideas but I have my ideas and that’s what I’m running on. I’m hoping that I’m successful in the end,” Carlton said.

Howard, 58, who is seeking seat 1, is unopposed and seems eager to start fixing Hawthorne’s problems.  Outgoing Commissioner Carter said he thinks Howard will do a great job, adding that he is well-versed, well-educated, and he is looking forward to the changes Howard will bring in Hawthorne.

Howard is a retired University of Florida ombudsman. He has been a resident of Hawthorne for 40 years and is married with four children and six grandchildren.

“I want to talk to the citizens of Hawthorne and hear their concerns. I want to know what they would like to see the commission do. The public wants to hold the city commission more accountable for their actions,” said Howard.

He is concerned about the city’s budget shortfalls and the impact it will have on residents. “I want to address the budget shortfalls and not do it on the ‘backs’ of the citizens,” said Howard. “I look forward to digging my heels into the trenches. I want to make sure the commission works with and for the citizens and I want the citizens to know that if they have a problem, they should come to the commission meeting.

“I’m going to push for a lot of changes once I get the seat, but Hawthorne has to understand that I’m only one vote,” added Howard. “I only have one voice but it’s going to be my job to try and convince the others to see the situation with their “eyes open,” not closed.”

FloridaWorks, in conjunction with Santa Fe Center for Innovation and Economic Development (CIED), provided more than 40 high school students with a 10-week training seminar on technology and its evolving role in entrepreneurship development.

Successful entrepreneurs, chief executive officers and community leaders introduced themselves to the TechQuest youth, sharing personal stories of growth and success and discussing their individual invention and/or start-up companies. Discussion leaders featured Jamie Grooms, co-founder and former CEO of Regeneration Technologies and Axogen; Bryan Da Frota, CEO of Prioria Robotics, Inc.; Eric Buffkin, co-founder and president of eTect; Randy Scott, former CEO of Novamin Technology Inc., and many more. All students were presented with an iPad to enhance their communication, research, writing, technology and financial literacy skills.

Following the 10-week session, students will engage in a collaborative project with goals of heightening their voice and presence in their surrounding community. They will also participate in full-time internship opportunities working for local businesses and start-up companies. Upon completion of this program, all students will have completed the application process with Santa Fe College.

“This program was a natural fit for Santa Fe College as we are invested, both in the local innovation community, and in serving the needs of our diverse constituents district-wide. This opportunity to help bring technology and entrepreneurial training to students from challenging backgrounds was extremely appealing,” said Dug Jones, assistant vice-president of economic development at Santa Fe College. “FloridaWorks has been a great workforce training partner for years, and now New Beginnings Ventures has enhanced the program as a strong private sector partner.”

Angela Pate, executive director of FloridaWorks, and Jones will present the students with certificates acknowledging their successful completion of the training program at the GTEC 10th anniversary celebration.

“It was important to remind the young participants that entrepreneurship drives responsibility for community awareness. This begins by acknowledging the reality that each have started their own company called Me, Inc,” said New Beginnings Venture founder David Massias.  “It has been a pleasure to see each participant take the initiative to develop their respective Me, Inc.”

From June 13-17, 18 Santa Fe FFA members will be attending and participating in the Florida FFA State Convention. These representatives will attend numerous leadership workshops that will help the chapter succeed in the future.

Of the 18 members, two of them will be participating in Career Development Events (CDEs).  Elizabeth Roberts will be competing in the Creed Speaking Contest where she must recite the FFA Creed from memory, and then answer questions from three judges. Brittany Skaggs will also be competing in a CDE called Job Interview where she submits a cover letter, resume, and application. She then has a phone as well as a personal interview. After the interview, Skaggs will have only 30 minutes to write a follow-up letter.

Catherine Bowman is a final four finalist in two areas of Proficiency: Equine Placement and Forage Production. She will also be recognized as the Agriscience Student of the Year.

Along with Bowman, one of the chapter’s past members, Bailey Ann Burns, will be recognized for earning her American FFA Degree, which is the highest degree in the FFA.

All of the 18 members attending the convention are excited about the leadership skills they will gain while they are there, and are looking forward to cheering on their fellow FFA members as they compete and receive awards.

In a 4-1 vote, the Hawthorne City Commission opted to drop “Interim” from Interim City Manager Ellen Vause’s title.

However, the move did not come without controversy. During the commission meeting held on June 7, commissioners discussed a variety of possibilities associated with hiring Vause as city manager, and after extended discussions, the resolution was approved by a 4-1 vote.

All five of the commissioners were in unison over the hiring of Vause and gave reasons as to why she should be hired to the position.

The disagreement ensued over the timing of the hiring.

Commissioner William Carlton, being in full support of hiring Vause to the position, disagreed with the hastiness of the decision and voted against the direct hire.

“I wanted to wait until we received the financial statement from the auditors,” Carlton said. “[Sexton & Schnoll] promised to give us an audit by the end of June and I just wanted to wait and see where the city was financially before we did anything.”

Initially the city commission planned on the direct hire of Vause as city manager as well as the negotiation of a contract for the position. The initial contract for Vause is set to expire in September.

Vause said that the commission had to decide one way or another.

“We need to know what direction our path goes,” Vause said. “I’ve given the city eight months as Interim City Manager. I really feel that you either need to be able to say that this is the direction that you want to go, or we’re going to get someone else.”

Carlton did not want to discuss the employment contract with Vause and felt it was unnecessary until the financial records were disclosed in a few weeks. He held out on voting in favor of the move to make Vause the permanent city manager, favoring instead to table the decision until the results from the audit were delivered.

Within the first few minutes of discussion among the commissioners, as well as several residents, it became obvious fairly quickly that the city would not advertise the position, but the timing of the actual hiring needed to be deliberated.

“If we don’t know where we are, there’s no way we can go ahead and make intelligent decisions,” Carlton said.

4-H shotgun summer camp will be held June 13-17 for ages 10-18.  Participants will be broken into groups depending on previous shotgun class attendance.  The half-day program is designed to teach firearm safety and the handling of shotguns to 4-H members.  It is easy and inexpensive to join 4-H; look on the web or call 352-955-2402.

The camp starts with an orientation lecture of eight safety rules that must be memorized by the last day of camp. New campers will learn eye dominance, proper passing of a shotgun, the best way to shoulder the gun, and appropriate stance, using wooden guns.

Participants will advance by using thrown tennis balls and wooden guns, followed by live fire on the range with NRA certified shotgun instructors.  A computer generated program using a facsimile gun on a moving target projected on the clubhouse wall will teach target lead and reinforce follow through.

The final day includes competition and trophies, and parents are encouraged to attend and take photos.

Space is limited; call 352-955-2402 for additional information.

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE


IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO. 01-10-CA-5152-MG CAMPUS USA CREDIT UNION, Plaintiff, vs. LELAND ERNEST HALL, UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF LELAND ERNEST HALL, ROSAMARIA PIEDRA HALL, UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF ROSAMARIA PIEDRA HALL, TILLMAN ACRES HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., FLORIDA CREDIT UNION, UNKNOWN TENANT (S) IN POSSESSION and SECOND UNKNOWN TENANT (S) IN POSSESSION, Defendants. _______/

NOTICE OF SALE

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on the 21st day of June, 2011, at 11:00 A.M. in the lobby of the Alachua County Family/Civil Justice Center, 201 E. University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601, the undersigned Clerk will offer at public sale, to the highest and best bidder for cash the following real and personal property more particularly described as: Lot 39, Tillman Acres, Phase I, according to the plat thereof, as recorded in Plat Book 22, Page 82 of the Public Records of Alachua County, Florida. TOGETHER WITH: all the improvements now or hereafter erected on the property, and all easements, appurtenances, and fixtures now or hereafter a part of the property. The aforesaid sale will be made pursuant to the Final Judgment entered in Civil No. 01-10-CA-5152-MG now pending in the Circuit Court of the Eighth Judicial Circuit in and for Alachua County, Florida. Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens, must file a claim within 60 days after the sale. Dated this 5th day of April, 2011. J.K. Irby Clerk of Court Alachua County By: /s/ Erika Powell As Deputy Clerk Meredith L. Minkus, Esquire Florida Bar No.: 41656 BURR & FORMAN LLP Post Office Drawer 1690 Winter Park, Florida 32790 Telephone: 407-647-4455 Attorneys for Plaintiff

(Published: Alachua County Today - June 2 and 9, 2011)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 11-CP-489 Division B IN RE: ESTATE OF MARY KATHRYN MILAM Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

 

The administration of the estate of MARY KATHRYN MILAM, deceased, whose date of death was October 28, 2010, and whose Social Security Number is xxx-xx-7003, is pending in the Circuit Court for Alachua County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 201 East University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32601. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representatives attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedents estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 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 decedents estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENTS DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is June 02, 2011. /s/ Frank J. Yong Attorney for Personal Representative Frank J. Yong Florida Bar No.:0658340 FRANK J. YONG, P.A. 4575 St. Johns Avenue, Suite 4 Jacksonville, Florida 32210 Telephone: (904) 381-1901 /s/ Marcus A Milam III Personal Representative MARCUS A. MILAM, III 311 South Main Street Gainesville, Florida 32601 (Published: Alachua County Today – June 02 and 09, 2011)

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO. 01-10-CA-4624-MG

TD BANK, N.A., Plaintiff, v. MADISON PARK OF HAWTHORNE, LLC, SANJAY CHAUDHARI, GEORGE HAWTHORNE AND MAE HAWTHORNE, Defendants. ____________/

NOTICE OF SALE PURSUANT TO F.S. CHAPTER 45

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned Clerk of the Circuit Court pursuant to a Judgment entered on the 16th day of May, 2011, in that certain case pending in the Circuit Court in and for Alachua County, Florida, Civil Action No. 01-2010-CA-004624-MG, in which TD BANK, N.A. is the Plaintiff and MADISON PARK OF HAWTHORNE, LLC, SANJAY CHAUDHARI, GEORGE HAWTHORNE and MAE HAWTHORNE, are Defendants, will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash in the lobby of the Alachua County Family/Civil Justice Center, 201 E. University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32601, on the 19th day of July, 2011, at 11:00 a.m., the same being a legal sale day and the hour a legal hour of sale, the following described property located in Alachua County, Florida: REAL PROPERTY: Parcel 1: A parcel of land lying in and being a part of the Northwest 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4, Section 23, Township 10 South, Range 22 East, Alachua County, Florida. Said parcel being more particularly described as follows: Commence at a concrete monument at the Northeast corner of said Northwest 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 and run South 01 degrees 31 minutes 22 seconds East, along the Easterly boundary thereof, 10.00 feet to an iron rod; thence South 87 degrees 07 minutes 20 seconds West, 19.31 feet to the Westerly boundary of S.E. 223rd Street and the POINT OF BEGINNING. From POINT OF BEGINNING thus described continue South 87 degrees 07 minutes 20 seconds West, 546.21 feet; thence South 03 degrees 09 minutes 33 seconds East, 750.70 feet; thence North 86 degrees 50 minutes 27 seconds East, 256.63 feet to a point in a curve concave to the Southeast and having a radius of 200.0 feet; thence Northeasterly, along the arc of said curve, 132.40 feet along a chord having a bearing of North 56 degrees 37 minutes 48 seconds East; thence North 78 degrees 09 minutes 52 seconds East, 159.74 feet to the Westerly boundary of S.E. 223rd Street; thence North 01 degrees 39 minutes 24 seconds West, along said Westerly boundary, 657.52 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING. Parcel 2: A parcel of land lying in and being a part of the Southwest 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 and the Northwest 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4, Section 23, Township 10 South, Range 22 East, Alachua County, Florida. Said parcel being more particularly described as follows: Commence at a concrete monument at the Northeast corner of said Northwest 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 and run South 01 degrees 31 minutes 22 seconds East, along the Easterly boundary thereof, 10.00 feet to an iron rod; thence South 87 degrees 07 minutes 20 seconds West, 19.31 feet to the Westerly boundary of S.E. 223rd Street; thence South 01 degrees 39 minutes 24 seconds East, along said Westerly boundary, 1057.76 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING. From POINT OF BEGINNING thus described continue South 01 degrees 39 minutes 24 seconds East, along said Westerly boundary, 625.71 feet; thence South 88 degrees 28 minutes 38 seconds West, 493.71 feet; thence North 04 degrees 06 minutes 47 seconds West, 514.23 feet; thence North 03 degrees 09 minutes 33 seconds West, 406.62 feet; thence North 86 degrees 50 minutes 27 seconds East, 256.63 feet to a point in a curve concave to the Southeast and having a radius of 200.0 feet; thence Southwesterly, along the arc of said curve, 27.63 feet along a chord having a bearing of South 33 degrees 20 minutes 20 seconds West to the end of said curve; thence South 33 degrees 23 minutes 33 seconds West, 64.00 feet to the beginning of a curve concave to East and having a radius of 70.00 feet; thence Southwesterly, along the arc of said curve, 42.00 feet as measured along a chord having a bearing of South 15 degrees 56 minutes 06 seconds West to the end of said curve; thence South 01 degrees 31 minutes 22 seconds East, parallel with the Easterly boundary of said Northwest 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4, a distance of 73.47 feet to the beginning of a curve concave to the Northeast and having a radius of 50.0 feet; thence Southeasterly, along the arc of said curve, 37.14 feet along a chord having a bearing of South 23 degrees 19 minutes 27 seconds East to the end of said curve; thence South 51 degrees 34 minutes 16 seconds East, 63.02 feet to the beginning of a curve concave to the North and having a radius of 50.00 feet; thence Southeasterly, along the arc of said curve, 28.08 feet as measured along a chord having a bearing of South 68 degrees 54 minutes 43 seconds East to the end of said curve; thence South 85 degrees 13 minutes 16 seconds East, 249.08 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING. TOGETHER WITH ALL IMPROVEMENTS, tenements, hereditaments, and appurtenances pertaining thereto. Subject to an Easement over the West 60.0 feet of the North 361.0 feet thereof. PERSONAL PROPERTY: All property, furniture, fixtures, machinery, equipment, inventory, hand tools owned by the Defendant Madison Park of Hawthorne, LLC and located on the above-described property.

 

The said property offered together with all the tenements, hereditaments and appurtenances thereunto belonging or in any way appertaining, being sold to satisfy said Judgment. ANY PARTY OTHER THAN THE PROPERTY OWNER CLAIMING AN INTEREST IN THE SURPLUS FROM THE SALE, IF ANY, MUST FILE A CLAIM WITH THE CLERK OF COURT NO LATER THAN SIXTY (60) DAYS AFTER THE SALE. IF YOU FAIL TO FILE A CLAIM, YOU WILL NOT BE ENTITLED TO ANY REMAINING FUNDS. Dated this 26th day of May, 2011.

 

By: /s/ Patrick F. Healy Patrick F. Healy, Esq. Florida Bar No. 0327311 1795 West NASA Boulevard Melbourne, FL 32901 Tel: 321-727-8100 Fax: 321-984-4122 GrayRobinson, P.A Attorneys for Plaintiff

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - June 02 and 09, 2011)

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SPECIAL EVENTS

Make your wedding special at a budget price!

Don’t let these tough times keep you from having your dream wedding. Weddings performed anywhere. Non-denominational , non judgmental, any and all marriages. Your choice of wedding vows, candle ceremonies, and sand ceremonies. Starting at $69. Many upgrades and wedding planner services available for an additional fee.

Call us at (352)317-7340 or (352)317-0846.

SCHOOLS/INSTRUCTION

Medical Management Careers start here-Get connected online. Attend college on your own time. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. Call (800)481-9409 www.CenturaOnline.com

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

LOST & FOUND

LOST. White female poodle. One year old. Lost in the area of144 Street and 145 Avenue, Downtown Alachua on evening of May 31. Her name is Bella. Please call as soon as possible. 352-225-7045.

GOOD THINGS TO EAT

 

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

Bushels of acre peas and butter beans. Watermellons, 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

Cook wanted. Part time. Please call between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Experience required. DW Ashton Catery, Alachua. 386-462-4633.

Driver-Drivers choose from Weekly or Daily Pay. Regional, OTR or Express Lanes, Full or Part-time, CDL-A, 3 months recent experience required. (800)414-9569 www.driveknight.com

FARM WORKERS AND CROP LABORERS Colchester, Vermont Area 12 temporary positions at S. Mazza Farm Stand & Greenhouses, Inc. / S. Mazza Farm. Workers needed to do field work, hand weeding, hoeing, planting etc. for diversified crops. Will also harvest crops. To start approx. 06/06/11 to 11/05/11. A great deal of heavy lifting, standing, bending and kneeling for long periods of time. Wage is $ 10.25 per hr. One month experience and Prod. Standards required. Work is guaranteed for 3/4 of contract period. Tools are provided without cost. Housing provided at no cost to workers who reside outside of the normal commuting distance. Transportation cost reimbursed after 15 days or 50% of contract period, whichever comes first. Contact The Nearest Department Of Labor Office for application and referral. Job order number: 87131.

ASAP! New Pay Increase! 34-46 cpm. 300 Newer Trucks. Need 2 months CDL-A Driving Exp (877)258-8782 www.meltontruck.com

Mechanic needed - knowledge of trucks, forklifts and farm equipment preferred. No tobacco, drug-free workplace. Pay based on experience. Apply at Southern Specialty Equipment, 26003 W. US Highway 27, High Springs, FL 32643. No phone calls please.

Drivers Earn Up to 39¢/mi HOME SEVERAL NIGHTS & WEEKENDS 1 yr OTR Flatbed exp. Call: (800)572-5489 Joy ext. 238 Susan ext. 227 SUNBELT TRANSPORT, LLC

Part time cleaner/floor tech needed for commercial office building on US 441. Must have floor experience, ability to lift over 40 lbs and pass background check. $7.50/hour. Call Pat at 352-870-0363.

Drivers - CDL-A GREAT HOME TIME! START UP TO 43¢ PER MILE SIGN-ON BONUS!! Lease purchase available. Experience Req’d. (800)441-4271 X FL-100 HornadyTransportation.com

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

 

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

Investors - Outstanding and immediate returns in equipment leasing for frac 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

CASH NOW! Cash for your structured settlement or annuity payments. Call J.G. Wentworth. (866)494-9115. Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau.

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

ADOPTIONS

PREGNANT? CONSIDERING ADOPTION? A childless energetic, spiritual, committed couple seeks to adopt. Financially secure. Healthcare professionals. Expenses paid. Gil & Dave (888)580-ADOPT (2367). FL Bar#0150789

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

Mortgage Lenders

Access Reverse Mortgage! Florida-based: Application & closing in your home. Experience: almost 1,000 reverse mortgages funded. Award-winning customer service. BBB A rating. NMLS #4566. 1(800)806-7126

Acreage & Farms

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.

Smoky Mtn. Lake Property Priced @ Foreclosure/Short sale. Up to 100% Financing/5% interest. Hurry-Only 30 Reservations available! (877)551-0550 ext 100

NC mountain property must go. 4.5 acres with outstanding views and privacy. $25,000 OBO, great for home or cabin. (828)394-9298. Ask for Richard

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. $29,900. $307/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. $69,900. $613/mo. NO IMPACT FEES. 352-215-1018, www.LandOwnerFinancing .com.

LAND SALE STEINHATCHEE, FL 10 Acres $39,900 $900 Down, $326/Mo. Great Hunting/Fishing. Near Gulf and River. Call (352)542-7835 cell: (352)356-1099

MERCHANDISE

Furniture

Grandma's baby crib. Like new, used only three times. Walnut with canopy. $100. 386-461-1640

Garage Sales

Yard Sale Thursday, June 9th at 14507 NW 162 Tr., from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The sale includes furniture and accessories.

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 - Job placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance (877)741-9260.

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.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved revisions to its gopher tortoise permitting guidelines Wednesday during its meeting in St. Augustine.

The FWC approved a management plan for gopher tortoises in September 2007, providing conservation measures to ensure that gopher tortoises thrive in Florida. The plan calls for permitting guidelines that make certain that Florida meets the tortoise’s habitat needs now and in the future. Initially approved in 2008, the guidelines are revised as the FWC learns more about the needs of gopher tortoises and receives input from the public.

The revisions approved Wednesday reflect input from meetings with stakeholders during the past year.

The revised guidelines include reduced monitoring requirements for landowners who receive relocated tortoises and a modified conservation permit to include an on-site relocation option for public projects (e.g., roads, public schools or governmental facilities) that occur on or next to public conservation lands. Both revisions help reduce landowner costs incurred in relocating gopher tortoises.

“The Gopher Tortoise Technical Assistance Group and FWC staff have worked together since 2006 to build and refine the FWC’s landmark gopher tortoise management plan,” said Deborah Burr, Gopher Tortoise Management Plan coordinator. “Working closely with our stakeholders, we are always improving the permitting process so we have the best possible plan to ensure a place for gopher tortoises in Florida now and in the future.”

“I encourage staff to think outside the box,” said Commission Chairman Kathy Barco. “Continue to look for new ways to make the permitting process more efficient and equitable for all landowners.”

For more information about the management plan, go to MyFWC.com/GopherTortoise.

 

Loyce G. “Snip” Steele, a 50-year resident of High Springs passed away quietly on June 6, 2011 at his home, which is just as he wanted.  He recently celebrated his 88th birthday on May 31.

Snip was one of nine children born to Richard Andrew and Mary Lee Bolton Steele who were lifelong residents of Centre, Ala.  His father operated the ferry and farmed all of his years.  In 1938, Snip moved with his family to the bustling little community of High Springs to obtain work where he fell for the beautiful and only love of his life, 17-year-old Verna Mae Knight.  He spied her through the store windows of the Suwannee Grocery while making his Saturday night stroll of the High Springs’ sidewalks.  Snip and his family returned to Alabama in early 1941, but decided he wasn’t leaving his “High Springs Sweetheart.”

He “borrowed” his daddy’s truck and drove all night back to High Springs and whisked her away without telling anyone, back to Centre.  They were married the next day on February 4, 1941 and celebrated their 70th Anniversary in February of this year.  They returned to High Springs and made their home until Snip was drafted into the Army on his birthday in 1944.  He completed his basic training at Camp Blanding and then joined the paratroopers and was sent to Ft. Benning, Ga.  He served in Manila in the Philippines and was slated to be on the initial ground invasion into Japan, but as they prepared to depart they received word the bombs had been dropped.  His Company D, 187th Airborne Glider Infantry was selected to fly as McArthur’s honor guard into Japan.  They landed at Atsugi Air Strip outside of Tokyo, and he served there until his honorable discharge on October 26, 1946.

Snip and Verna Mae made their home in High Springs until 1954 when they made an opportunistic move to Anchorage, Alaska.  He was convinced there were jobs and money to be found in territory of Alaska, and as always he was ready and made the leap.  Verna Mae followed two months later with their children, Gerry and Linda.  He found his vocation on Elmendorf AFB as a heavy equipment operator for the Civil Service and worked in the far north country until his retirement in 1972.  Once again they returned to their hometown of High Springs with their third child, Ricky, who had been born in Alaska.

He still was not ready for retirement and was hired by the City of High Springs to maintain all the unpaved roads with the city’s road grader.  He was an expert with the equipment and kept both roads repaired and residents happy with his skill and ability to mend the excessive run-offs and control the pot holes.  He was able to wield his grader with the expertise of a studied landscaper and quickly became a fixture on his big yellow machine.   He completed his career with the City in June 2004.

All of this does not capture the essence of Snip.  He was a happy and hard working individual who loved hunting, fishing and to surround himself with friends and family who enjoyed the same.  He had a wide circle of friends and always extended his hand to help his neighbor.  His home was open to anyone who needed help and assistance, and did so with a sense of it was the right thing to do, and you don’t have to talk about it so much.  He loved to joke and laugh and always had a story to place you right there on the mountain or in the boat with him.

In the spring of 2007, Snip joined the Mt. Horeb Baptist Church at the age 83 and did this with the same gusto as he had lived his life – “All In.”  He loved the Christian fellowship, the singing and praising God and the down to earth sometimes fiery preaching.  He said he wasn’t able to carry much of a tune, but that never stopped him from joining in to praise God and celebrate his love for his new found family.

Snip is survived by his wife of 70 years, Verna Mae Knight Steele of High Springs; his sons, Gerry G. (Loretta) Steele of Anchorage, Alaska and Ricky (Nancy) Steele of High Springs; his daughter, Linda Maney also of High Springs; 16 grandchildren, 47 great grandchildren and three great, great grandchildren; three sisters Ruby King of Tallassee, Ala., Mary Shirk of Clinton, Alaska, Betty (Gilbert) Prater of Soddy Daisy, Tenn. and two brothers, Bobby (Ann) Steele of Huntsville, Ala. and Tommy (Susan) Steele of McKinney, Texas.   His sisters, Idene Gibson, Irene Williams and his brother, Sam Steele, all preceded him in death.  He is also survived by a host of friends and family members who hold him and his memory close at heart and know we have lost an original.

Snip’s viewing will be held at Mt. Horeb Baptist Church on Thursday, June 9th at 5:00 p.m. with funeral services to follow at 6:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, friends and family may make donations to assist Snip with one final trip on this earthly realm to return to Alaska for his ashes to be spread on his beloved and beautiful Monument Valley.

Arrangements are entrusted to Evans-Carter Funeral Home in High Springs.

Eula Virginia Vaughn, 84, passed away on June 5, 2011 in her home in Alachua, Fla., where she was a lifelong resident and homemaker.

She was a member of the New Oak Grove Baptist Church and loved gardening and flowers.

She was preceded in death by her husband, J T Vaughn.

Survivors include her son, James T. (Jim) Vaughn and wife, Brenda; daughter, Annette (Terry) Davis; brother, Henry Avinger; sister, Corrine Alligood, all of Alachua; grandchildren, James Lee Davis, Cecil Thomas Davis and Tiffany Vaughn Griffis.

Visitation will be on Thursday, June 9, 2011 from 10 to 11 a.m., at New Oak Grove Baptist Church, 18100 NW 262nd Avenue, Alachua, Fla., followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m., with Rev. Derwin Griffin, Rev. Eddie Blalock, Rev. Fritz Fountain and Rev. Bill Woods officiating.

Flowers are welcome, but those who wish may make a donation to Haven Hospice, 4200 NW 90th Blvd., Gainesville, FL. 32606.  Interment will be in New Oak Grove Cemetery.

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

On Memorial Day, May 30, 2011, Msgt Lewis Washington, 64, went home to rest.

He was born in Wade, Fla., the sixth of eight surviving children, and a member of the A. L. Mebane Class of 1965.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Lula B. McDonald Washington; brother, Willie C. Washington; sister, Beatrice Washington Canty; great niece Tiawana Michele Wheeler; and nephew John Henry Washington.

Survivors include his wife of 35 years, Erika Banasik Washington of Alachua; mother-in-law, Inge Banasik of Stuttgart, Germany; siblings, Ruth W. Jenkins (former brother-in-law Walter Jenkins, Jr.) of Alachua, Annie Ray W. (Elder Charles) Butler of Orlando, Dave Washington, Nathaniel (Ethel) Washington, all of Alachua, Isadore (Rose Mary) Washington of Ft. Myers, and Ruthie Mae Washington of Gainesville; brother and sister-in-law Klaus (Sabine) Banasik and Sylvia Tisino.

He was received into Heaven from his earthly home where he resided for nearly five years after his retirement.  General James P. “Jim” McCarthy accepted his retirement from the Army after 27 years of active duty, and then hired him as a civil service employee to continue serving as House Manager for some 14 Deputy Commanders of the European Command.

General William “Kip” Ward, the 14th and last Deputy Commander Lewis served, reigned over the Nov. 22, 2006 federal employment retirement festivities concluding 14 of his 41 years of military and government service.  No other army personnel ever achieved such a feat. Then President George W. Bush sent a letter of commendation which was read at the retirement ceremony.

Msgt. Washington also traveled the world competing and winning numerous racquetball titles in the United States All-Army Racquetball Tournaments.  Having dominated as the champion for decades, he won exhibition matches against the German national champion bringing pride to the United States, not unlike that famous Ambassador of Sports, Jesse Owens in the 1936 Olympics.

Funeral services for Msgt. Washington will be Saturday, June 11, 2011 at A. L. Mebane Middle School, 16401 NW 140th Street (Hwy 241).  Alachua burial will follow in St. Matthews Cemetery.  Visitation will be held Friday at the funeral home from 6-7 p.m.

Arrangements Entrusted to A. Jerome Brown Funeral Home, High Springs.

Grace H. Jernigan, 86, of Forsyth, Ga., passed away on Tuesday, May 31, 2011 in Forsyth, Ga.

Mrs. Jernigan was born in Jacksonville, Fla. on March 10, 1925.  She earned a Bachelor’s degree in nursing from Louisiana State University, worked as a registered nurse and taught nursing at Lake City Junior College. She also earned a Master’s degree in Religious Education from Southwestern Seminary in Ft. Worth, Texas.

Mrs. Jernigan was preceded in death by her husband, Delbert Jernigan.

Survivors include her daughter, Nancy Jernigan of Tampa, Fla.; sons, Carl Jernigan of Alachua, Fla., Robert Jernigan of Alachua, Fla., Tommy Jernigan of Forsyth, Ga., and Paul Jernigan of Tallahassee, Fla.; her brother, Russell D. Horn, Sr. of Jacksonville, Fla.; eight grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

A visitation was held at Milam Funeral Home on Saturday, June 4, 2011, with graveside services following at Newnansville Cemetery in Alachua, Fla.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to United Hospice, 2484 Ingleside Avenue, Building - B  Macon, GA 31204.

Milam Funeral and Cremation Services, Gainesville, FL.

More than 500 cats kept at the Haven Acres Cat Sanctuary near High Springs were seized Tuesday amid concerns of poor living conditions for the animals.  The move was a joint effort involving Alachua County Animal Services, the Humane Society of the United State, and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

For complete details and a historical reference on the Have Acres Cat Sanctuary and Tuesday’s seizure, see the June 9 edition of Alachua County Today.,

 

letters At the May 26 commission meeting you proclaimed it civility month. This proclamation did not last long in that you became angry, showed a lack of respect, and made personal attacks on Commissioner May.

You stated clearly that the email in which the chief of police represented your approval to continue negotiating with the Combined Communication Center dispatch service and circumvent the explicit language of the 4-1 commission vote was "wrong."

If the chief did make a false claim and misrepresented your approval, will you take action to direct the city manager to rectify this violation of conduct outlined in the personnel manual, treating the chief of police in the same manner as all other city employees?

Was your angry outburst at the meeting a genuine protest of this apparent "lie" or were you just yelling to distract from the real issue?

I do think we need more civility, actions instead of just words, and definitely a lot less yelling.

If nothing else, you owe Commissioner May and the citizens of the city an apology for your behavior.

"Whereas displays of anger, rudeness, impatience, and a lack of respect and personal attacks detract from the open exchange of ideas, prevent fair discussion of the issues, and can discourage individuals from participation in government"

These were the words you spoke at the beginning of the meeting. As mayor of the city you should be setting a better example of your own proclamation.

Robyn Rush

High Springs, Fla.

lettersDuring Pioneer Days we had several shootouts.  Men were shot and fell to the ground.

On 5-18-11, we had the real thing at our school.

A person's thoughts determine who he is.  The same thing applied to a society.

Jody David Linch

High Springs, Fla.

JohnSpence Dubbed as the “Human Cliff Notes,” John Spence’s practice of condensing thousands of pages of information into one page of key notes helps his clients understand the essentials of business strategies.

With a positive attitude, motivating expressions and a welcoming smile, John Spence’s successes are an inspiration.

At 14722 NW 140th Street in Alachua, Fla., there sits a small one-story building with a quaint white picket fence, a magnolia tree and a sign that reads Flycaster & Co.

John Spence, 47, uses this office as a workspace to help handle his plethora of clients and organize his extremely busy schedule.

When not in Alachua, he is traveling all over the world using his personal experience, knowledge and passion for his career to provide guidance to businesses with his cutting-edge presentations and motivational speeches.

“Nothing in my past would have led you to believe I would become a professional speaker. It’s actually reversed because I prefer to be in the audience,” Spence said. “The truth of the matter is, I get very nervous speaking. I still get very nervous even though I’m entering my 18th year and speak to groups as large as 6,000-8,000.”

Spence is truly a master of leadership, business-related strategies and knowledge about what it takes to be successful in this competitive industry.

“I always try to be a resource for everybody,” he said. “I have a really simple philosophy: If you help other people get what they need, you’ll get what you need.”

Each year Spence reads over 100 business-related books and listens to an additional 50 on CD. As a professional speaker, he spends roughly 225 nights per year away from his home in Alachua, and his reputation has recently earned him one of Top 100 Thought Leaders in Trustworthy Business Behavior.

“I’m a heavy-information driven speaker. The stuff I cover is motivating, but very information intensive,” he said. “I am focused on helping people get better in their lives, their career, and their business. It’s not about me at all; it’s about the information.”

He said it would be difficult to find someone who has read as many leadership books as he has or talked about the concept for as long as he has.

Some of his clients even call him the “Human Cliff Notes” because of his ability to find pattern recognition.

“I will read 200 books and boil it down to the 10 key points. That’s 5,000-6,000 pages in one page,” he said.

As a top graduate of the University of Florida, his resume is extensive, including CEO of an international Rockefeller foundation at age 26 and author of two recently published books.

His public speaking career began when he was pushed into delivering speeches for companies he worked for. He said after the presentations he realized he was actually pretty good at it.

“After 15 years of practice and a couple hundred speeches a year, you get a little better at it,” he said. “I’ve always been good at being a leader, so I didn’t mind being in front.”

Starting his new career as a professional speaker was not easy, he said.

“It was hard for the first 2-3 years because nobody knew me and I had never done this kind of work. The first couple of years were me trying to prove that I knew what I was doing,” he said. “I needed to build a foundation under my career so that people will look at me, take me seriously, and say this is someone who knows what they’re doing.”

He said as the years progressed, his career evolved to fit the needs of his clients. He also developed criteria for potential clients and created a simple rule to determine whether or not he would work with them.

“I won’t work with somebody unless I would have them over for a barbeque,” Spence said.

He said he refuses to work with a business unless the people are fun, interesting, honest and have high integrity.

“If they’re not like that, there’s no way I’ll do work for them. Life’s too short,” he said.

Spence is a firm believer in surrounding yourself with the right kind of people. He said the single most important thing he learned in his life is, “You become what you focus on and similar to the people you spend time with.”

He said one of the things that turned his life around was the concept of “mastermind groups” found in Napolean Hill’s “Think and Grow Rich.”

“Whatever you think about, whatever you fill your brain with, whatever you’re reading, studying, learning, listening to, watching, and whoever you choose as your closest friends will determine what your life looks like,” Spence said.

He said he’s been using the concept of mastermind groups for more than 20 years. He said in college, it was his study group and when he graduated, he started one as his career.

Even now, on top of his endless resources with successful businesses nationally and internationally, he has one in Alachua.

“I’m trying to find really smart people and bring them here. I’m trying to take all the travels I do, and pull it back here,” he said. “With the connections I have, at the level they’re at, I am trying to bring some of that here and make the city of Alachua a better place.”

Spence said he is trying to be very involved in the community. He wants to help make Alachua a recognizable international hub of entrepreneurship and innovation.

“I like the vibe of a place where people dream big and make it happen,” he said. “If you want to make a difference, you have to get involved at the highest level you can possibly get involved at.”

Spence said surrounding yourself with genuine people can be extremely beneficial. He said there’s nothing wrong with not knowing an answer, but there’s something wrong when you don’t know a person to call to find the answer.

He said in this community alone he has surrounded himself with 25-30 very friendly and successful people.

“I’ve got this amazing group of friends and a support network of people I can call and ask for help,” he said. “Life becomes really easy when you have 600 or 700 really smart people that want to help you succeed.”

HSCSOfficersHonored2011L-R: Deputy Brian Phillips of Alachua County Sheriff’s Office and Sergeant Chuck Harper of the High Springs Police Department were the first responders to the shooting incident at the High Springs Community School on May 18.  Back:  Principal Jeff Means looks on as Phillips and Harper were honored in a ceremony at the school Wednesday.

Exactly three weeks after gunfire was reportedly exchanged on the campus of High Springs Community School (HSCS), parents, students and the community as a whole joined together Wednesday to honor and recognize the law enforcement officers who responded to the scene.

Called “A Celebration of Success,” the gathering drew a wide array of parents, residents and officials who packed the school’s cafeteria Wednesday afternoon.  Alachua County Superintendent of Schools Dan Boyd, High Springs Police Chief James Troiano, Alachua County Sheriff Sadie Darnell, High Springs Mayor Larry Travis and over a dozen law enforcement officers were among those attending.

HSCS Principal Jeff Means said he was proud of the cooperation and coordination of the school staff, students and parents and law enforcement that day.

“I look at school resource officers as an insurance policy.  Two weeks ago, we cashed in,” Means said.

He also recognized and thanked school staffers who ensured the safety of students and implemented a lockdown during the incident.

Deputy Brian Phillips of Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) and Sergeant Chuck Harper of the High Springs Police Department (HSPD) were the first responders to the incident on May 18.  Phillips, the school’s resource officer, had reportedly escorted 63-year-old Robert Nodine off campus when the man was somehow able to arm himself with a gun.  As the confrontation with Nodine escalated, Harper went to the school to assist Phillips and gunshots were fired moments later, police say.

On behalf of his fellow schoolmates, Daniel Drageset thanked the two officers for their performance that day.

“We were all praying as hard as we could,” he said as he recounted the events.

Drageset was one of about 170 students still on campus for afterschool activities that day.  Most of the school’s children had already been released because of an abbreviated Wednesday schedule.

Longtime teacher Joy Mudry said despite the serious and dangerous nature of the altercation, much good has come from the events of May 18, including a rallying of the community in support of the school and law enforcement.

In alluding to the collective response of the community, Superintendent Boyd said, “I cannot tell you how proud I am of this community school, one of the best schools within Alachua County…We are all proud of High Springs.”

Darnell lauded the work of Phillips, Harper, the school staff and the numerous other deputies who responded to secure the school May 18.

“This was about predicting the unexpected…The good guys walked away that day,” Darnell said.

Troiano called the two men heroes.

HSPD Sgt. Harper gestured toward a table of ACSO deputies and said, “This is what I saw that day and I was never so happy.

“The sheriff’s office is the best.”

Reflecting on the incident, Deputy Phillips said, “[Harper] saved my butt one hundred and ten percent.

“Call him a knight in shining armor, a savior, whatever you want to call him.”

Parents and local businesses raised some $2,100 to put on Wednesday’s celebration.  Both Deputy Phillips and Sgt. Harper were given a box of gifts donated by local businesses and stacks of handwritten cards from the school’s students.

Alachua County has declared a burn ban due to wildland fire conditions and the area’s weather forecast.  The ban will remain in effect until formally terminated by the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners.

The mandatory burn ban affects all of Alachua County, including rural and municipal areas.  The ban prohibits the use of any fireworks, sparklers, flares, or other pyrotechnic devices except as provided by law for public displays requiring a permit and all outdoor burning that has not been specifically permitted by the Florida Division of Forestry.  The ban does not affect agricultural burning permitted by the Florida Division of Forestry for land clearing or prescribed burning purposes.

Although the use of LPG/LNG grills and charcoal grills is permitted, the public is encouraged to keep a constant watch for any stray sparks or embers while cooking outdoors. But due to the potential for accidental ignitions, the use of motorized equipment such as ATVs and dirt bikes is discouraged during times of high wildfire risk.  Lawnmowers, both push and riding, also pose accidental ignition risks. Residents are asked to exercise extreme caution during the burn ban.

Any burning within the County during the imposed ban will be in violation of Alachua County ordinance 86-1, sections 10.08 and 10.09 and section 252.50 of Florida Statutes. It will be considered a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to a 60-day imprisonment and up to a $500 fine. All County and municipal law enforcement agencies are authorized to enforce the ordinance.

Alachua_MAP Bill Rogers demonstrates the recorder on Saturday, and tells the students they will have their own recorders to practice with and to keep.

As the families waited in silent anticipation, the first note came flowing from the keyboard. Soon, the performer began tapping more notes out with no apparent rhyme or reason. This was obviously no Beethoven . . . yet.

Thanks to one local couple with both passion and compassion, Saturday marked the beginning of a new world of music and creativity for children in Alachua who may otherwise have been left behind.

Alachua residents Bill and Wilma Rogers, along with a legion of volunteers, greeted area children Saturday morning at the Cleather Hatchock Community Center for the registration and introduction to the Music and Arts Programs for Youth, also known as M.A.P.

M.A.P., a music and arts education program for economically challenged youth, will be offered free of charge this summer to children ages 7 to 16.

The program will officially start on Saturday, June 11 and will be held two additional Saturdays in June, five Saturdays in July and two in August.  Plans are to offer the program at Alachua’s Cleather Hathcock Community Center and the police department substation in the Merrillwood neighborhood.

But to give the future Beethovens and Celine Dions of Alachua an early taste, or sound, of their bright futures, Bill and Wilma Rogers offered the parents and children a presentation and allowed the children to play their first impromptu compositions on the keyboard.

Bill Rogers also showed the children their new conduits of musical expression, recorders, which will be provided to the children at no cost.

Knowing that no child can fully comprehend anything on an empty stomach, volunteer Rose Brown prepared hot dogs, chips, ice cream cones and ice cream sandwiches for the children.

High school seniors Rachael Fitz, Brittany Preston and Dayonna Thomas also volunteered to register youth and help facilitate the day.

Wilma Rogers said that thanks to the great turnout at the introduction on Saturday, she expects about 25 children to sign up for M.A.P.

Anyone interested in more information about the program can visit the M.A.P. Web site at www.mapforyouth.com, or e-mail the program directly at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The High Springs City Commission approved a request to extend “Downtown Daze” for an additional four months.

At Thursday’s meeting, a unanimous vote by the commission gave the nod for “Downtown Daze” to run through the summer and into October.

The monthly event will be held along the railroad tracks near the High Springs Chamber of Commerce building, with the first Saturday of each month designated as the special event day.

The festivals will feature live music, food, raffles, vendors and dancing.

Funds raised through the events will go toward assisting with the high water bills associated with the city’s community gardens. The community gardens, which consist of two separate sites, one downtown next to James Paul Park and the other in the Douglass neighborhood, are over budget because of water usage.

The events are being co-sponsored by an array of local businesses and several residents. The community garden program will also accept donations, which can be made in the form of a check payable to the City of High Springs with the reference Community Garden.

Downtown Daze events have been scheduled for July 2, Aug. 6, Sept. 3 and Oct.

Residents in the city of High Springs will soon see a change in the way their household garbage is picked up.  That comes after commissioners approved changes to its residential garbage contract Thursday that will allow Suburban Waste Services (SWS) to switch from manual waste removal to a more automated residential waste removal.

After making the original presentation on April 7, there were some revisions made to the agreement and High Springs City Attorney Tom DePeter presented the modifications to the city commission.

The new program will commence on Aug. 1, by which time each residence receiving garbage pickup will be supplied with a 96-gallon bin for household waste and a yard debris cart.

Each 96-gallon trash bin and yard debris cart will be collected once per week.

Bulk residential waste, white goods, such as appliances, or other items that do not fit into the cart or garbage bin will be collected just twice monthly.

Other modifications made to the agreement allow for more flexibility in adjusting rates in future years and create an automatic renewal process at the end of the initial four-year contract period.

Within the new modifications to the contract, SWS proposed no rate increases between the period of May 1, 2011 and April 30, 2012.

The contractor may however, for future annual periods, request a rate adjustment period to reflect up to 70 percent of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the preceding 12-month period.

DePeter made it clear that no CPI increase would be requested or allowed for the upcoming year.

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, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of SACOM located at 13301 NW US Highway 441, in the County of Alachua, in the City of Alachua, Florida 32615-8544 intends to reister the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated at Alachua, Florida this 25th day of May, 2011. Owner' Name: Sabine, Inc.

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - June 02, 2011)

NOTICE OF INTENT TO REGISTER FICTITIOUS NAME

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned pursuant to the Fictitious Name Statute, Chapter 865.09, Florida Statutes, will register with the Division of Corporations, Department of State, State of Florida upon receipt of proof of the publication of this notice, the fictitious name, to-wit: LKQ North Florida under which we exoect ti engage in business in Alachua County, Florida. That the parties interested in said business enterprise are as follows: Greenleaf Auto Recyclers, LLC. Dated June 02, 2011.

(Published: Alachua County Today - June 02, 2011)

NOTICE OF INTENT TO REGISTER FICTITIOUS NAME

Pursuant to Section 865.09, Florida Statues, notice is hereby given that the undersigned, desiring to do business under the fictitious name of Island Sno, located at 4236 SW 35th Terrace, in the County of Alachua, in the City of Gainesville, Florida 32608 intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated at Gainesvile, Florida this 31st day of May, 2011.

Owner’s Name or name of corporation: Cheryl Phelps

(Published: Alachua County Today - June 02, 2011)

 

PUBLIC NOTICE

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO. 01-10-CA-5152-MG CAMPUS USA CREDIT UNION, Plaintiff, vs. LELAND ERNEST HALL, UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF LELAND ERNEST HALL, ROSAMARIA PIEDRA HALL, UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF ROSAMARIA PIEDRA HALL, TILLMAN ACRES HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., FLORIDA CREDIT UNION, UNKNOWN TENANT (S) IN POSSESSION and SECOND UNKNOWN TENANT (S) IN POSSESSION, Defendants. _______/

NOTICE OF SALE

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on the 21st day of June, 2011, at 11:00 A.M. in the lobby of the Alachua County Family/Civil Justice Center, 201 E. University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601, the undersigned Clerk will offer at public sale, to the highest and best bidder for cash the following real and personal property more particularly described as: Lot 39, Tillman Acres, Phase I, according to the plat thereof, as recorded in Plat Book 22, Page 82 of the Public Records of Alachua County, Florida. TOGETHER WITH: all the improvements now or hereafter erected on the property, and all easements, appurtenances, and fixtures now or hereafter a part of the property. The aforesaid sale will be made pursuant to the Final Judgment entered in Civil No. 01-10-CA-5152-MG now pending in the Circuit Court of the Eighth Judicial Circuit in and for Alachua County, Florida. Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens, must file a claim within 60 days after the sale. Dated this 5th day of April, 2011. J.K. Irby Clerk of Court Alachua County By: /s/ Erika Powell As Deputy Clerk Meredith L. Minkus, Esquire Florida Bar No.: 41656 BURR & FORMAN LLP Post Office Drawer 1690 Winter Park, Florida 32790 Telephone: 407-647-4455 Attorneys for Plaintiff

(Published: Alachua County Today - June 2 and 9, 2011)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 11-CP-489 Division B IN RE: ESTATE OF MARY KATHRYN MILAM Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

 

The administration of the estate of MARY KATHRYN MILAM, deceased, whose date of death was October 28, 2010, and whose Social Security Number is xxx-xx-7003, is pending in the Circuit Court for Alachua County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 201 East University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32601. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representatives attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedents estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 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 decedents estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENTS DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is June 02, 2011. /s/ Frank J. Yong Attorney for Personal Representative Frank J. Yong Florida Bar No.:0658340 FRANK J. YONG, P.A. 4575 St. Johns Avenue, Suite 4 Jacksonville, Florida 32210 Telephone: (904) 381-1901 /s/ Marcus A Milam III Personal Representative MARCUS A. MILAM, III 311 South Main Street Gainesville, Florida 32601 (Published: Alachua County Today – June 02 and 09, 2011)

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: Hyde-N-Seek Recovery, Inc. gives Notice of Lien and intent to sell the following vehicles on 6/21/2011, 10:00 a.m. at 1354 NW 53rd Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32609, pursuant to subsection 677.210 of the Florida Statutes. Hyde-N-Seek Recovery, Inc. reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids. 1999 1GHDX03E3XD187851 OLDSMOBILE FRIENDLY AUTO FINANCE 1997 1FTCR10A5VUC98272 FORD REPUBLIC BANK 2001 3C8FY4BB91T655205 CHRYSLER NATIONAL AUTO LENDERS 2001 KNDJB723515096369 KIA DAIMLER CHRYSLER FINANCIAL

(Published: Alachua County Today - June 02, 2011 and June 16, 2011)

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO. 01-10-CA-4624-MG

TD BANK, N.A., Plaintiff, v. MADISON PARK OF HAWTHORNE, LLC, SANJAY CHAUDHARI, GEORGE HAWTHORNE AND MAE HAWTHORNE, Defendants. ____________/

NOTICE OF SALE PURSUANT TO F.S. CHAPTER 45

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned Clerk of the Circuit Court pursuant to a Judgment entered on the 16th day of May, 2011, in that certain case pending in the Circuit Court in and for Alachua County, Florida, Civil Action No. 01-2010-CA-004624-MG, in which TD BANK, N.A. is the Plaintiff and MADISON PARK OF HAWTHORNE, LLC, SANJAY CHAUDHARI, GEORGE HAWTHORNE and MAE HAWTHORNE, are Defendants, will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash in the lobby of the Alachua County Family/Civil Justice Center, 201 E. University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32601, on the 19th day of July, 2011, at 11:00 a.m., the same being a legal sale day and the hour a legal hour of sale, the following described property located in Alachua County, Florida: REAL PROPERTY: Parcel 1: A parcel of land lying in and being a part of the Northwest 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4, Section 23, Township 10 South, Range 22 East, Alachua County, Florida. Said parcel being more particularly described as follows: Commence at a concrete monument at the Northeast corner of said Northwest 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 and run South 01 degrees 31 minutes 22 seconds East, along the Easterly boundary thereof, 10.00 feet to an iron rod; thence South 87 degrees 07 minutes 20 seconds West, 19.31 feet to the Westerly boundary of S.E. 223rd Street and the POINT OF BEGINNING. From POINT OF BEGINNING thus described continue South 87 degrees 07 minutes 20 seconds West, 546.21 feet; thence South 03 degrees 09 minutes 33 seconds East, 750.70 feet; thence North 86 degrees 50 minutes 27 seconds East, 256.63 feet to a point in a curve concave to the Southeast and having a radius of 200.0 feet; thence Northeasterly, along the arc of said curve, 132.40 feet along a chord having a bearing of North 56 degrees 37 minutes 48 seconds East; thence North 78 degrees 09 minutes 52 seconds East, 159.74 feet to the Westerly boundary of S.E. 223rd Street; thence North 01 degrees 39 minutes 24 seconds West, along said Westerly boundary, 657.52 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING. Parcel 2: A parcel of land lying in and being a part of the Southwest 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 and the Northwest 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4, Section 23, Township 10 South, Range 22 East, Alachua County, Florida. Said parcel being more particularly described as follows: Commence at a concrete monument at the Northeast corner of said Northwest 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 and run South 01 degrees 31 minutes 22 seconds East, along the Easterly boundary thereof, 10.00 feet to an iron rod; thence South 87 degrees 07 minutes 20 seconds West, 19.31 feet to the Westerly boundary of S.E. 223rd Street; thence South 01 degrees 39 minutes 24 seconds East, along said Westerly boundary, 1057.76 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING. From POINT OF BEGINNING thus described continue South 01 degrees 39 minutes 24 seconds East, along said Westerly boundary, 625.71 feet; thence South 88 degrees 28 minutes 38 seconds West, 493.71 feet; thence North 04 degrees 06 minutes 47 seconds West, 514.23 feet; thence North 03 degrees 09 minutes 33 seconds West, 406.62 feet; thence North 86 degrees 50 minutes 27 seconds East, 256.63 feet to a point in a curve concave to the Southeast and having a radius of 200.0 feet; thence Southwesterly, along the arc of said curve, 27.63 feet along a chord having a bearing of South 33 degrees 20 minutes 20 seconds West to the end of said curve; thence South 33 degrees 23 minutes 33 seconds West, 64.00 feet to the beginning of a curve concave to East and having a radius of 70.00 feet; thence Southwesterly, along the arc of said curve, 42.00 feet as measured along a chord having a bearing of South 15 degrees 56 minutes 06 seconds West to the end of said curve; thence South 01 degrees 31 minutes 22 seconds East, parallel with the Easterly boundary of said Northwest 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4, a distance of 73.47 feet to the beginning of a curve concave to the Northeast and having a radius of 50.0 feet; thence Southeasterly, along the arc of said curve, 37.14 feet along a chord having a bearing of South 23 degrees 19 minutes 27 seconds East to the end of said curve; thence South 51 degrees 34 minutes 16 seconds East, 63.02 feet to the beginning of a curve concave to the North and having a radius of 50.00 feet; thence Southeasterly, along the arc of said curve, 28.08 feet as measured along a chord having a bearing of South 68 degrees 54 minutes 43 seconds East to the end of said curve; thence South 85 degrees 13 minutes 16 seconds East, 249.08 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING. TOGETHER WITH ALL IMPROVEMENTS, tenements, hereditaments, and appurtenances pertaining thereto. Subject to an Easement over the West 60.0 feet of the North 361.0 feet thereof. PERSONAL PROPERTY: All property, furniture, fixtures, machinery, equipment, inventory, hand tools owned by the Defendant Madison Park of Hawthorne, LLC and located on the above-described property.

 

The said property offered together with all the tenements, hereditaments and appurtenances thereunto belonging or in any way appertaining, being sold to satisfy said Judgment. ANY PARTY OTHER THAN THE PROPERTY OWNER CLAIMING AN INTEREST IN THE SURPLUS FROM THE SALE, IF ANY, MUST FILE A CLAIM WITH THE CLERK OF COURT NO LATER THAN SIXTY (60) DAYS AFTER THE SALE. IF YOU FAIL TO FILE A CLAIM, YOU WILL NOT BE ENTITLED TO ANY REMAINING FUNDS. Dated this 26th day of May, 2011.

 

By: /s/ Patrick F. Healy Patrick F. Healy, Esq. Florida Bar No. 0327311 1795 West NASA Boulevard Melbourne, FL 32901 Tel: 321-727-8100 Fax: 321-984-4122 GrayRobinson, P.A Attorneys for Plaintiff

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - June 02 and 09, 2011)

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

 

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

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

Get Your Ad Noticed Here and in Over 100 Papers throughout Florida for One Low Rate. Advertising Networks of Florida, Put us to work for You! (866)742-1373 www.florida-classifieds.com.

 

SPECIAL EVENTS

 

 

Make your wedding special at a budget price!

Don’t let these tough times keep you from having your dream wedding. Weddings performed anywhere. Non-denominational , non judgmental, any and all marriages. Your choice of wedding vows, candle ceremonies, and sand ceremonies. Starting at $69. Many upgrades and wedding planner services available for an additional fee.

Call us at (352)317-7340 or (352)317-0846.

 

SCHOOLS/INSTRUCTION

 

Medical Management Careers start here-Get connected online. Attend college on your own time. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. Call (800)481-9409 www.CenturaOnline.com

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

 

LOST & FOUND

 

LOST. White female poodle. One year old. Lost in the area of144 Street and 145 Avenue, Downtown Alachua on evening of May 31. Her name is Bella. Please call as soon as possible. 352-225-7045.

 

LOST CAT! HAVE YOU SEEN CHARLY? SHE IS BLUE/GRAY WITH WHITE ON HER NECK. LOST IN THE BLANDING AREA, CR1491 AND HWY 236. PLEASE CALL 352-219-7004

 

GOOD THINGS TO EAT

 

 

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

Bushels of acre peas and butter beans. Watermellons, 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 INFORMATION

 

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

 

EMPLOYMENT

 

 

Help Wanted

 

17 DRIVERS NEEDED! Top 5% Pay! Excellent Benefits New Trucks Ordered! Need 2 months CDL-A Driving Exp. (877)258-8782 www.meltontruck.com

CYPRESS TRUCK LINES Home Weekends! Southeast Regional, Top Pay & Great Benefits! 6 Months TT exp CDL-with clean MVR. Call (800)545-1351 www.cypresstruck.com

CDL-A DRIVERS. Central Florida company seeks Solo & Team Drivers. Tank and Dry Van positions offering some regional. 1yr OTR & Good MVR required. (877)882-6537 or apply www.oakleytransport.com

Drivers Earn Up to 39¢/mi HOME SEVERAL NIGHTS & WEEKENDS 1 yr OTR Flatbed exp. Call: (800)572-5489 Susan ext. 227 Joy ext. 238 SUNBELT TRANSPORT, LLC

Mechanic needed - knowledge of trucks, forklifts and farm equipment preferred. No tobacco, drug-free workplace. Pay based on experience. Apply at Southern Specialty Equipment, 26003 W. US Highway 27, High Springs, FL 32643. No phone calls please.

CDL Drivers-Great Pay! Tons of Texas Frac work! Great company! Company paid benefits! Must have bulk pneumatic trailer experience. Call today! (800)491-9029

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

Receive quality Class A CDL training from an accredited and PTDI certified trucking school. 21+, job placement, financial aid and housing available. Contact Jamie (515)574-1964.

HELP WANTED. Florida Information Center in High Springs hiring now. I-75, Exit 404. Hourly plus commission, benefits, vacation. National company employs 7,000 nationwide. Advancement potential. 386-418-0650.

Cook wanted. Part time. Please call between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Experience required. DW Ashton Catery, Alachua. 386-462-4633.

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

Receive quality Class A CDL training from an accredited and PTDI certified trucking school. 21+, job placement, financial aid and housing available. Contact Jamie (515)574-1964.

Drivers - CDL-A GREAT HOME TIME! START UP TO 43¢ PER MILE SIGN-ON BONUS!! Lease purchase available. Experience Req’d. (800)441-4271 X FL-100 HornadyTransportation.com

 

SERVICES OFFERED

 

 

FINANCIAL

 

CASH NOW! Cash for your structured settlement or annuity payments. Call J.G. Wentworth. (866)494-9115. Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau.

$$$ ACCESS LAWSUIT CASH NOW!!! $$$ 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

 

ADOPTIONS

 

PREGNANT? CONSIDERING ADOPTION? A childless energetic, spiritual, committed couple seeks to adopt. Financially secure. Healthcare professionals. Expenses paid. Gil & Dave (888)580-ADOPT (2367). FL Bar#0150789

 

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

 

 

Mortgage Lenders

 

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

 

Waterfront Property

 

AUCTION!!! Sat. June 4th, Montgomery, AL. 2 Houses & 8 Lots On the Alabama River. Sold On Site! 10% Buyer's Premium. (800)222-5003; www.AuctionsUnited.com, ABLQ4D8246, AAL1218

LAND SALE STEINHATCHEE, FL 10 Acres $39,900 $900 Down, $326/Mo. Great Hunting/Fishing. Near Gulf and River. Call (352)542-7835 cell: (352)356-1099

 

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.

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. $29,900. $307/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. $69,900. $613/mo. NO IMPACT FEES. 352-215-1018, www.LandOwnerFinancing .com.

 

MERCHANDISE

 

 

Miscellaneous

 

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

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

 

WANTED TO BUY

 

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

 

AUTOS, BOATS, MOTORCYCLES

 

 

AUTOMOTIVE

 

DONATE YOUR VEHICLE RECEIVE FREE VACATION VOUCHER UNITED BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION Free Mammograms, Breast Cancer Info www.ubcf.info FREE Towing, Fast, Non-Runners Accepted, 24/7 (888)468-5964.

 


To Place a Classified Call 386-462-3355.

Christopher Robert “Tater” Tatum, 24, died Friday, May 20, 2011 in an automobile accident in Dooly County, Georgia.

Chris was a 2004 graduate of Santa Fe High School where he was active in FFA. He received an Associate’s degree in Animal Science from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) in Tifton, Ga. in 2010. At the time of his death, he was a student at ABAC working on a Bachelors degree in Diversified Agriculture. While at ABAC, he worked at the University of Georgia's Tifton research dairy and beef cattle farms, was active in the ABAC Cattleman's Association and Kappa Sigma fraternity, and coached the Tift County 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl Team.

Survivors include his mother, Vickie Lynn Tatum of Newberry, Fla.; his father, Baxter Cloyd Tatum of Humble, Texas; grandparents, Jim and Lil Tuttle of Sun City Center, Fla. and Kathleen Tatum of Anaheim, Calif.; a brother, Daniel James Tatum; step-brothers Cloyd, Matthew, Scotty, Benjamin, Zachary, and his girlfriend, Randi Walden.

A scholarship fund has been established in Chris’ name by the ABAC Foundation.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Chris Tatum Memorial Scholarship Fund at the Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Foundation, Inc. ABAC 13, 2802 Moore Highway, Tifton, GA 31793-2601.

A celebration of Chris’ life is being held at the Alachua Women's Club on Main Street, Tuesday, June 7, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Dennis Mycoff, 60 years young, passed from this world to the next on Wednesday, May 25, 2011. Dennis, the sole owner and operator of Mycoff Printing and Rubber stamps, was the oldest printer in Alachua County.  He saw many print shops open and close, relocate or be sold.  His business was in the same location for 37 years.

Born a Pennsylvania yankee, he became a Southern Gentleman at a very early age, after moving to South Florida with his parents, Don and Jean Mycoff. There he acquired many friends and the knowledge and love of printing.

After helping to manage the Ft. Lauderdale Tribune, he and his parents moved to High Springs where they bought 40 acres of pastureland and put down their roots.

At the tender age of 26, he married his wife, Terri, and for 34 wonderful years, the two of them remained close and loving.  When their daughter, Diana was born, Dennis became a very loving father.

Over the course of time, Dennis helped many people start their own businesses through his print shop. Established businesses knew they could depend on him for their repeat printing orders.

Dennis gained a son when his daughter married Michael Adams.  Keeping in touch with his many friends in South Florida allowed Dennis to help with the several school reunions he and Terri attended.

His quick wit and love of a good joke helped to keep life interesting and never boring!

In his later years, he worked as a courier. It was not unusual for him to deliver everything from furniture to pints of blood or even artificial joints.

Several times, he delivered live nerves for transplant. You can imagine what he had to say about that!

His passing will be a great loss to all the medical personnel who waited for him at the hospitals.

His stories of breaking horses, training guard dogs, the fishing stories of the ones that “got away” and the ones he landed are still told among his friends and family.

When his granddaughter, Charity was born, he felt too young to be a granddad, so he became “Pops.”

In the four-generation pictures taken recently, the pride and love he held for his family was plain for all to see.

He was a member of the Lions Club and North Florida Road Riders Motorcycle Club.

He was preceded in death by his father, Don Mycoff.

Survivors include his wife, Terri Mycoff; daughter, Diana (Michael) Adams; granddaughter, Charity; and mother, Jean Mycoff; his friends, too numerous to count; his customers and co-workers and his many farm animals will miss him terribly.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice in Dennis’ name.

Bruce Franklin Douglas, 30, passed away May 29, 2011 in Gainesville, Fla. He was a resident of Archer Fla., and an electrician with Pike Electric.

He was a member of First Baptist Church of High Springs.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, James Lavon Douglas.

Survivors include his parents, Terry and Theresa Ann Douglas of High Springs; his fiancée, Leighann Depaola; sons, Garrett Depaola and Maddox Douglas of Archer; daughter, Cammill Douglas of Archer; brother, Anthony Douglas of Hague, Fla.; maternal grandparents, Randy and Faith Adams; and paternal grandparents, Sue and "Lyle" Edger, all of Alachua.

Visitation will be on Thursday, June 2, 2011 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Evans-Carter Funeral Home.  A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 3, 2011 at 2 p.m. at Evans-Carter Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Leighann Depaola, 14260 West Newberry #137, Newberry, Fla., 32669, for their children.

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

editorialsMemorial Day weekend is a time when people head out of town for a few days of rest and relaxation.  While Memorial Day can mean many things to many people, all too often it only marks the beginning of the summer vacation season.  Reports of gas prices abound, estimates of numbers of cars on the road are bandied about and hamburgers, hotdogs and cases of beer are at the top of the last minute to-do list.

But the real meaning of Memorial Day should not be lost in the mad dash for fun and frivolity.

Memorial Day is a time of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. It is a day to honor the men and women who risked their lives and died while defending the United States.  These are the true patriots who sacrificed everything in exchange for the freedoms we hold dear.

No matter where you stand politically or philosophically regarding war, let us not forget that the brave men and women whose lives are at risk are protecting all Americans.

This year as in years past, Memorial Day finds many young men and women far from home defending freedom of those who cannot defend themselves. Global uncertainties and international terrorism present the gravest threats this country has faced since World War II and reminds each of us that continuing vigilance must be waged.  And it is our young men and women with the commitment and dedication to this country that will defend our freedom yet again.

Let us remember that freedom comes at a cost and that our veterans helped pay the price.  Americans who enjoy the peace, prosperity and freedom gained through great sacrifice remember the debt owed to veterans.  And while Memorial Day is one day set aside each year, our military is on duty 365 days a year.  Remember, and say a word of thanks for those who lost their lives and to those who continue serving and defending our freedom around the globe.

This year when we are checking off items on that to-do list, include thanking a veteran. Our country owes each of them, and their families, more than can ever be repaid.

Brick Memorial Ceremony honored veterans, Private Lamoral J. Tucker

COA_Brick_Memorial_2011

Military veterans, both living and dead, were honored Monday evening in front of Alachua City Hall.  Standing in front of the military memorial and on memorial bricks lining the area, City of Alachua officials and the Marine Corps League Gator Detachment 990 dedicated a memorial brick in honor of Army Private Lamarol J. Tucker, a graduate of Santa Fe High School who was killed May 16 when his unit was attacked by insurgents using an improvised explosive device.

A Santa Fe High School graduate who was killed in Afghanistan last week was honored Monday when the City of Alachua and a military support group held a ceremony and announced the dedication of a brick in memory of the fallen soldier.

Army Private Lamarol J. Tucker, 26, was killed May 16 when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device. He passed away in the city of Spin Ghbarga in the Zabul Province of Afghanistan after the wounds from the attack proved to be too severe.

The 2003 Santa Fe High School graduate was one of four soldiers killed during the attack.

Tucker was assigned to the 73rd Engineer Company, Brigade Troops Battalion, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division in Fort Wainwright, Alaska. He deployed to Afghanistan this past April after joining the Army in January 2009.

He was scheduled for a one-year tour.

A large group of area residents and military veterans gathered in front of City Hall to show their respect to Tucker through a Brick Memorial Ceremony.

Jim Yakubsin, a member of the Marine Corps League Gator Detachment 990, said the brick memorial project had been a topic of discussion for the past three to four years.

“We started putting this thing together a couple of years ago, and now the bricks are the last thing to be done,” Yakubsin said. “We now have 100 bricks in there and that put the final touch on the memorial.”

The commemorative bricks will be a replacement for the original plain bricks and serve as a constant reminder of the men and women who served our country.

Each red brick will display the names of those who donated money to support the military. The larger white bricks will be dedicated to the soldiers who were killed during combat.

Private Tucker will be receiving a white brick in the memorial to honor his service to the country.

The bricks will remain as a testimony to those in uniform and help to show the strong support the City of Alachua and area residents have for the military and veterans.

Each four inch by eight inch brick costs $110, but with the purchase, a laser-cut keepsake mini brick with the same inscription is given as well.

“The money is going into a fund for the Marine Corp League and we’re possibly going to start a museum in this area,” Yakubsin said. “It’s long range, but you have to start somewhere. The goal can change, but right now, that’s the plan.”

In addition to the ceremony in Alachua Monday night honoring Private Tucker, members of the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) will escort the body of Private Tucker from the Gainesville Regional Airport to Chestnut Funeral Home on Thursday.  The ACSO is encouraging the public to line the route to the funeral home in a show of respect for Private Tucker’s service. The procession will depart University Air at approximately 11 a.m. and travel south on NE Waldo Road to NE 39th Avenue. From there, it will turn west on NE 39th Avenue and proceed to NW 6th Street where it turn south on NW 6th Street and proceed to NW 8th Avenue. The procession will then be ending at Chestnut Funeral Home.

HS_Shooting_tree

Authorities have released photographic evidence of a tree with two bullet holes which they claim came from shots fired by 63-year-old Robert Nodine at High Springs Community School last Wednesday.

More facts have come to light in the High Springs Community School shooting which rocked the area last Wednesday.

Police now say not only was 63-year-old Robert Nodine armed, but he also fired several shots from a handgun before being taken down by gunfire from law enforcement.  High Springs Police Chief James Troiano released photographic evidence depicting a tree with two bullet holes from the shots fired by Nodine.

Two 9-1-1 audio recordings released by the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office provide a chilling moment-by-moment account of events as one of the school’s staffers experienced them.

The caller, whose identity is not being released, said he was in one of six rooms inside Building 3, which houses Student Services.

Perhaps the most disturbing information revealed in the recordings is that shots fired by someone in the gunfire exchange shattered at least one of the windows in the Behavioral Resources office.

“I am in an office.  I have been instructed to take cover,” he said.

The seemingly calm and collected caller told the 9-1-1 operator that Nodine’s daughter and her youngest child were in the same room.

“She is extremely distraught…And she doesn’t know what’s going on, but her husband was outside at the time the shots were fired,” the caller said of the mother and child.

Throughout nearly all of the 25 minutes of audio, the caller remains uncertain as to whether or not the purportedly armed man was still on the loose.  Meanwhile, he and everyone else in the room were said to be lying on the floor as they waited for any information on Nodine’s whereabouts and the safety of the school.

Near the end of the call, one of the concerned school staffers in the room wanted to leave to check on the safety of her own child.  Minutes later, the 9-1-1 operator delivered a sigh of relief when she told the caller that all of the children were safe and none were injured.

In describing Nodine, the caller said he was wearing a tee-shirt with a plaid over shirt, jeans and a hat.  He also said the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) had been conducting an investigation and instructed the school not to release Nodine’s two grandchildren.  He also added that DCF had not yet arrived at the school to deal with matters related to that investigation.

It is not clear if DCF routinely requests schools to hold children who are party to investigations conducted by the agency.

Responding to the scene when the call came in around 12:51 on May 18 were both Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) deputies and High Springs Police Department (HSPD) officers.

Police say Nodine became irate while at the school, and while being escorted off the campus the grandfather was reportedly able to arm himself.

“We do know he challenged a deputy sheriff and a police officer,” said Troiano.

The incident escalated and police opened fire on Nodine, he said.  It’s not clear how many shots were fired and if both the deputy and the High Springs police officer fired their weapons.  Only Nodine was injured as a result of the incident, Troiano said.

The shooting reportedly occurred in an area described by Troiano as a “breezeway into the old elementary school office.”

The number of shots fired had not been released, but Troiano referred to the weapon allegedly wielded by Nodine as a handgun.

The school was in lockdown for much of Wednesday afternoon as deputies restricted access to and from school grounds.

Most of the school’s children had already been released because of an abbreviated Wednesday schedule.  School Board of Alachua County spokesperson Jackie Johnson said some 150 to 175 students remained on campus for after school activities when the shooting occurred.

It was originally reported that none of the students were believed to have been directly exposed to the incident, but the 9-1-1 calls seems to call that accounting of events into question.  Johnson said several school staffers may have seen the altercation, including the shooting.

Nodine was taken to an area hospital for treatment of his injuries.  Troiano said Nodine has some criminal history including resisting arrest.  He remains in the hospital recovering from injuries resulting from the reported gunfire exchange.  ACSO Public Information Officer Art Forgey reported that Nodine has not been charged yet and would not be transferred to the jail until he is cleared by medical doctors to leave the hospital.

Troiano said the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is still conducting its investigation into the shooting including a criminal investigation and a review of the officers’ actions.

The HSPD officer involved in the incident was released to return to full duty Tuesday, he said.

Commenting on the response to the school emergency, Troiano said, “I felt everyone did an outstanding job.  From the officers, dispatchers, school officials, kids’ parents, and so on.”

“Team work definitely made a difference, and our school is safer because of our close relationships,” he said.

Water coming up through asphalt is not usually considered a good thing.  And after discovering a leak in a water main at the intersection of U.S. 441 and County Road 235, the City of Alachua Public Services Department confirmed it could cost up to $50,000 to repair.

On Monday morning, the Public Services Department received the first reports of water coming up through the asphalt.

Public Services Director Mike New said that after investigating the situation, the cost of repairing the pipeline would far exceed the cost of abandoning it altogether.

“To repair it, we would have to be in the state road digging, so I imagine those repair costs would push to $40,000 to $50,000,” New said. “If the repair was straightforward and easy, we would have repaired it, but it appeared as though it was going to be significant and expensive.”

Since the Florida Department of Transportation requires all abandoned and empty pipelines to be filled with grout or cement, public services will only have to deal with the process of filling up the main.

New said he hasn’t done a detailed estimate of the cost but believes the price of abandoning the pipe would cost somewhere between $10,000 and $15,000.

He said the six-inch water main running along the west side of State Road 235 won’t be missed once removed.

“In this case, given the age of the pipes and the cost of repair, it is better for city to just abandon this one interconnecting point,” New said. “It won’t affect the system hydraulics or any customers.

The pipe is more than 40 years old and the decision to remove it saves the city from the high cost of repair.

Saving a local landmark will cost nearly $10,000 more than originally estimated.  Alan Hitchcock Park, commonly known as the Old Theatre Park, on Alachua’s Main Street has been closed since March 14, shortly after City of Alachua officials learned of structural concerns.

Those concerns focused on loose bricks in the archways, which remain from the original building.  Temporary scaffolding had been installed at the entry to the park so pedestrian traffic could continue on the sidewalk alongside the park.

The Theater Park renovations were considered an urgent matter by the city commission and in April, commissioners accepted a proposal from Stitchcrete LLC, located out of Newberry, authorizing a purchase order in an amount not to exceed $32,000.  The original purchase order fell under the price ceiling and came in at $30,803, and Stitchcrete began working on the project immediately.

Alachua City Manager Traci Cain said the initial repairs would be paid through the city’s Downtown Redevelopment Trust Board (DRTB) Capital Outlay Budget.

“The DRTB initiated discussions regarding renovations,” Cain said. “The city moved forward with the project at the commission level due to the exigent circumstances surrounding the structural nature of the building.”

Upon further examination of the structural condition of the east wall, Driscoll Engineering, the project engineering firm, determined that additional repairs would be required to guarantee the east wall of the park was indeed structurally sound. For safety purposes, two new columns had to be formed, and reinforced fiberglass rods were assembled. The additional repairs amounted to $9,800, bringing the completed project cost to $40,603.  Cain said the new proposal was evaluated and deemed fair according to the amount of work needed.

Monday night the Alachua City Commission approved the additional $9,800 to cover the increased repair cost to complete the project.  The additional costs will also be paid by the DRTB.

The largest biotech networking event in Florida will take place Thursday, in Alachua.

The 8th Annual Celebration of Biotechnology will kickoff at 11 a.m. and run until 2 p.m. May 26th at Progress Corporate Park located along U.S. Highway 441.  The free event features more than 60 vendor tables showcasing scientific equipment, supplies and numerous other science and technology related industries.

Most of the event is held under large air-cooled tents at the front of the park and is considered by many to be a premier networking opportunity for anyone associated with biotechnology.  The event also includes a narrated bus tour of Progress Corporate Park, providing unique insight into the vast array of industries represented in the area.

New for the 2011 celebration is The Biotech Gallery, highlighting several biotech companies located in and around the park.  Among those being featured in the gallery are ABC Research Corporation, Alchem, Applied Food Technologies, Axogen, Banyan, Nanotherapeutics, Oragenics, Pasteuria and Xhale.

Hosting the Celebration of Biotechnology, the NE Chapter of BioFlorida invites anyone interested to attend and network.  Lunch may be purchased at the event from food vendors.

Once again, hurricane season is approaching and Florida residents must do what they can to take necessary precautions.

Hurricanes are strong and potentially life-threatening storms that are dangerous, but simple preparations can make all the difference when dealing with these potential disasters.

As most Floridians are aware, along with hurricanes come possible flooding, storm surges, high winds and tornadoes.

The Emergency Services Manager for the North Central Florida Chapter of the American Red Cross, Casey Schmelz, said that following three simple steps can help to prepare you.

“If you follow all three steps then you should be prepared for any disaster, whether it comes with warning, or without,” Schmelz said. “Get kit, make a plan and stay informed are the three highlights one should focus on for hurricane safety.”

With the coming of a hurricane, meteorologists use two specific terms to help warn the residents of expected contact.

Hurricane Watch and Hurricane Warning may sound similar, but in fact have two separate and distinct meanings.

Hurricane Watch means conditions may be affected within 48 hours. If a watch is displayed for your place of residency, make all the necessary preparations and make sure to repeatedly listen for any new updates.

Hurricane Warning estimates the hurricane will reach the location within 36 hours. If a hurricane warning is shown, make sure to finish all preparations, listen for updates, and be prepared to leave an area if directed to do so.

Making a plan for each of these can only help to benefit in case of an emergency. Make sure to plan with other members of the household of what exactly to do in case of an emergency and be aware of Alachua County’s emergency response plan.

“Once a year you should take a look at your plan because things can change,” Schmelz said.

Supplies are essential during hurricane season and making a kit can ensure that all necessary supplies are available at the time when needed most.

At the beginning of each hurricane season, a person should go through his or her stock and guarantee that all items have not expired, and promptly replace any items which have reached their expiration date.

It is recommended that the supplies should support the average family for three days. Too many supplies will prohibit mobility and make it harder for a quick evacuation.

Extraneous items located around a residency should be removed or securely fastened; all doors and windows should be closed and locked, and the gas tank of the car should be filled. Also, anything that can be unplugged or turned off should be.

And remember to consider household pets and their needs as well.

The last step is to stay informed.

Schmelz said to listen to the news either with the local media or radio and to constantly listen for any updates that could be considered valuable information.

When dealing with hurricanes, a person should be wise to follow the five P’s of life: Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance.

Necesssary Items

- One gallon of water per person per day

- Non-refrigerated food such as protein bars, canned food

- Flashlight w/ batteries

- Cell phone w/ charger

- First aid kit

- hand sanitizer

- bleach

- disinfecting wipes

- medicine

- radio

- copies of important documents (license, passport, birth certificate, etc.)

- tools

- map

- cash

- contact information

- extra clothing

- extra keys (house, car, etc.)

- pet food

Development moratorium lifted

City commissioners gave the final approval Monday for a measure which restricts the types of business and sets new development standards in area of the I-75 and U.S. Highway 441 intersection.

City officials say the measure is intended to protect one of the entries into the city and have dubbed the area a “Gateway Overlay District.”

City of Alachua Commissioners already gave the initial nod for the ordinance, which would prohibit certain business types in a 2,000 foot radius from the center point of the two major highways.  The area encompasses some 800 acres of land divided up into 44 parcels.  Most of the land has a zoning designation of Commercial Intensive, although a few parcels are Planned Unit Developments (PUDs).

Business which wouldn’t be allowed include tattoo parlors, sex shops, funeral homes, liquor stores, automobile body shops, commercial parking lots, crematories, laundromats, machine shops, outdoor kennels and recycling drop-off centers.  The ordinance also prohibits the outdoor display of any type of motorized vehicles, boats or equipment for sale or rent unless associated with hotels or motels.

In addition to restricting the types of businesses, the overlay district ordinance also sets design standards related to parking lot configuration, signage, outside storage, loading areas, fencing, street buffer and other aspects of development in the area.  The new standards would only apply to new construction in that area.

Commissioners also repealed a temporary moratorium, which prevented any business from opening in the overly district since Feb. 28.

Shirley Ann Stokes, 60, passed on Sunday, May 22, 2011.  She was born in Jacksonville, Fla. to the late Willie Stokes and Mamie Freeney Stokes.

Ms. Stokes was a member of Bethlehem United Methodist Church, a graduate of Richardson High Class of 1969, and employed with Exactech.

She was preceded in death by her brothers, Isaac “Hawk” Stokes, Jr., Earl Ronnie Stokes and Erwin Johnson.

Survivors include her daughter, Denetria LeSean Stokes; grandson, Izaya Latham; and granddaughter, Sanaa Latham, all of Fort White; sister, Irish (Carlton) Hill of Gainesville; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral services for Ms. Stokes will be held Saturday, May 28, 2011 at 11 a.m. at Bethlehem U M Church, Rev. Clarence DeSue, Pastor.  Burial will follow in Bethlehem Cemetery.  Visitation will be Friday, May 27, 2011 from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at the funeral home.

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

 Howard Hurt Newman, Jr., 76, peacefully passed on at home to join the Lord on Monday, May 23, 2011.  He was born November 16, 1934 and grew up in Alachua, Fla. where he met and married his loving and lifelong partner, Betty Jo.

Mr. Newman was a veteran of the U.S. Army.  In 1963 he moved to Plantation where he was an active member of the business community having managed Modernage Furniture, a long standing member of the Elks Club of Plantation and member of the First United Methodist Church of Fort Lauderdale.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Betty Jo; his children, son Howard (Susan) and grandchildren Rebecca, Howie and Nancy of Orlando; son, John of Fort Lauderdale; and daughter, Mary (Gayle) of Hendersonville N.C.; niece, Diane Miller and family.

The family extends a special thank you to Raymond Sewell of Vitas Hospice Care. The family will receive friends on Friday, May 27 at the T.M. Ralph Funeral Home, 7001 NW 4th Avenue, Plantation, Fla., between the hours of 3p.m. to 7 p.m.  A service will be held on Saturday, May 28 at 11 a.m. at the T.M. Ralph Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the First United Methodist Church of Ft. Lauderdale would be appreciated.

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA

 CIVIL DIVISION CASE NO.: 01 2010 CA 005890 RBC BANK (USA), Plaintiff, vs.

HIGHLAND LAKES, LLC, a Florida limited liability company, JOHN M. PLA, an individual, and ERIC PARKER, an individual,

Defendants. _______/

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to the Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered by this Court on January 24, 2011, in Case No.: 01 2010 CA 005890 in the Circuit Court of the Eighth Judicial Circuit in and for Alachua County, Florida, in which RBC Bank (USA), is Plaintiff, and HIGHLAND LAKES, LLC, a Florida limited liability company, JOHN M. PLA, an individual, and ERIC PARKER, an individual, are Defendants, I will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash in the lobby of the Alachua County Family/Civil Justice Center, 201 E. University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32601, at 11:00 a.m. on June 3, 2011, the following described property as set forth in the Final Judgment of Foreclosure, to wit: REAL PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: SEE ATTACHED EXHIBIT "A" except as herein before set forth, in accordance with Fla.Stat. §45.031. Said sale will be made pursuant to and in order to satisfy the terms of the Final Judgment of Foreclosure. The "highest bidder" for purposes of this Notice of Sale, is defined as the party who bids the largest amount of money to purchase the Property and who completes the sale in a timely fashion, as hereinafter set out. The one who bids the largest amount of money to purchase the Property shall be permitted to complete the sale by delivering to the Clerk, the balance of such bid, over and above the deposit, by 5:00 p.m. the following business day. Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale. DATED on April 20, 2011. J.K. Irby Clerk of the Circuit Court Alachua County By: /s/ Erika Powell Deputy Clerk

Exhibit "A" Legal Description

The Southwest ¼ of the Southwest ¼ (SW¼ of SW¼) and the East One-half of the Southwest ¼ (E ½ of SW ¼) of Section 18, Township 9 South, Range 18 East, except that portion lying within the right-of-way of County Road NW 36. All lying and being in Alachua County, Florida.

Parcel Identification Number: 04144-001-000 and 04145-000-000

(Published: Alachua County Today - May 19 and 26, 2011)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION CASE NO.: 2010 CA 007119 Division: MG RBC BANK (USA), Plaintiff, vs. JUSTALEX, INC., a Florida corporation, JOHN M. PLA, ALEXANDRA K. PLA, and GARLAND PLA, Defendants. ____________/

NOTICE OF SALE

 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to the Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered by this Court on March 9, 2011, in Case No.: 01 2010 CA 007119 in the Circuit Court of the Eighth Judicial Circuit in and for Alachua County, Florida, in which RBC Bank (USA), is Plaintiff, and JUSTALEX, INC. a Florida corporation and JOHN M. PLA and ALEXANDRA K. PLA, are Defendants, I will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash in the lobby of the Alachua County Family/Civil Justice Center, 201 E. University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32601, at 11:00 a.m. on June 3, 2011, the following described property as set forth in the Final Judgment of Foreclosure, to wit: REAL PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: SEE ATTACHED EXHIBIT "A" except as herein before set forth, in accordance with Fla.Stat. §45.031. Said sale will be made pursuant to and in order to satisfy the terms of the Final Judgment of Foreclosure. The "highest bidder" for purposes of this Notice of Sale, is defined as the party who bids the largest amount of money to purchase the Property and who completes the sale in a timely fashion, as hereinafter set out. The one who bids the largest amount of money to purchase the Property shall be permitted to complete the sale by delivering to the Clerk, the balance of such bid, over and above the deposit, by 5:00 p.m. the following business day. Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale. DATED on April 20, 2011. J.K. Irby Clerk of the Circuit Court Alachua County By: /s/ Erika Powell Deputy Clerk

EXHIBIT A

 LEGAL DESCRIPTION

PARCEL 6: THAT PORTION OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER (NE 1/4 OF NE 1/4) OF SECTION 24, TOWNSHIP 8 SOUTH, RANGE 18 EAST, ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA, THAT LIES SOUTHERLY OF THE FORMER ATLANTIC COASTLINE RAILROAD RIGHT OF WAY AND NORTHERLY OF OLD STATE ROAD NO. 2 AND NORTHERLY OF STATE ROAD NO. 25 (U. S. HIGHWAY NO. 441); LESS THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED LAND: COMMENCE AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF SAID SECTION 24 FOR A POINT OF REFERENCE, THENCE RUN SOUTH 00 DEG. 52 MIN. 29 SEC. EAST ALONG THE EAST LINE OF SAID SECTION 24, A DISTANCE OF 26.60 FEET TO AN IRON PIPE ON THE SOUTH RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF THE FORMER SEABOARD COASTLINE RAILROAD FOR THE POINT OF BEGINNING; FROM THE SAID POINT OF BEGINNING CONTINUE SOUTH 00 DEG. 52 MIN. 29 SEC. EAST ALONG THE SAID EAST LINE OF SECTION 24, A DISTANCE OF 649.06 FEET TO AN IRON PIPE ON THE NORTHERLY RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF U. S. HIGHWAY NO. 441; THENCE RUN NORTH 61 DEG. 54 MIN. 59 SEC. WEST ALONG THE SAID NORTHERLY RIGHT OF WAY LINE, A DISTANCE OF 228.63 FEET TO AN IRON PIPE; THENCE RUN NORTH 00 DEG. 52 MIN. 29 SEC. WEST PARALLEL TO AND 200.0 FEET PERPENDICULAR TO THE SAID EAST LINE OF SECTION 24, A DISTANCE OF 571.08 FEET TO AN INTERSECTION WITH THE SAID SOUTHERLY RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF SAID SEABOARD COASTLINE RAILROAD; THENCE RUN SOUTH 81 DEG. 35 MIN. 15 SEC. EAST, ALONG THE SAID SOUTHERLY RIGHT OF WAY LINE, A DISTANCE OF 202.70 FEET TO THE SAID IRON PIPE ON THE EAST LINE OF SECTION 24 AND THE POINT OF BEGINNING. CONTAINING 2.80 ACRES, MORE OR LESS. PARCEL 7: A TRACT OF LAND SITUATED IN THE SE 1/4 OF SE 1/4 OF SECTION 13, TOWNSHIP 8 SOUTH, RANGE 18 EAST, ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA. SAID TRACT OF LAND BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCE AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF THE AFOREMENTIONED SECTION 13, TOWNSHIP 8 SOUTH, RANGE 18 EAST, FOR A POINT OF REFERENCE; THENCE RUN NORTH 89 DEG. 06 MIN. 22 SEC. WEST ALONG THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID SECTION 13, A DISTANCE OF 509.72 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE CONTINUE NORTH 89 DEG. 06 MIN. 22 SEC. WEST ALONG SAID SOUTH LINE OF SECTION 13 A DISTANCE OF 648.75 FEET TO THE NORTHEASTERLY RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE OF STATE ROAD NO. S-340A (66 FOOT RIGHT-OF-WAY); THENCE RUN NORTH 8 DEG. 00 MIN. 00 SEC. EAST A DISTANCE OF 125.33 FEET TO THE SOUTH LINE OF SEABOARD COAST LINE RAILROAD; THENCE RUN SOUTHEASTERLY ALONG SAID SOUTH LINE TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING.

(Published: Alachua County Today - May 19 and 26, 2011)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Get Your Ad Noticed Here and in Over 100 Papers throughout Florida for One Low Rate. Advertising Networks of Florida, Put us to work for You! (866)742-1373 www.florida-classifieds.com.

SPECIAL EVENTS

 Make your wedding special at a budget price!

Don’t let these tough times keep you from having your dream wedding. Weddings performed anywhere. Non-denominational , non judgmental, any and all marriages. Your choice of wedding vows, candle ceremonies, and sand ceremonies. Starting at $69. Many upgrades and wedding planner services available for an additional fee.

Call us at (352)317-7340 or (352)317-0846.

SCHOOLS/INSTRUCTION

Medical Management Careers start here-Get connected online. Attend college on your own time. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. Call (800)481-9409 www.CenturaOnline.com

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

LOST & FOUND

Lost brownchihuahua with white ring around the neck. Answers to "Maximus" or "Max" Lost near Peggy Road and last seen on 94th Avenu. 352-316-2803.

LOST CAT! HAVE YOU SEEN CHARLY? SHE IS BLUE/GRAY WITH WHITE ON HER NECK. LOST IN THE BLANDING AREA, CR1491 AND HWY 236. PLEASE CALL 352-219-7004

GOOD THINGS TO EAT

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

Watermelons, Tree Ripe Georgia Peaches, Blueberries, Shelled Acre Peas, 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. Canning quantities of Pickling Cucumbers and Yellow Squash.

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

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

17 DRIVERS NEEDED! Top 5% Pay! Excellent Benefits New Trucks Ordered! Need 2 months CDL-A Driving Exp. (877)258-8782 www.meltontruck.com

Driver- Plenty of miles. Recession proof freight. $1000 Sign-on for experienced CO's and incentives for O/O's. Driver Academy Refresher Course available. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. (855)356-7121.

Driver- Plenty of miles. Recession proof freight. $1000 Sign-on for experienced CO's and incentives for O/O's. Driver Academy Refresher Course available. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. (855)356-7121.

Drivers Earn Up to 39¢/mi HOME SEVERAL NIGHTS & WEEKENDS 1 yr OTR Flatbed exp. Call: (800)572-5489 Susan ext. 227 Joy ext. 238 SUNBELT TRANSPORT, LLC

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

Driver- ARRIVING NOW 2012 Volvos and Internationals. Plenty of miles! LOCAL Orientation. DAILY or WEEKLY Pay! CDL-A, 3 months current OTR experience. (800)414-9569. www.driveknight.com

Drivers - CDL-A GREAT HOME TIME! START UP TO 43¢ PER MILE SIGN-ON BONUS!! Lease purchase available. Experience Req’d. (800)441-4271 X FL-100 HornadyTransportation.com

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

HELP WANTED. Florida Information Center in High Springs hiring now. I-75, Exit 404. Hourly plus commission, benefits, vacation. National company employs 7,000 nationwide. Advancement potential. 386-418-0650.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

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SERVICES OFFERED

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CASH NOW! Cash for your structured settlement or annuity payments. Call J.G. Wentworth. (866)494-9115. Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau

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

ADOPTIONS

PREGNANT? CONSIDERING ADOPTION? A childless energetic, spiritual, committed couple seeks to adopt. Financially secure. Healthcare professionals. Expenses paid. Gil & Dave (888)580-ADOPT (2367). FL Bar#0150789

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

Mortgage Lenders

Access Reverse Mortgage! Florida-based: Application & closing in your home. Experience: almost 1,000 reverse mortgages funded. Award-winning customer service. BBB A rating. NMLS #4566. (800)806-7126

Acreage & Farms

1 acre LaCrosse. Beautifully wooded, paved road frontage. Owner financing. No down payment. $29,900. $307/mo. 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.

5 acres High Springs area. Gorgeous country setting with cleared oak-shaded homesite. Owner financing. No down payment. $69,900. $613/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.

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.”


To Place a Classified Call 386-462-3355.

Man shot at High Springs Community School - No children injured

HSCommunitySchoolShooting2011

High Springs Community School went into lockdown Wednesday afternoon after a shooting at the school. No children were injured in the incident, but Robert Nodine, 63, of High Springs was shot by authorities while being escorted off the school grounds, and was taken to a local hospital.

A Wednesday afternoon shooting at High Springs Community School sent one man to the hospital.

The incident occurred around 12:51 p.m. while a High Springs police officer and Alachua County Sheriff’s deputy were both on the school’s campus assisting the Florida Department of Children and Families with an ongoing investigation, High Springs Police Chief James Troiano said.

Identified as Robert Nodine, 63, of High Springs, a grandparent of at least one of the children involved in that investigation, became irate, police say.  While being escorted off the High Springs Community School Campus, Nodine was reportedly able to arm himself.

“We do know he challenged a deputy sheriff and a police officer,” said Troiano.

The incident escalated and police opened fire on Nodine, he said.  It’s not clear how many shots were fired and if both the deputy and the High Springs police officer fired their weapons.  Only Nodine was injured as a result of the incident, Troiano said.

The shooting reportedly occurred in an area described by Troiano as a “breezeway into the old elementary school office.”

He would not say how many shots were fired or the type of weapon allegedly wielded by Nodine, except in reference to it as a handgun.

The school was in lockdown for much of Wednesday afternoon as deputies restricted access to and from school grounds.

Most of the school’s children had already been released because of an abbreviated Wednesday schedule.  School Board of Alachua County spokesperson Jackie Johnson said some 150 to 175 students remained on campus for after school activities when the shooting occurred.  None of the students were believed to have been directly exposed to the incident.  She said several school staffers may have seen the altercation, including the shooting.

Nodine was taken to an area hospital for treatment of his injuries.  Troiano said Nodine has some criminal history including resisting arrest.  A woman believed to be Nodine’s wife stood on the edge of campus seeking additional information following the shooting.  She later left after making telephone calls to area hospitals for information about his condition.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is conducting an investigation into the shooting including a criminal investigation and a review of the officers’ actions, Troiano said.

Johnson said school would resume as normal Thursday morning.  A team of grief counselors will be on hand to assist any students or staff in dealing with the shooting incident, she said.

An increased police presence will be apparent Thursday morning according to Troiano, who added that it wasn’t because they expected another occurrence, but because they wanted the community to know that the school is a safe place and police are there to help.

Ups water utility rates with $15 monthly fee

During a special meeting on May 12 at Hawthorne City Hall, the commission discussed the city’s financial audit for the 2009-2010 fiscal year.

After replacing former city manager Edward Smyth, who was fired in December 2010, interim city manager Ellen Vause had her hands full with attempting to bring Hawthorne “back to life.”

The City of Hawthorne had been dealing with a number of financial issues and hired Sexton & Schnoll, a certified public accounting firm, to conduct financial auditing.

Vause said the city had many issues involving bookkeeping and numerous other financial aspects.

“The auditor was here to help with the challenges we’ve had over the past year or so,” Vause said. “But with all the recent changes, it’s been a little more difficult for them to handle everything.”

Sexton & Schnoll’s initial fee was estimated at around $19,000, but Tuesday night the firm requested a fee increase of $9,000, bringing the total estimated cost to $28,000.

“Because they had to do more leg work than they anticipated, they had to come back to us with this fee increase,” Vause said. “Their increase certainly is a financial challenge for the city, but we understand because of the past challenges we’ve had, that it is a necessary thing for us to do.”

Vause also said this sort of thing happens in cities from time to time.

City Commissioner DeLoris Roberts expressed her concern with how important the completion of the auditing process is for the city.

“With the financial situation and the current financial deficit that we’re in, we needed to pay them so they could go ahead and complete it,” Roberts said. “We need to know where we stand so we can move forward to become fiscally sound.”

Roberts said she has been pleased with the amount of work put into the process especially by the new interim city manager.

She said along with handling the budget, Vause is reviewing financial records dating back to 1995. Roberts made it clear that the city will have to continue to work at it, but with some dedication from some new faces, the problem can be solved.

“We’re moving along slowly because we are in a bit of a deficit. At least we’re making progress,” Roberts said.

Just days later at a May 17 commission meeting, commissioners voted 5-0 to implement an additional $15 fee on all city water utility customers.  With an estimated 670 users, the fee is expected to generate some $10,000 per month in additional revenues.

Earlier this year, a dispute between a local private school and a local business exposed the shortfalls of High Springs’s alcohol ordinance. In some aspects, the law is clear and precise, but in others it is vague and leaves much open to interpretation.

Now, the city commission is discussing options for clarifying its ordinance, and perhaps even making it more lenient.

The recent problem arose from the law’s ambiguity regarding where exactly on school property the 600-foot-line is drawn to determine the minimum allowed distance for alcohol to be sold.

In contrast, in the portion of the law addressing churches, the ordinance calls for only 500 feet, but it clearly states that the distance should be measured from the front door of the church to the front door of the store or restaurant in which alcohol is being sold.

During a city workshop Tuesday night, four of the five commissioners agreed that the ordinance should be changed to state that the front door-to-front door rule also applies to schools. Commissioner Dean Davis was in dissent with the opinion that the ordinance should not be changed at all.

No action was taken however, because any change would have to be done by voting on a new ordinance, which calls for specific city procedures involving public notification and an official hearing on the issue.

But Tuesday’s discussion also touched on the idea, brought forth by Commissioner Sue Weller, to reduce the minimum distance for alcohol sales from a school to 500 feet rather than 600. Mayor Larry Travis expressed an interest in pursuing the suggested change, but again no official action could be taken at that time.

AlachuaCharrette

Facilitator Sandy Burgess reports on her group’s ideas, which were generated during one of the visioning exercises conducted at Saturday’s 2020 Vision for the City of Alachua public charrette.

A walkable community, affordable housing, a strong downtown, a performing arts center and increased services for seniors were only a few of the visions shared Saturday at the City of Alachua’s public charrette.

The Public Charrette on the 2020 Vision for the City of Alachua Comprehensive Plan took place at the Santa Fe College Perry Center for Emerging Technologies in Alachua from 9 a.m. to nearly 2 p.m.

Residents, business owners , community leaders and elected officials joined forces in bouncing ideas off each other and engaging in shaping the future of Alachua. Representing the Alachua City Commission were Mayor Gib Coerper, Vice Mayor Ben Boukari, Jr. and commissioners Orien Hills and Robert Wilford, each participating in a different group.

Alachua City Manager Traci Cain offered a brief welcome address and introduced Charles Clemons, Sr., Vice President for Development at Santa Fe College, who delivered remarks about Alachua’s past and its evolution to the city it is today.  Clemons pointed out that visioning sessions are more than mere exercises, but can lead to tangible outcomes.  Saying “Whatever you can conceive and believe, you can achieve,” he illustrated his point by explaining that during the city’s previous charrette in 2002, at the top of the list of shared visions was higher education in Alachua.  And that vision progressed and resulted in the Santa Fe College Perry Center for emerging Technologies, the host site of the day’s activities.

Leading the charrette was Gail Easley, Adjunct Lecturer and Senior Fellow at the University of Florida Center for Building Better Communities, Department of Urban and Regional Planning in the College of Design, Construction and Planning.  Easley was assisted by group facilitators who led discussions and kept participants on task.  Serving as facilitators were Jim Brandenburg, Sandy Burgess, Jean Calderwood, Bob Page and Wilma Rogers.

Tasked with establishing a shared community vision, groups worked together in several exercises, brainstorming ideas that were presented by the facilitators to the entire group. The groups’ final task was to envision the contents of a magazine cover about the city of Alachua in 2020, providing an opportunity for participants to share their top vision in a focused visual format.  Strong among top visions were more sidewalks, an economically sound downtown, recreation and cultural events, affordable housing and senior services.

Mayor Coerper closed out the visioning charrette thanking those who participated.

In the coming weeks, city staff will be formalizing documentation of the participants’ findings and recommendations, and will prepare a presentation for delivery to the public.

Moratorium to be liftedTattoo parlors, sex shops, funeral homes, liquor stores and several other types of businesses will not be allowed in the Interstate 75 and U.S. Highway 441 intersection area of Alachua if commissioners give approval Monday.  City officials say the measure is intended to protect one of the entries into the city and have dubbed the area a “Gateway Overlay District.”

City of Alachua Commissioners already gave the initial nod for the ordinance, which would prohibit certain business types in a 2,000 foot radius from the center point of the two major highways.  The area encompasses some 800 acres land divided up into 44 parcels.  Most of the land has a zoning designation of Commercial Intensive although a few parcels are Planned Unit Developments (PUDs).

Other types of business which wouldn’t be allowed include automobile body shops, commercial parking lots, crematories, laundromats, machine shops, outdoor kennels and recycling drop-off centers.  The ordinance also prohibits the outdoor display of any type of motorized vehicles, boats or equipment for sale or rent unless associated with hotels or motels.

In addition to restricting the types of businesses, the overlay district ordinance also sets design standards related to parking lot configuration, signage, outside storage, loading areas, fencing, street buffer and other aspects of development in the area.  The new standards would only apply to new construction in that area.

In conjunctions with the ordinance that restricts the businesses, commissioners are also expected to approve a measure that would repeal a temporary moratorium, which has prevented any business from opening in the overly district since Feb. 28.

The moratorium was initially proposed for a five-month-period to allow time for city staff to formulate the Gateway Overlay District and its design standards, but commissioners dropped that back to four months.  A repeal Monday would mean the overlay district standards are coming a month ahead of the original schedule.

During an initial review of the Gateway Overlay District standards at a May 9 meeting, some property owners raised concerns that the parking standards would have the unintended effect of hurting businesses.  Language originally proposed called for not more than 25 percent of a development’s parking to front U.S. Highway 441.  City officials have reportedly tweaked that language to allow for highway frontage parking to be as high as 50 percent under certain circumstances.

City commissioners are scheduled to take final action Monday in adopting new rules for the overlay district and in repealing the moratorium.

After budget discussions concerning the city’s financial situation and budget deficit last Thursday, the Hawthorne City Commission moved on to a less onerous topic as they received an update about the city’s planned 11,000 acre nature park.

The Putnam Land Conservancy (PLC) partnered with the City of Hawthorne and obtained a $6 million grant through the Florida Communities Trust. The PLC will serve as the management facilitator on the property.

“We partnered with them and we are really excited to have the opportunity to get this for the city,” Vause said.

The Florida Communities Trust, which grants programs that provide funding to local governments to acquire parks, greenways, etc., helped to give Hawthorne the opportunity to purchase land to be used by the community as a nature park.

Robert Wayne Rehberg, 59, passed away May 17, 2011 in Gainesville, Fla. He was born in Miami and lived in High Springs for the past 52 years.

He was a retired Maintenance Supervisor for the City of Gainesville, was a member of High Springs Masonic Lodge #137, an avid Gator fan, a fisherman and a hunter.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Bonnie Jewell Rehberg; brothers, Ellis Rehberg and Paul Phelps; and sister, Emily Henley.

Survivors include his wife, Sharon Fay Rehberg; mother-in-law, Agnes Tomlinson; brother-in-law, Don (Mary Beth) Cannady; brothers, Keith Moore, John Henley and Harry Rehberg; one sister, Debra Hammondtree and many nieces, nephews and friends.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 21, 2011 at 10 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of High Springs, with the Rev. Rick Lawrence officiating.

Flowers will be accepted or you may make a donation to the Summit Baptist Church, 201 NE 1st Avenue, High Springs, FL  32643 in Robert Wayne Rehberg’s name.

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

LEGAL NOTICE

Fictitious Names

 

NOTICE OF INTENT TO REGISTER FICITIOUS NAME Pursuant to Section 865.09, Florida Statutes, notice is hereby given that the undersigned owner, HARRIS DIAZ LLC, 2632 NW 43rd ST, Suite B-98, Gainesville, FL, 32606, doing business under the firm name of: EQUITAX of Alachua County, previously located at 315 SE 2nd Ave, Suite B in the County of Alachua, in the City of Gainesville, Florida, 32601, but now located at 2632 NW 43rd ST, Suite B-98 in the County of Alachua, in the City of Gainesville, Florida, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated this 28 day of April, 2011.

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - April 28, May 5, 12, 19, 2011)

 

PUBLIC NOTICE

 

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA

 

CIVIL DIVISION CASE NO.: 01 2010 CA 005890 RBC BANK (USA), Plaintiff, vs.

 

HIGHLAND LAKES, LLC, a Florida limited liability company, JOHN M. PLA, an individual, and ERIC PARKER, an individual,

 

Defendants. _______/

NOTICE OF SALE

 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to the Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered by this Court on January 24, 2011, in Case No.: 01 2010 CA 005890 in the Circuit Court of the Eighth Judicial Circuit in and for Alachua County, Florida, in which RBC Bank (USA), is Plaintiff, and HIGHLAND LAKES, LLC, a Florida limited liability company, JOHN M. PLA, an individual, and ERIC PARKER, an individual, are Defendants, I will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash in the lobby of the Alachua County Family/Civil Justice Center, 201 E. University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32601, at 11:00 a.m. on June 3, 2011, the following described property as set forth in the Final Judgment of Foreclosure, to wit: REAL PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: SEE ATTACHED EXHIBIT "A" except as herein before set forth, in accordance with Fla.Stat. §45.031. Said sale will be made pursuant to and in order to satisfy the terms of the Final Judgment of Foreclosure. The "highest bidder" for purposes of this Notice of Sale, is defined as the party who bids the largest amount of money to purchase the Property and who completes the sale in a timely fashion, as hereinafter set out. The one who bids the largest amount of money to purchase the Property shall be permitted to complete the sale by delivering to the Clerk, the balance of such bid, over and above the deposit, by 5:00 p.m. the following business day. Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale. DATED on April 20, 2011. J.K. Irby Clerk of the Circuit Court Alachua County By: /s/ Erika Powell Deputy Clerk

 

Exhibit "A" Legal Description

The Southwest ¼ of the Southwest ¼ (SW¼ of SW¼) and the East One-half of the Southwest ¼ (E ½ of SW ¼) of Section 18, Township 9 South, Range 18 East, except that portion lying within the right-of-way of County Road NW 36. All lying and being in Alachua County, Florida.

 

Parcel Identification Number: 04144-001-000 and 04145-000-000

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - May 19 and 26, 2011)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION CASE NO.: 2010 CA 007119 Division: MG RBC BANK (USA), Plaintiff, vs. JUSTALEX, INC., a Florida corporation, JOHN M. PLA, ALEXANDRA K. PLA, and GARLAND PLA, Defendants. ____________/

NOTICE OF SALE

 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to the Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered by this Court on March 9, 2011, in Case No.: 01 2010 CA 007119 in the Circuit Court of the Eighth Judicial Circuit in and for Alachua County, Florida, in which RBC Bank (USA), is Plaintiff, and JUSTALEX, INC. a Florida corporation and JOHN M. PLA and ALEXANDRA K. PLA, are Defendants, I will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash in the lobby of the Alachua County Family/Civil Justice Center, 201 E. University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32601, at 11:00 a.m. on June 3, 2011, the following described property as set forth in the Final Judgment of Foreclosure, to wit: REAL PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: SEE ATTACHED EXHIBIT "A" except as herein before set forth, in accordance with Fla.Stat. §45.031. Said sale will be made pursuant to and in order to satisfy the terms of the Final Judgment of Foreclosure. The "highest bidder" for purposes of this Notice of Sale, is defined as the party who bids the largest amount of money to purchase the Property and who completes the sale in a timely fashion, as hereinafter set out. The one who bids the largest amount of money to purchase the Property shall be permitted to complete the sale by delivering to the Clerk, the balance of such bid, over and above the deposit, by 5:00 p.m. the following business day. Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale. DATED on April 20, 2011. J.K. Irby Clerk of the Circuit Court Alachua County By: /s/ Erika Powell Deputy Clerk

EXHIBIT A

 

LEGAL DESCRIPTION

 

PARCEL 6: THAT PORTION OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER (NE 1/4 OF NE 1/4) OF SECTION 24, TOWNSHIP 8 SOUTH, RANGE 18 EAST, ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA, THAT LIES SOUTHERLY OF THE FORMER ATLANTIC COASTLINE RAILROAD RIGHT OF WAY AND NORTHERLY OF OLD STATE ROAD NO. 2 AND NORTHERLY OF STATE ROAD NO. 25 (U. S. HIGHWAY NO. 441); LESS THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED LAND: COMMENCE AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF SAID SECTION 24 FOR A POINT OF REFERENCE, THENCE RUN SOUTH 00 DEG. 52 MIN. 29 SEC. EAST ALONG THE EAST LINE OF SAID SECTION 24, A DISTANCE OF 26.60 FEET TO AN IRON PIPE ON THE SOUTH RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF THE FORMER SEABOARD COASTLINE RAILROAD FOR THE POINT OF BEGINNING; FROM THE SAID POINT OF BEGINNING CONTINUE SOUTH 00 DEG. 52 MIN. 29 SEC. EAST ALONG THE SAID EAST LINE OF SECTION 24, A DISTANCE OF 649.06 FEET TO AN IRON PIPE ON THE NORTHERLY RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF U. S. HIGHWAY NO. 441; THENCE RUN NORTH 61 DEG. 54 MIN. 59 SEC. WEST ALONG THE SAID NORTHERLY RIGHT OF WAY LINE, A DISTANCE OF 228.63 FEET TO AN IRON PIPE; THENCE RUN NORTH 00 DEG. 52 MIN. 29 SEC. WEST PARALLEL TO AND 200.0 FEET PERPENDICULAR TO THE SAID EAST LINE OF SECTION 24, A DISTANCE OF 571.08 FEET TO AN INTERSECTION WITH THE SAID SOUTHERLY RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF SAID SEABOARD COASTLINE RAILROAD; THENCE RUN SOUTH 81 DEG. 35 MIN. 15 SEC. EAST, ALONG THE SAID SOUTHERLY RIGHT OF WAY LINE, A DISTANCE OF 202.70 FEET TO THE SAID IRON PIPE ON THE EAST LINE OF SECTION 24 AND THE POINT OF BEGINNING. CONTAINING 2.80 ACRES, MORE OR LESS. PARCEL 7: A TRACT OF LAND SITUATED IN THE SE 1/4 OF SE 1/4 OF SECTION 13, TOWNSHIP 8 SOUTH, RANGE 18 EAST, ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA. SAID TRACT OF LAND BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCE AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF THE AFOREMENTIONED SECTION 13, TOWNSHIP 8 SOUTH, RANGE 18 EAST, FOR A POINT OF REFERENCE; THENCE RUN NORTH 89 DEG. 06 MIN. 22 SEC. WEST ALONG THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID SECTION 13, A DISTANCE OF 509.72 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE CONTINUE NORTH 89 DEG. 06 MIN. 22 SEC. WEST ALONG SAID SOUTH LINE OF SECTION 13 A DISTANCE OF 648.75 FEET TO THE NORTHEASTERLY RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE OF STATE ROAD NO. S-340A (66 FOOT RIGHT-OF-WAY); THENCE RUN NORTH 8 DEG. 00 MIN. 00 SEC. EAST A DISTANCE OF 125.33 FEET TO THE SOUTH LINE OF SEABOARD COAST LINE RAILROAD; THENCE RUN SOUTHEASTERLY ALONG SAID SOUTH LINE TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING.

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - May 19 and 26, 2011)

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE EIGHTH 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 SRADA 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.

CLERK'S NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS GIVEN that, in accordance with the final judgment of foreclosure dated . April 28, 2011, in the above-styled cause, I will sell to the highest and best bidder or cash, in the Alachua County Courthouse Lobby, 201 East University Avenue, Gainesville, FL at 11:00 a.m. on June 2, 2011, the following described property:

 

Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale.

 

SEE EXHIBIT "A" ATTACHED HERETO Dated: May 2, 2011 J.K. Irby Clerk of Court By: /s/ Erika Powell Deputy Clerk (Court Seal)

 

Exhibit "A"

 

Commence at a 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 89º31'50" 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 24º31'23" and a chord bearing and distance of South 77º16'O8" West, 405.81 feet respectively; thence run Southwesterly along said centerline and with said curve, an arc distance of 408.92 feet to the end of said curve; thence run South 65º00'27" West, along said centerline, a distance of 309.69 feet to a 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 14º04'40"·and a chord bearing and distance of South 72º02'47" West, 234.04 feet respectively, thence run Southwesterly, along said centerline and with said curve, an arc distance of 234.63 feet to a PK. nail at the end of said curve; thence run South 10º54'53" 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 run S 79º05'07" 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 79º05'07" West, along said right of way line, a distance of 300.00 feet to an iron pipe; thence run South 02º20'23" West a distance of 827.95 feet to a concrete monument; thence run North 89º05'39" East, a distance of 267.00 feet to a concrete monument; thence run North 09º54'28" E, a distance of 233.57 feet to an iron pipe; thence, run North 01º59'30" E, a distance of 660.00 feet to the True Point of Beginning.

 

(Published: Alachua County Today – May 12 and 19, 2011)

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

 

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Get Your Ad Noticed Here and in Over 100 Papers throughout Florida for One Low Rate. Advertising Networks of Florida, Put us to work for You! (866)742-1373 www.florida-classifieds.com.

 

SPECIAL EVENTS

 

 

Make your wedding special at a budget price!

 

Don’t let these tough times keep you from having your dream wedding. Weddings performed anywhere. Non-denominational , non judgmental, any and all marriages. Your choice of wedding vows, candle ceremonies, and sand ceremonies. Starting at $69. Many upgrades and wedding planner services available for an additional fee.

 

Call us at (352)317-7340 or (352)317-0846.

 

SCHOOLS/INSTRUCTION

 

Medical Management Careers start here-Get connected online. Attend college on your own time. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. Call (800)481-9409 www.CenturaOnline.com

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

 

LOST & FOUND

 

 

LOST CAT! HAVE YOU SEEN CHARLY? SHE IS BLUE/GRAY WITH WHITE ON HER NECK. LOST IN THE BLANDING AREA, CR1491 AND HWY 236. PLEASE CALL 352-219-7004

Lost brownchihuahua with white ring around the neck. Answers to "Maximus" or "Max" Lost near Peggy Road and last seen on 94th Avenu. 352-316-2803.

 

GOOD THINGS TO EAT

 

 

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

 

Tree Ripe Georgia Peaches, Blueberries, Shelled Acre Peas, 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, Amish Jellies and Jams, N. Carolina Apples & Apple Cider. Canning quantities of Pickling Cucumbers and Yellow Squash.

 

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

 

EMPLOYMENT

 

 

Help Wanted

 

Drivers- No Experience- No Problem. 100% Paid CDL Training. Immediate Benefits. 20/10 program. Trainers Earn up to 49¢ per mile! CRST VAN EXPEDITED (800)326-2778 www.JoinCRST.com

Driver- Recession Proof Refrigerated Freight. Plenty of miles. Need refresher? Free tuition at FFE. $1000 Sign-on. Pet & Rider policy. CO & O/O's. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. (855)356-7121.

Drivers Earn Up to 39¢/mi HOME SEVERAL NIGHTS & WEEKENDS 1 yr OTR Flatbed exp. Call: (800)572-5489 Susan ext. 227 Joy ext. 238 SUNBELT TRANSPORT, LLC

Drivers - CDL-A GREAT HOME TIME! START UP TO 43¢ PER MILE SIGN-ON BONUS!! Lease purchase available. Experience Req’d. (800)441-4271 X FL-100 HornadyTransportation.com

 

CDL Drivers - Great Pay! Tons of Texas Frac work! Great company! Company paid benefits! Must have bulk pneumatic trailer experience. Call today! (800)491-9029

Drivers-CDL A Drivers. TEAM & SOLO drivers needed for Dry Van & Tanker positions. 1 year OTR experience required. Call (877)882-6537 Now! www.oakleytransport.com

ACT NOW! New Pay Increase! 37-46 cpm. New Trucks in 2011. Need 2 months CDL-A Driving Exp. (877)258-8782 www.meltontruck.com

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

HELP WANTED. Florida Information Center in High Springs hiring now. I-75, Exit 404. Hourly plus commission, benefits, vacation. National company employs 7,000 nationwide. Advancement potential. 386-418-0650.

 

SERVICES OFFERED

 

 

FINANCIAL

 

CASH NOW! Cash for your structured settlement or annuity payments. Call J.G. Wentworth. (866)494-9115. Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau.

$$$ ACCESS LAWSUIT CASH NOW!!! $$$ 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

 

ADOPTIONS

 

PREGNANT? CONSIDERING ADOPTION? A childless energetic, spiritual, committed couple seeks to adopt. Financially secure. Healthcare professionals. Expenses paid. Gil & Dave (888)580-ADOPT (2367). FL Bar#0150789

 

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

 

 

Acreage & Farms

 

1 acre LaCrosse. Beautifully wooded, paved road frontage. Owner financing. No down payment. $29,900. $307/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. $69,900. $613/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.

 

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

 

 

Miscellaneous

 

AIRLINES ARE HIRING - Train for high paying Aviation Maintenance 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.

 

Auctions

 

LAKEFRONT HORSE FARM 5-Bedroom Home, 3-Stall Barn, Large Workshop, Garage, Scenic Lake Frontage, Dock, Pier. Price reduced $799,000. Owner Financing. Lake Tillery, East of Charlotte, NC. Iron Horse Properties. (800)997-2248. www.ironhorseproperties.net

ART AUCTION TO BENEFIT CHILDREN'S CHARITY - NO BUYER'S PREMIUM! Several artworks with no reserve and some start below $100! Chagall, Picasso, Dali, Miro, Max, Matisse, Pino, Maimon, Agam, Gockel and more! FREE food, drinks and raffle prizes BATERBYS ART AUCTION GALLERY- ORLANDO, Saturday, May 21 - 4pm Preview, 5pm Auction - 9101 International Dr., Unit 1008, Orlando, FL 32819. RSVP at www.baterbys.com or call (866)537-1004 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. AB#2746 AU#3750

 


To Place a Classified Call 386-462-3355.

Lowman Woodrow Beville, 87, of High Springs, Fla., died Monday, May 16, 2011 after a brief illness. 

High Springs lost a great citizen. Mr. Beville was born in Archer, Fla. and lived in High Springs for 76 years. He married his childhood sweetheart, Betty Ryals Beville, and they enjoyed 66 wonderful years together. He served in the U.S. Army.

He was an active member of his community, serving on the Zoning and Planning Board. He was a retired Trainmaster with CSX Railroad. He was a member of and former trustee of the First United Methodist Church of High Springs.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Ryals Beville of High Springs, Fla., and son and daughter-in-law, Woodrow (Dianne) Beville of Brunswick, Ga.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Evans-Carter Funeral Home, 220 North Main St., High Springs, Fla.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 19, 2011 at 11 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church of High Springs, 17405 NW US Highway 441, High Springs, with burial following in the High Springs Cemetery, with Rev. Alan Patz and Rev. Benton Mangueira officiating.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make donations to the First United Methodist Church Youth Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 911, High Springs, FL 32655.

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

Bill and Wilma Rogers offer music and arts for Alachua youth

WilmaBillRogers

Alachua residents Bill and Wilma Rogers are offering a summer arts and music program for economically challenged youth in Alachua.  The program, which is free of charge to children ages 7-16, will be conducted at Alachua’s Cleather Hathcock, Sr. Community Center and the police department substation in the Merrillwood neighborhood.

A music and arts program will be offered in Alachua for economically challenged youths during the coming summer.

Alachua residents Bill and Wilma Rogers decided to offer their time, knowledge and wealth of experience to the artistically-driven children of the area.

Wilma Rogers said it started a couple of years ago when she and her husband realized they wanted to do something to help area children.

“Over the course of the years there was a burning passion, a burning desire to really do something effectively for children,” she said. “We began to think about what it is we have to offer.”

The Music and Arts Programs, also known as M.A.P. will be offered free of charge to children ages 7-16. The program will start on Saturday, June 11 and will be held two additional Saturdays in June, five Saturdays in July and two in August.  Plans are to offer the program at Alachua’s Cleather Hathcock, Sr. Community Center and the police department substation in the Merrillwood neighborhood.

“We’re offering this program for free as well as offering the musical instruments and providing the art supplies,” she said. “We want to teach children the fundamentals of music and the fundamentals of art along with teaching character and values.”

The mission of M.A.P. is to provide quality music and arts education programs for economically challenged youth. This volunteer-driven program will be headed by music and art instructors and was founded to meet the social needs of the community and to help guide the youth.

“We often talked about it, but it got to the point where we said ‘let’s not just talk about it, but let’s do it’. We both have a heart for kids,” she said. “A lot of time people think they need to have this degree or that degree to make a difference, but all you have to do is take what you have, take what you already know, your experience, and help somebody else.”

City of Alachua recreation director Hal Brady said this program will give more children the chance to succeed in the arts.

“This will really help children with pursuing something artistic,” Brady said. “This will be a great opportunity for children to do something without it costing anything. A lot of people just cannot normally afford this type of program.”

He had nothing but good things to say about Bill and Wilma Rogers and how much they have already been able to do for the community. He said they are a great team and have proven time and again how much they care about the youth in Alachua.

The goal of the programs is to teach children the fundamentals of art and music while helping them develop character and values.

Wilma Rogers said being gifted and talented is nothing without good character or some type of value system to operate by.

“It doesn’t take a whole lot. It just takes a caring heart. And that’s where we are,” she said.

In the program, Wilma will handle the art section, teaching line forms, shapes, colors, etc. and even dabble into some graphic design. Bill will take care of the music aspect with teaching kids how to read as well as the basics associated.

Some song writing and a brief “behind the scenes” view of the music process will also be involved.

Wilma Rogers said she’s excited and thankful to have this chance. She said she would love to help provide the youth with a trusting environment in which to learn and grow and to provide the children with the knowledge and skills to help build character.

Wilma Rogers, who already has a degree in Business Administration, will be receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts and Visual Communication as well.

Bill is a world of information and has a world of experience in music. He has a background in music composition, studio recording and studio engineering. He reads music, he teaches music, and he hopes to inspire the kids to develop entrepreneurial skills in music.

The vision of M.A.P. is to build a community in which all youth discover his or her talents and skills. He believes that knowing how to read music can make a lasting difference, it can lead someone anywhere; they can open up a book and play, and a person can keep that forever.

Depending on the youth involvement and response to the program, the Rogers are looking into carrying the program past the summer and into the 2011-12 school year.

“Have you ever had something on the inside that tells you that you have to do this? It’s been a lifelong desire,” Wilma said. “We make a great team and we’re looking to really help the youth in Alachua to help them become better citizens.”

Local police are investigating the possibility of foul play in the case of a woman now in a coma at Shands at UF.

The High Springs woman was taken to North Florida Regional Hospital Sunday after her husband called 911, saying she appeared to be having a seizure.

Upon a preliminary diagnosis there, she was moved to Shands, explained High Springs Police Lt. Bill Benk. He said that upon transporting the woman, Alachua County Fire Rescue personnel determined her condition could have resulted from physical trauma, so they contacted the High Springs Police Department.

Benk said he could not provide much detail at this point because it is an ongoing investigation, but Tuesday he confirmed that police were waiting to interview doctors.  If possible, authorities are hoping to interview the woman to determine whether her injuries were acute or chronic – the result of a preexisting condition or a recent trauma.

As of Wednesday, there was no new information available about the case.

At a mid-year budget review workshop last week, the High Springs City Commission was reminded just how much more the city will have to tighten its belt in the coming fiscal year.

In reviewing city revenues and spending so far this fiscal year, commissioners found that both sewer and water revenues are looking like they’re going to come up short. This could mean raising rates for one or both of the utilities.

The city also acknowledged an issue with Police Department spending, particularly having to do with overtime expenses.

Commissioner Eric May said there’s only about 18 percent of the budgeted funds for overtime payment left to cover the rest of the fiscal year, which ends in September.

During the meeting, May and Mayor Larry Travis expressed a similar opinion that this is the result of a management problem within the department.

May explained that upon comparing budgets and spending from the past five years, he found that there was no correlation between salaries going up or down and overtime going up or down, which led him to the conclusion that it’s not a matter of needing a bigger budget, but rather better management of the money there.

“Troiano is just not managing his department very well in terms of his costs,” May said.

Travis said repeatedly during the meeting that the city will have to figure out a way to truly live within its means in the coming year.

In an interview after the meeting, May commented on the recent news that county property values are expected to continue to fall, saying this will mean a loss of about $70,000 in revenue for the city. He estimated that in the coming fiscal year, another $120,000 to $150,000 will have to be cut from High Springs’s budget.

The developer of Heritage Oaks subdivision near Santa Fe High School may be taking the City of Alachua to court soon since commissioners agreed Monday that the City would stand by its actions.

JGC Land Development, LLC, the current owner of the remaining development, delivered a complaint in November 2010 under the “Burt J. Harris Property Rights Protection Act.”  In the seven-page document, JGC alleged that the City wrongly required payment of $175,000 to make improvements to a wastewater lift station impacted by the development.

The complaint also points out that the City required and drew down all of a $914,000 irrevocable letter of credit (ILOC).  The ILOC was intended to cover the estimated cost of all required remedial repairs and improvements such as streets and drainage if the developer failed to make them by an agreed upon deadline.  In the complaint, JGC says requiring the $914,000 ILOC places an inordinate burden on the development and has essentially led to foreclosure proceedings.

JGC, which purchased the property from Heritage Oaks – TND, Ltd. on Dec. 31, 2009, acquired 41 undeveloped lots in the transaction.  It scrapped a plan that would have recycled effluent into gray water, which could then be used for watering lawns and similar needs.  City officials have claimed that scrapping that plan placed a greater burden on the nearby wastewater lift station that transports the wastewater to the city’s treatment plant.  That move is what prompted the city to require $175,000 from JGC.

The City, meanwhile, points to agreements willingly signed by JGC.  Those agreements call for the $914,000 ILOC and the payment of the $175,000 for the lift station improvements.  City officials more directly point to an agreement with JGC in which, “The Developer agrees that the requirements in this Amendment in no way inordinately burdens any of the existing use of the property described in the Plat of the Project.”

JGC apparently borrowed the $175,000 from M&S Bank, which also extended the irrevocable letter of credit for $914,000.  It appears that before the City drew on the ILOC, the only money owed to M&S Bank was the $175,000.  JGC seems to be claiming that the City’s demand for payment in full from the ILOC increases the amount owed on the development.  The market value of the remaining development stands at some $2.1 million according to an October 19, 2009 appraisal obtained by JGC.

The City of Alachua is required to respond within 180 days from the date the complaint was delivered.  City commissioners unanimously opted Monday to direct City Attorney Marian Rush to respond to JGC’s complaint by informing the development company that the City has no plans to change any of its actions.

The city of Zephyrhills, Fla., has named former city manager of High Springs, James Drumm, as its top pick to fill its city manager position later this year.

Drumm had been with High Springs for about six years until his departure last October, when the City Commission voted 4 to 1 to terminate his contract.  Before a final vote was taken Drumm resigned and left with six months’ salary and benefits.

According to the 2010 U.S. Census, Zephyrhills is a city of 13,288 people located in Pasco County, northeast of St. Petersburg. The current city manager, Steve Spina, will be retiring in June after 15 years of service.

Last week the city council voted unanimously to rank Drumm as its first choice out of the original 30 applicants considered for the job.

Zephyrhills city clerk Linda Boan explained that contract negotiations must be finalized before it is official, but if Drumm is hired the city wants him to shadow Spina for a couple of weeks before taking over upon his retirement in June.

This would be to help Drumm get to know the city, Boan said.

One of the most frequently voiced grievances residents had with Drumm in High Springs, ironically, was that he did not spend enough time getting to know the community.

Boan said it was his experience that made Drumm stand out among other candidates for Zephyrhills. He’s had “long tenure,” she said, in the cities where he’s worked, “He has economic development experience, and he fiscally manages budgets very well from what we’ve been told.”

Overall, the consensus is that he seems to be “a good fit for the community,” she added.

When asked if the conditions surrounding his departure from High Springs were ever a concern, Boan replied that it was discussed, and the city council had the opportunity to ask him whatever questions they had pertaining to the subject, but that was “as far as it went.”

According to a St. Petersburg Times article, the expected pay for Drumm would be between $70,000 and $105,000. Spina’s current salary is $94,420, and according to High Springs’s 2009-2010 budget, Drumm’s salary there was $91,449.

Despite numerous attempts, Drumm could not be reached for comment.

(Photo 1) Retired schoolteacher Vada Horner received the Volunteer of the Year award from incoming Chamber President Jim Brandenburg.

(Photo 2) Diana Snellgrove of Alachua’s H&R Block accepts the Business of the Year award from Alachua Mayor Gib Coerper.

(Photo 3) L-R:  Alachua Police Department Chief Joel DeCoursey, Jr. presents Detective Chad Scott with the Officer of the Year award.

(Photo 4) L-R:  Outgoing Chamber President Bob Page and Clovis Watson, Jr. hold the winning 50/50 drawing ticket.

 Chamber_VOY_2011Chamber_BOY_HRBlock_2011Chamber_APD_OOY_2011Chamber_50_50_Winner_Watson_2011It was an evening of awards, accolades and congratulations May 5 at the Alachua Chamber of Commerce’s annual banquet.  The event was also marked by outgoing Chamber President Bob Page’s ceremonial passing of the gavel to newly-elected president Jim Brandenburg.

The evening kicked off with cocktails and a silent auction to raise funds for the Alachua Chamber Building Fund.  Guests had an opportunity to place their bids on nearly 50 items that had been donated by area businesses and individuals.  A dinner served buffet style was the forerunner to the evening’s program which included recognition, awards and installation of the 2011-2012 Board of Directors.

Retired schoolteacher Vada Horner was recognized by the business organization as Volunteer of the Year for her work throughout the community, especially her dedication in contributing many hours of time to area events, celebrations and fundraisers.  Horner accepted the award and advised retirees to choose volunteer activities they truly enjoy, because chances are those activities will turn into a full-time job.

Alachua’s H &R Block was awarded with Business of the Year.  Owner Diana Snellgrove accepted the award, which was presented in recognition of the various community activities in which she is involved.

Alachua Police Department (APD) Detective Chad Scott was selected as Officer of the Year. Scott was presented with the award by APD Police Chief Joel DeCoursey, Jr.  Scott’s law enforcement career has spanned 20 years, nearly four of which are with APD.  He previously worked for the Alachua County Sheriff's Office where he held the rank of Sergeant.  He was responsible for the planning and implementation of several grant funded drug enforcement operations that led to arrests of drug dealers and buyers as well as removal of drugs from the streets of Alachua.

Alachua City Manager Traci Cain delivered a presentation updating chamber members and guests on projects the city is currently involved with and the possible impacts on the business community. She also gave a pitch for the City of Alachua Visioning Charrette, which is scheduled for this Saturday at the Santa Fe College Perry Center in Alachua.

The chamber’s 50/50 drawing brought a familiar face to the winner’s circle as outgoing Chamber President Page drew former Alachua city manager Clovis Watson, Jr.’s name from the box containing all the entries.  A smiling Watson claimed his winnings accompanied by congratulations from the crowd.

Bringing the evening to a close, Page handed over the gavel to incoming Chamber President Jim Brandenburg who then conducted an installation of the 2011-12 Board of Directors and Officers.

Whether you consider yourself a visionary, a pragmatist, or somewhere in between, the City of Alachua wants your attendance at a community planning workshop being conducted Saturday, May 14.

The Public Charrette on the 2020 Vision for the City of Alachua Comprehensive Plan will take place at the Santa Fe College Perry Center for Emerging Technologies located at 14180 NW 119th Terrace in Alachua. City officials welcome residents and business owners in the city of Alachua to attend the public workshop and participate in shaping the future of Alachua.

Public charrettes provide opportunities for community involvement in addressing problems as well as opportunities and exploring options.  Local residents and business owners often have important historical knowledge and a keen understanding of the community’s characteristics, needs and hopes for the future, leading to setting more realistic and valuable goals and strategies.

Through their participation in the long-term planning process, residents help ensure that city officials and planning professionals gain a greater insight into the communities they seek to serve.

The workshop is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and will include breakout groups for brainstorming and discussions, reporting from groups, lunch and door prizes from local businesses.

Preregistration for lunch is requested, and interested individuals are asked to contact the City of Alachua Department of Planning and Community Development at 386-418-6121 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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 owner, North Central Florida Softball Association, Inc. principle place of business, 22202 Old Providence Road, Alachua, FL 32615, mailing address PO Box 2533 High Springs FL 32655, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. The said North Central Florida Softball Association, Inc. principle place of business, 22202 Old Providence Road, Alachua, FL 32615, mailing address PO Box 2533 High Springs FL 32655, doing business under the name of: Sons of Pitches, principle place of business, 22202 Old Providence Road, Alachua, FL 32615, mailing address PO Box 2533 High Springs FL 32655, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. (Published: Alachua County Today - May 12, 2011)

NOTICE OF INTENT TO REGISTER FICTITIOUS NAME Pursuant to Section 865.09, Florida Statutes. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVE that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Cuz Consignment located at 20324 N. State Road 121, in the County of Alachua, in the City of LaCrosse, Florida 32658 intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated at Alachua, Florida, this 9th day of May 2011. Ricky L. Lyons.

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - May 11, 2011)

NOTICE OF INTENT TO REGISTER FICITIOUS NAME Pursuant to Section 865.09, Florida Statutes, notice is hereby given that the undersigned owner, HARRIS DIAZ LLC, 2632 NW 43rd ST, Suite B-98, Gainesville, FL, 32606, doing business under the firm name of: EQUITAX of Alachua County, previously located at 315 SE 2nd Ave, Suite B in the County of Alachua, in the City of Gainesville, Florida, 32601, but now located at 2632 NW 43rd ST, Suite B-98 in the County of Alachua, in the City of Gainesville, Florida, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated this 28 day of April, 2011.

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - April 28, May 5, 12, 19, 2011)

 

PUBLIC NOTICE

 

 

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 A.M. on Friday, May 27, 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. 107 EDMAN KELLY 277 WILLIAM DAVIS H27 PATRICIA M. GRACIA I24 NIRMAL RAMPERSAD

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - May 05 and 12, 2011)

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE EIGHTH 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 SRADA 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.

CLERK'S NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS GIVEN that, in accordance with the final judgment of foreclosure dated . April 28, 2011, in the above-styled cause, I will sell to the highest and best bidder or cash, in the Alachua County Courthouse Lobby, 201 East University Avenue, Gainesville, FL at 11:00 a.m. on June 2, 2011, the following described property:

 

Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale.

 

SEE EXHIBIT "A" ATTACHED HERETO Dated: May 2, 2011 J.K. Irby Clerk of Court By: /s/ Erika Powell Deputy Clerk (Court Seal)

 

Exhibit "A"

 

Commence at a 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 89º31'50" 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 24º31'23" and a chord bearing and distance of South 77º16'O8" West, 405.81 feet respectively; thence run Southwesterly along said centerline and with said curve, an arc distance of 408.92 feet to the end of said curve; thence run South 65º00'27" West, along said centerline, a distance of 309.69 feet to a 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 14º04'40"·and a chord bearing and distance of South 72º02'47" West, 234.04 feet respectively, thence run Southwesterly, along said centerline and with said curve, an arc distance of 234.63 feet to a PK. nail at the end of said curve; thence run South 10º54'53" 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 run S 79º05'07" 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 79º05'07" West, along said right of way line, a distance of 300.00 feet to an iron pipe; thence run South 02º20'23" West a distance of 827.95 feet to a concrete monument; thence run North 89º05'39" East, a distance of 267.00 feet to a concrete monument; thence run North 09º54'28" E, a distance of 233.57 feet to an iron pipe; thence, run North 01º59'30" E, a distance of 660.00 feet to the True Point of Beginning.

 

(Published: Alachua County Today – May 12 and 19, 2011)

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL ACTION CASE NO.: 01 2008 CA 002244 DIVISION: GMAC MORTGAGE, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. ROBERT C. LYNCH A/K/A ROBERT C. LYCH A/K/A ROBERT C. LYNCH, JR, et al, Defendant(s). ______________/

NOTICE OF SALE PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 45

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN Pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated April 15th, 2011, and entered in Case No. 01 2008 CA 002244 of the Circuit Court of the Eighth Judicial Circuit in and for Alachua County, Florida in which GMAC Mortgage, LLC, is the Plaintiff and Robert C. Lynch a/k/a Robert C. Lych a/k/a Robert C. Lynch, Jr., Mary Lynch a/k/a Mary E. Lynch, , are defendants, I will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash in/on the lobby of the Alachua County Family/Civil Justice Center, 201 East University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601., Alachua County, Florida at 11:00AM on the 24th day of May, 2011, the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgment of Foreclosure: LOT 5, BLOCK C, OF DURANT ESTATES, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK E, PAGE 23, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA

 

A/K/A 530 NW 57TH STREET, GAINESVILLE, FL 32607-2152

 

Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale.

 

Dated in Alachua County, Florida this 4th day of May, 2011. Albertelli Law Attorney for Plaintiff P.O. Box 23028 Tampa, FL 33623 (813) 221-4743 RTP - 10-60735

 

If you are a person with a disability who needs any accomodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Persons with a disability who need any accomodation in order to participate should call Jan Phillips, ADA Coordinatory, Alachua County Courthouse, 201 E. University Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601 at (352) 337-6237 within two (2) working days of receipt of this notice; if you are hearing impaired, please call 1-800-955-8771; if you are voice impaired, please call 1-800-955-8770. To file response please contact Alachua County Clerk of Court, P.O. Box 600, Gainesville, FL 32602-0600, Tel: (352) 374-3636; Fax: (352) 338-3201.

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - May 05 and 12, 2011)

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

 

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

 

Get Your Ad Noticed Here and in Over 100 Papers throughout Florida for One Low Rate. Advertising Networks of Florida, Put us to work for You! (866)742-1373 www.florida-classifieds.com.

 

SPECIAL EVENTS

 

 

Make your wedding special at a budget price!

 

Don’t let these tough times keep you from having your dream wedding. Weddings performed anywhere. Non-denominational , non judgmental, any and all marriages. Your choice of wedding vows, candle ceremonies, and sand ceremonies. Starting at $69. Many upgrades and wedding planner services available for an additional fee.

 

Call us at (352)317-7340 or (352)317-0846.

 

SCHOOLS/INSTRUCTION

 

 

Medical Management Careers start here-Get connected online. Attend college on your own time. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. Call (800)481-9409 www.CenturaOnline.com

 

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

 

LOST & FOUND

 

Lost brownchihuahua with white ring around the neck. Answers to "Maximus" or "Max" Lost near Peggy Road and last seen on 94th Avenu. 352-316-2803.

 

GOOD THINGS TO EAT

 

 

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

 

Tree Ripe Georgia Peaches, Blueberries, Shelled Acre Peas, 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, Amish Jellies and Jams, N. Carolina Apples & Apple Cider. Canning quantities of Pickling Cucumbers and Yellow Squash.

 

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

 

EMPLOYMENT

 

 

Help Wanted

 

 

Drivers Earn Up to 39¢/mi HOME SEVERAL NIGHTS & WEEKENDS 1 yr OTR Flatbed exp. Call: (800)572-5489 Susan ext. 227 Joy ext. 238 SUNBELT TRANSPORT, LLC

 

Driver- MANY CHOICES: Part-time, Full-time, Casual, Express Lanes, Dry Van, Refrigerated. Weekly or Daily Pay. Local Orientation. CDL-A, 3 months recent experience required. (800)414-9569. www.driveknight.com

 

CALL NOW! Top 5% Pay! Excellent Benefits. 300 New T660's. Need 2 months CDL-A Driving Exp. (877)258-8782 www.meltontruck.com

 

CDL Drivers - Great Pay! Tons of Texas Frac work! Great company! Company paid benefits! Must have bulk pneumatic trailer experience. Call today! (800)491-9029.

 

MOMS WORK FT/PT, no experience necessary, we train. New Swarovski Crystal Jewelry by Touchstone Crystal. $500 TO $5,000/MONTH (407)295-1522 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

Drivers - CDL-A GREAT HOME TIME! START UP TO 43¢ PER MILE SIGN-ON BONUS!! Lease purchase available. Experience Req’d. (800)441-4271 X FL-100 HornadyTransportation.com

HELP WANTED. Florida Information Center in High Springs hiring now. I-75, Exit 404. Hourly plus commission, benefits, vacation. National company employs 7,000 nationwide. Advancement potential. 386-418-0650.

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

 

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

 

Colonial Life seeks a business to business sales executive. 58k+ first year plus excellent bonuses. Great training and working conditions. Superb marketing system. Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (904)424-5697.

 

Driver- Plenty of Miles. Recession proof freight. $1000 Sign-on for experienced CO's and incentives for O/O's. Driver Academy Refresher Course available. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. (855)356-7121.

 

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

 

CASH NOW! Cash for your structured settlement or annuity payments. Call J.G. Wentworth. (866)494-9115. Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau.

 

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

 

ADOPTIONS

 

 

PREGNANT? CONSIDERING ADOPTION? A childless energetic, spiritual, committed couple seeks to adopt. Financially secure. Healthcare professionals. Expenses paid. Gil & Dave (888)580-ADOPT (2367). FL Bar#0150789

 

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

 

 

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.

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.

5 acres High Springs area. Gorgeous country setting with cleared oak-shaded homesite. Owner financing. No down payment. $69,900. $613/mo. NO IMPACT FEES. 352-215-1018, www.LandOwnerFinancing .com.

1 acre LaCrosse. Beautifully wooded, paved road frontage. Owner financing. No down payment. $29,900. $307/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

 

 

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

 

WANTED TO BUY

 

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

 

Auctions

 

 

ART AUCTION TO BENEFIT CHILDREN'S CHARITY - NO BUYER'S PREMIUM! Several artworks with no reserve and some start below $100! Chagall, Picasso, Dali, Miro, Max, Matisse, Pino, Maimon, Agam, Gockel and more! FREE food, drinks and raffle prizes BATERBYS ART AUCTION GALLERY- ORLANDO, Saturday, May 21 - 4pm Preview, 5pm Auction - 9101 International Dr., Unit 1008, Orlando, FL 32819. RSVP at www.baterbys.com or call (866)537-1004 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  AB#2746 AU#3750

 


To Place a Classified Call 386-462-3355.

letters

I was awakened by Lawrence O’Donnell on MSNBC at 11 p.m. on April 27, and could not believe what I was hearing in 2011 concerning the birth place of our President Barack Obama.  I agree that NBC should demand that Donald Trump explain his political agenda now. I also agree that he may be using NBC to keep his ratings and popularity up.

I want to encourage every Black and or African American to boycott “The Apprentice.”  I will not look at another one of Donald Trump’s shows or anything else he is involved in. Not only is the Donald Trump show fake, so is he. I also encourage every Black and or African American to boycott the Trump Towers. We did it in the 50’s and 60’s and we can do it again. I am sure that white Americans realize the value of a Black American’s dollar. Thank you, Donald for letting me and others know how you really feel.

As an African American, Negro, Black, Politician or whatever you want to call me, I can relate to what President Barack Obama is going through and especially from a political standpoint. No matter what you do, you are never deserving of it or you are not good enough. I am old enough to have lived through segregation and the civil rights struggles here in the United States and at home, so you know that I know what blatant racism is all about. I have experienced rocks being thrown at me as I walked to school while the parents watched, buildings being burned around me, going to the back door of restaurants to get a sandwich, not being able to sit at the lunch counter for a cone of ice cream, people not wanting to work under my supervision because of the color of my skin and much more.

Why would people go to such great lengths to bring down the President of the United States of America?  It is not because he lacks an education, it is not because he does not represent us well, and it is not because he has committed a crime. It is because he is the first African American to become President of this United States and that is unacceptable in the eyes of some racist people. The entire world is looking at the United States and they have not seen so much hatred toward any other President.

It is my hope that young African Americans realize that you do not have it made just because you wear a suit to work everyday. You must take a stand and demand respect or you will be in this situation for the rest of your lives.

I am not saying that all Americans should be punished for what Donald Trump and some Tea Party folks are doing, but it is time to go back to what we were taught by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We must stand up in a peaceful way to protect what is rightfully ours: freedom. My husband and I participated in the march on Washington in 1963 and it was the best thing that could have happened in the United States of America and we may need to do this again.

Roberta Lopez

Citizen

Archer, Fla.

lettersHe did it! Pope Benedict XVI beatified Pope John Paul II on May 1, 2011, which makes this unworthy pope one step removed from being canonized a saint. It is indeed a sad day for Catholicism.

Many ask, what was the rush to sainthood and especially for someone who was complicit in the cover-up of clergy sexual abuse crimes for over 25 years? As a lifelong Catholic who still attends Mass on Sundays and the church's Holy Days of obligation, it deeply saddens me to protest so vehemently against the hierarchy of my church, a church that is in disrepair, a church, in spite of its ills, I still dearly love.

For the sake of argument, I will give the Vatican the benefit of doubt by admitting all sinners can repent and become declared saints, since saints like "Paul," who was both a Jew and a Roman citizen, persecuted Christians and sought their deaths prior to his miraculous conversion and ultimate rise to sainthood.

Since John Paul blatantly harbored clergy sexual abusers during his tenure as pope and actively participated in the cover-up of crimes committed against humanity, is there any evidence that, like Saint Paul, John Paul repented, excluding the confessional, for the crimes he committed?  If so, Pope Benedict should come forward and tell the world just how John Paul repented, which would validate his nomination to sainthood.

Of course, this will never happen since, over the centuries, the hierarchy of the Church of Rome has manipulated the secrecy and confidentiality of the confessional to protect predator priests while ignoring the needs of victims. John Paul unscrupulously allowed, and further perpetuated, this horrendous practice to continue on his "watch" as pope.

I implore the church's bishops and cardinals, and especially the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), to challenge: (1) any further action by Pope Benedict XVI in canonizing Pope John Paul II as a saint; and (2) Benedict's handling (mishandling) of the clergy sexual abuse crisis confronting Catholicism today.

This will be difficult and will take a great deal of new found moral courage for the bishops and cardinals to speak out about the clergy sexual abuse crisis since a great majority of them, if not all, were co-conspirators with Pope John Paul II in the cover-up of crimes committed against humankind.

It is time for Pope Benedict XVI to deliver the following statement to the world from his balcony at the Vatican: “We, the popes, cardinals, bishops, and priests of the Roman Catholic Church, have been grievously and sinfully wrong since the very beginning of the church's existence in protecting predator priests at the expense of the victims of clergy sexual abuse.

“Humbly, in the presence of God, we openly admit our culpability, and in professing our shame, ask for forgiveness from God and all humanity for the unspeakable sins we have committed against victimized children and their families throughout our history.”

It is indeed a sad day for Catholicism. My church is broken! It is in need of renewal! It is in need of transparency! It is in need of reformation!

Robert W. Wilford 

"Cradle to Grave Catholic"

Alachua, Fla.

lettersHarold and I were married on Aug. 11, 2007. I lost my loving husband to death by a drunk driver that shouldn’t have been on the road.  Drunk drivers need to see the torture and pain the family goes through when they lose their loved one.

My husband was working for his family, not bothering anyone, minding his own business and doing his job.

There was a drunk driver making a choice to drink and drive; whereas my husband didn’t have a choice in the matter. But he lost his life because of a bad choice the drunk driver made.

I pray and hope that anyone drinking might think twice before getting into a vehicle to drive.  It might save the life of another person.

My husband and I would have been married four years this August.  Harold was a sweet and loving husband, stepfather, grandfather, brother, son and friend. He was a humble man and was compassionate and understanding of other people’s feelings.  He was serious about all of his vows, such as marriage and his love for his creator and God, Jehovah.  Harold promised to love and to cherish me forever and ever, and he did that right to the end.

During the short time that Harold spent on earth, he touched a lot of people’s hearts and was loved by people and they showed their love back to Harold.

He was liked by his boss and his co-workers.  He was honest and a hard worker.

This is the hardest thing that his wife and his loved ones have had to deal with.  He loved to build, and looking around our home at all the things he made, and seeing his smiling face in our pictures, reminds me of the terrible loss that I must endure forever to my end.

My goal is to continue on serving our God, Jehovah, and to be there to welcome him back into my arms when Jesus calls the dead to life (John 5:28, 29) and then to life on Paradise Earth where death, pain and sorrow will be no more (Revelations 21: 3, 4).

I would like to thank all of our family and friends for all of their prayers and phone calls, and for what you have done for me as I suffer my loss of a loving husband and best friend. Harold was the love of my life and now part of me is gone because of someone’s bad choice to drink and drive.

I know Harold would be proud to know that even as I am suffering the loss of losing him, that I was willing to take the time that I might save someone else’s life.  Please be careful the next time you get into a vehicle.  Think not only of yourself, but of everyone else on the road. It might be you or your loved ones that suffer this tragic loss.

At 4:30 a.m. on April 26, 2011, my last words spoken on the phone were “I love you, please be careful.” You never know. Please read Ecclesiastes 9:11, because my husband sure did not expect this.  Please don’t wish later you hadn’t made a choice to drink and drive. If your choice is to drink, stay off the roads, please.

Nelda Jane Martens

High Springs

Harold E. Martens, 59, born in York, Maine on January 15, 1952 to Marvin M. Martens, Sr. and Lourena Mae Webber Martens, died on April 28, 2011.

Mr. Martens moved to New York State and to Philadelphia, where he lived for almost 25 years. He later moved to Labelle, Fla., Okeechobee, Fla. and Perry, Fla. and finally to High Springs, where he spent the happiest 3-1/2 years of his life after marrying his beloved wife, Nelda Jane, on August 11, 2007.

As a youth, he enjoyed fishing, horseback riding and playing cards with his grandparents, parents and siblings. He still played cards with his sister, Donna, on every occasion that they could. As an adult, he was a truck driver like his father before him and his three brothers. He loved and followed Jehovah for 42 years, being baptized on July 15, 1969. He was happy to have finally found a loving mate who was his best friend and partner in their busy service to Jehovah together. He occasionally auxiliary pioneered, including the month of his death, sharing in the Memorial Invitation campaign.  His favorite scripture was Psalm 63:3 (What is better than life?) and Revelation 21:3, 4.

He is survived by his wife, Nelda Jane Martens of High Springs; father, Marvin M. (Joyce) Martens, Sr. of Manchester, Maine; five siblings and one adopted brother, Barbara (Ed) Evansen of Unity, Maine, Marvin (Sam), Jr. (Debra) Martens of Aurora, Ala., Ralph (Penny) Martens of Labelle, Fla., Bruce (Bobbi) Martens of Live Oak, Fla., Donna (Bill) Estey of Perry, Fla., and Richard A. (Patty) Lewis of Okeechobee, Fla..

His extended family, aunt Orrilla Danforth of Bunnlevel, N.C., Uncle Fred (Cathy) Webber of High Springs, Fla., Uncle Donald (Dru) Webber of Lehigh Acres, Fla., step-children, who considered Harold as a father, Robert Anthony (Belinda) Conrad of Providence, Fla., Tina (Matthew) Salyers of Lake City, Fla., and Wilson W. Conrad Jr. of Bell, Fla.; five grandchildren who adored him, Angela, Jesse and Phoebe Salyers, Carlos and Isaiah Conrad; many cousins, nieces, nephews spiritual brothers and sisters and friends.

Graveside services will be held for immediate family only and a few friends on May 7, 2011 at 2 p.m. in Ft. White.

Memorial service will be held on May 14, 2011 at 2 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses at 310 SE 7th Avenue, High Springs.

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

Local Ace Hardware reaching out to tornado victims

AceTornadoReliefAlachua Ace Hardware Manager Christy Miller has stepped up and is coordinating an effort to help victims of last week's devestating tornadoes.  Stores brought on board through her efforts include Ace Hardware stores in Alachua, Newberry, Williston, Archer, Trenton, High Springs and the store in Gainesville's Hunters Crossing.

Only days after hundreds of tornadoes ripped across six southeastern states, one local business is already reaching out to help victims of the devastating twisters.  Alachua Ace Hardware Manager Christy Miller is already gaining momentum in her quest to lend a helping hand to the communities ravaged by tornados last Wednesday.

The idea started Monday when Miller wondered if the store’s weekly shipments, which originate in Alabama, would be affected by the deadly weather.  It turns out the distribution center wasn’t in a path of destruction, but that concern prompted Miller to launch a donation campaign at the Ace Hardware store on Main Street in Alachua.

Within hours of putting together a list of items needed by people affected by the storms, Miller started to see the fruits of her labor pay off.  She received a donation of four tarps, given by a patron of her store.  She distributed the list to area businesses and has been receiving a variety of donations ever since.

Donations will be delivered from the local Ace Hardware to people in need by way of the same distribution truck that bring products to the store each week.  Miller said the Ace Hardware corporate office has confirmed that it is on board with its drivers picking up the donations and taking them back to Alabama where they will be distributed via local organizations.

Not only are donations being accepted at the Alachua Ace Hardware, but Miller has created a network of drop points.  By Wednesday afternoon, essential items were being brought in by the boxful, including eight tubs from a recently-opened Ace Hardware at Hunters Crossing in Gainesville.

Miller has even enlisted the help of some lifelong friends who have been picking up the donations from Ace stores across the area and bringing them back to the Alachua collection store.  Among the Ace Hardware’s accepting the donations are those in Alachua, Newberry, Williston, Archer, Trenton and the store at Hunters Crossing.  Miller even expanded the network Wednesday when she received confirmation that the Ace Hardware of High Springs would also participate in the drive.

Miller is careful to note that cash is not being sought, but if anyone is interested in assisting but doesn’t have any goods to donate, they may purchase something at a participating Ace Hardware location and receive a 25 percent discount on the donated items.

The list of items Miller is asking for range from diapers and clothes to hand tools and pet food.  She said clothes for all sizes and ages are needed as well as day-to-day seemingly trivial items such as blankets, pillows, dish soap, tents and coolers.

Some $1.7 million restored

A $1.7 million deficit in the City of Alachua’s restricted funds has been restored, almost entirely according to a recent audit.  Presented at an April commission meeting, auditors said all but $15,771 had been paid back into the restricted cash reserves as of Sept. 30, 2010, the end of the audit period.

That news marks a big turnaround for the City, which learned less than a year ago that it had serious financial deficiencies and was even teetering on a financial state of emergency.  The 2008-2009 audit, presented in June 2010 revealed the city spent $1.7 million of restricted funds on city operations.

The audit, prepared by the accounting firm Purvis Gray and Company, concluded, “Due to the lack of unrestricted fund balance and net assets, the City has used restricted resources resulting in certain violations of contracts or agreements. The continued use of restricted resources could potentially lead to further action taken by creditors or others, and leave the City with insufficient funds to operate.”

With just over three months remaining in the 2009-2010 fiscal year, City Manager Traci Cain made sweeping changes, sitting down with each department director and slashing budgets.  Those cuts amounted to some $1 million in budgeted items and areas that the city squeezed from the books.

In January 2010, the City commission also implemented an electric utility rate restructure, which contributed to increased revenues and in June, it implemented a hiring freeze.  All merit and cost of living adjustment pay increases were also cut from the budget.

Recently presenting the 2009-2010 audit, auditor Ron Whitesidessaid, “For a one year turnout…I consider that a very positive improvement.”

Mayor Gib Coerper said he appreciated the employees, who had gone two years without raises.

“They haven’t tripped me too many times going out of the office,” Coerper joked.

Then Vice-Mayor Gary Hardacre said the citizens of Alachua also deserve appreciation.

“Our citizens had to pay more for their property taxes and for a lot of their services,” said Hardacre.

Commissioner Ben Boukari, Jr. said, “From what I’ve heard, this is a great indication that the City of Alachua is headed in the right direction.  You go from 1.7 million down to 15,000.  I think City Manager Cain and her staff have done a great job.”

Cain said she didn’t realize how close the City was to refunding the restricted cash.

“Seeing that it was $15,000, I just wish we could have done a little more.  I didn’t think we would come that close to getting that [audit] comment removed,” she said.

Whitesides said he expects that the remaining $15,771 has been restored since Sept 30, 2010 snapshot given the vast majority of $1.7 million had been cleared up in the preceding three months.

After residents challenged the legality of a city contract during a meeting last week, High Springs commissioners are debating whether to seek another opinion. So far, no decision has been reached.

Citing Florida State Statute 287.055, known as the Consultants' Competitive Negotiation Act, concerned citizen Robyn Rush said that when High Springs began its city wastewater system project, commonly referred to as the sewer project, it did not follow proper procedure for selecting an engineering firm.

She said the city did not advertise properly when seeking firms to apply for the contract, and furthermore that from her understanding of the statute, the city should have received a minimum of three different companies’ applications before choosing one and then proceeding with the project.

Rush also suggested that the city should have considered other engineering firms for each new phase of the project rather than continuing to renew its contract with Jones Edmunds & Associates Inc.

City attorney Tom DePeter contested that from a legal standpoint, he did not think High Springs had violated the state statute. He interpreted it as being intended to require that of all the applications a municipality receives for a contract, it must officially consider at least three before choosing one, rather than Rush’s interpretation that the law intends to absolutely require three applications before the project can go on.

DePeter argued that this wouldn’t be plausible because sometimes a city doesn’t get that many interested parties, and he doesn’t think the law is intended to prohibit a project just because it didn’t receive three bids for contract.

Despite what Depeter said, Rush implored the commission to request a non-binding opinion on the matter from the state attorney general. If the city were to request it, the opinion would be a judgment on whether High Springs violated any law, but it would not be a legal ruling and would not automatically require any action.

City Commissioner Dean Davis said that “in the interest of clearing the air,” he thinks the city should request the opinion. Commissioner Eric May agreed that it might be a good idea to do so, as did Commissioner Susan Weller.

Commissioner Byran Williams interjected that he would prefer to put the issue on hold and have more discussion about it first, and with that the discussion was tabled.

Mayor Larry Travis was not present at the meeting.

An item was added to the agenda for Thursday night’s commission workshop that reads “Review and discuss contract with Jones Edmunds and Associates.”

While Coronas may be the drink of choice for some Cinco de Mayo celebrators this weekend, High Springs is thirsty for something else: water.

The city’s community gardens, which consist of two separate sites, one downtown next to James Paul Park and the other in the Douglass neighborhood, are over budget because of water usage.

The High Springs City Commission worked out an arrangement with the community gardens director to help alleviate the problem, but water bills have run so high already that extra money will have to be found to cover the cost.

Enter the Sinkhole de Mayo event this weekend.  Now in its fourth year, the celebration fundraiser, which began in 2007, will continue its annual tradition on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in James Paul Park.  Funds raised this weekend at the community gardens Sinkhole de Mayo event will help relieve the burgeoning water bill.

The event is running in conjunction with the Citywide Yard Sale from 8 a.m. to noon and Downtown Daze, which will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sinkhole de Mayo festivities will include a slow motion bike race around the sinkhole, hosted by the local cycle and eco-enthusiast group the Yellow Bellied Sliders, a salsa contest, and at 2 p.m. there will be a dedication ceremony for the storage shed at the downtown garden.

Entry fee for the bike race is $5 and all proceeds go the community garden program. According to Yellow Bellied Sliders member Tom Hewlett, “No one in this town is as slow as I am,” encouraging all to participate. Bikes will be provided for those who do not have their own.

Prizes for the salsa contest will include gift certificates from local merchants.

Sinkhole de Mayo will also have children’s activities and there will be fresh produce, plants, food, drinks and art for sale.

The event is being co-sponsored by an array of local businesses and several residents, and all proceeds will benefit the High Springs Community Garden program. The program will also accept donations, which can be made in the form of a check payable to the City of High Springs with the reference Community Garden.

Libraries offer more than books

It’s 2011, and wallet-size smart phones offer advanced computing ability, built-in cameras and the ability to multitask at the push of a button. The first computers filled entire rooms, and in the last two decades society has watched as the desktop shrank to a laptop and then morphed into a tablet. But it’s hard to keep up with technology, especially if you’re of a generation that didn’t grow up with it.

For two years now, locals ranging from middle-aged to senior citizens have been coming to the Alachua branch Alachua County Library to take advantage of a chance to catch up.

Taught by two alternating librarians, the once-a-week hour-long course focuses on the core basics of computing. This week, the two women in attendance reviewed the anatomy of a computer’s hardware, what’s what of storage devices and the skills of how to maneuver a mouse.

Using an online tutorial called “Mousercise,” while guided step-by-step by the instructor, they practiced clicking, dragging and scrolling during the hands-on second half of the class.

Librarians confirmed that this week’s turnout was smaller than usual, saying sometimes there are as many as 10 students.

As the morning’s lesson came to a close, the instructor reminded his students, “The more practice your get with something, the better you’ll be.”

The computer class, held Wednesdays at 11 a.m., is one of several weekly activities at the Alachua library.

There is teen gaming Wednesdays at 1 p.m., pre-school story time Thursdays at 11 a.m., and for more physical enrichment there is zumba on Mondays at 6 p.m., yoga on Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m., pilates on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. and craft circle once a month.

The library also hosts an array of special events throughout each month and will run several summer programs beginning in June.

All programs are free and open to the public, with the exception that some of the physical classes offered through the CHOICES program, which may have a residency requirement.

For more information on any of the classes or events listed, visit the Alachua County Library District Web site at http://aclib.us.

LEGAL NOTICE

Fictitious Names

NOTICE OF INTENT TO REGISTER FICITIOUS NAME Pursuant to Section 865.09, Florida Statutes, notice is hereby given that the undersigned owner, HARRIS DIAZ LLC, 2632 NW 43rd ST, Suite B-98, Gainesville, FL, 32606, doing business under the firm name of: EQUITAX of Alachua County, previously located at 315 SE 2nd Ave, Suite B in the County of Alachua, in the City of Gainesville, Florida, 32601, but now located at 2632 NW 43rd ST, Suite B-98 in the County of Alachua, in the City of Gainesville, Florida, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated this 28 day of April, 2011.

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - April 28, May 5, 12, 19, 2011)

 

PUBLIC NOTICE

 

 

CITY OF HAWTHORNE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

 

On Tuesday, May 17th, 2011 at 6:30pm at 6700 SE 221st St. Hawthorne, FL, the City Commission will hold a public hearing regarding the following ordinances:

 

ORDINANCE

 

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA, RELATING TO THE REZONING OF MORE THAN TEN CONTIGUOUS ACRES OF LAND, PURSUANT TO AN APPLICATION BY THE VILLAGES OF HAWTHORNE, LLC, OWNER; AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING ATLAS OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS, PROVIDING FOR AMENDMENT OF AN EXISTING PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT ON CERTAIN LANDS WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA; AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING ATLAS OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS, PROVIDING FOR REZONING FROM ‘PUD’ (PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT) DISTRICT TO ‘RSF-1’ (RESIDENTIAL, SINGLE-FAMILY) DISTRICT OF CERTAIN LANDS WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA;PROVIDING SEVERABILITY; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

ORDINANCE

 

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, ALACHUA COUNTY FLORIDA, PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE III, SECTION 3.13 BY PROVIDING THAT THE CITY COMMISSION MAY OPERATE AS THE CITY’S PLANNING & ZONING BOARD AND BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

Copies of the proposed actions may be inspected by the public at City Hall on SE 221st St. The hearing will be open to the public and interested parties may appear at the hearing to be heard regarding the proposed action.

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - May 05, 2011)

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL ACTION CASE NO.: 01 2008 CA 002244 DIVISION: GMAC MORTGAGE, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. ROBERT C. LYNCH A/K/A ROBERT C. LYCH A/K/A ROBERT C. LYNCH, JR, et al, Defendant(s). ______________/

NOTICE OF SALE PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 45

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN Pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated April 15th, 2011, and entered in Case No. 01 2008 CA 002244 of the Circuit Court of the Eighth Judicial Circuit in and for Alachua County, Florida in which GMAC Mortgage, LLC, is the Plaintiff and Robert C. Lynch a/k/a Robert C. Lych a/k/a Robert C. Lynch, Jr., Mary Lynch a/k/a Mary E. Lynch, , are defendants, I will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash in/on the lobby of the Alachua County Family/Civil Justice Center, 201 East University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601., Alachua County, Florida at 11:00AM on the 24th day of May, 2011, the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgment of Foreclosure: LOT 5, BLOCK C, OF DURANT ESTATES, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK E, PAGE 23, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA

 

A/K/A 530 NW 57TH STREET, GAINESVILLE, FL 32607-2152

 

Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale.

 

Dated in Alachua County, Florida this 4th day of May, 2011. Albertelli Law Attorney for Plaintiff P.O. Box 23028 Tampa, FL 33623 (813) 221-4743 RTP - 10-60735

 

If you are a person with a disability who needs any accomodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Persons with a disability who need any accomodation in order to participate should call Jan Phillips, ADA Coordinatory, Alachua County Courthouse, 201 E. University Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601 at (352) 337-6237 within two (2) working days of receipt of this notice; if you are hearing impaired, please call 1-800-955-8771; if you are voice impaired, please call 1-800-955-8770. To file response please contact Alachua County Clerk of Court, P.O. Box 600, Gainesville, FL 32602-0600, Tel: (352) 374-3636; Fax: (352) 338-3201.

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - May 05 and 12, 2011)

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell this vehicle on 05/21/2011, 10:00 a.m. at 14515 NW PEGGY RD, ALACHUA, FL 32615-5449, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids.

 

1GCEK14K0PZ117309 1993 CHEVROLET

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - March 31, 2011)

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: NORTHWOOD TOWING & REPAIR gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 05/18/2011, 11:00 am at 1540 NW 53 AVE GAINESVILLE, FL 32653, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. NORTHWOOD TOWING & REPAIR reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids. 1FABP41A9HF237992 1987 FORD 4T1BG22K1VU797661 1997 TOYOTA

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - May 05, 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 A.M. on Friday, May 27, 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. 107 EDMAN KELLY 277 WILLIAM DAVIS H27 PATRICIA M. GRACIA I24 NIRMAL RAMPERSAD

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - May 05 and 12, 2011)

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

 

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

 

Get Your Ad Noticed Here and in Over 100 Papers throughout Florida for One Low Rate. Advertising Networks of Florida, Put us to work for You! (866)742-1373 www.florida-classifieds.com.

 

SPECIAL EVENTS

 

 

Make your wedding special at a budget price!

 

Don’t let these tough times keep you from having your dream wedding. Weddings performed anywhere. Non-denominational , non judgmental, any and all marriages. Your choice of wedding vows, candle ceremonies, and sand ceremonies. Starting at $69. Many upgrades and wedding planner services available for an additional fee.

 

Call us at (352)317-7340 or (352)317-0846.

 

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

 

Tree Ripe Georgia Peaches, Blueberries, Shelled Acre Peas, 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, Amish Jellies and Jams, N. Carolina Apples & Apple Cider. Canning quantities of Pickling Cucumbers and Yellow Squash.

 

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

 

EMPLOYMENT

 

 

Help Wanted

 

Part time cleaner/floor tech needed for commercial office building on US 441. Must have floor experience, ability to lift over 40 lbs and pass background check. $7.50/hour. Call Pat at 352-870-0363.

Bookkeeper/Customer Rep to work with the company. Work within flexible hours M-F. English proficient with computer experience. For more information, contact Smith Payne at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Part time Backup Cleaner needed for office building on NW US Highway 441. $7.25 per hour. Must pass background check. Call Pat 352-870-0363

 

NOW RECRUITING!! Looking for laborers to start in the Maritime Industry. Entry-level positions start at $690-$790 per week. Sign up for training today. CALL TODAY (850)243-8966

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

 

Colonial Life seeks a business to business sales executive. 58k+ first year plus excellent bonuses. Great training and working conditions. Superb marketing system. Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (904)424-5697.

 

Drivers Earn Up to 39¢/mi HOME SEVERAL NIGHTS & WEEKENDS 1 yr OTR Flatbed exp. Call: (800)572-5489 Susan ext. 227 Joy ext. 238 SUNBELT TRANSPORT, LLC

 

MOMS WORK FT/PT, no experience necessary, we train. New Swarovski Crystal Jewelry by Touchstone Crystal. $500 TO $5,000/MONTH (407)295-1522 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

ASAP! New Pay Increase! 34-46 cpm. 300 Newer Trucks. Need 2 months CDL-A Driving Exp (877)258-8782 www.meltontruck.com

 

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

 

 

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

 

 

DO YOU EARN $800.00 IN A DAY? Your Own Local Candy Route 25 Machines and Candy All for $9995.00 All Major Credit Cards Accepted (877)915-8222 AINB02653

 

FREE Program on How to Get Rich. Go to www.YourWishisYourCommand.com for FREE offer. It's the Secret Behind The Secret, today's Think and Grow Rich!

 

$150,000 +/yr. Potential Turn Key Online Sales & Marketing Wealth Creation System. No Selling to Family & Friends Start In 24 hrs. www.the150Kgameplan.com

 

SERVICES OFFERED

 

 

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

 

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

 

 

Waterfront Property

 

 

37 ACRE MIDDLE TN FARM with 13 acre lake, nice home. Selling at Absolute Auction, Memorial Day. Van Massey Auction Lic 1711. (931)433-8686 Visit vanmassey.com

 

Acreage & Farms

 

1 acre LaCrosse. Beautifully wooded, paved road frontage. Owner financing. No down payment. $29,900. $307/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. $69,900. $613/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.

 

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

 

Antique canning jars, crock jugs, fishing tackle, books, beanies and much misc. Saturday, May 7 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. 315 NW 5th Avenue, High Springs.

Gigantic Estate/Yard Sale Over 80 years of collecting Fri and Sat May 6 and 7 8 a.m. 'til Moving sale, collectables, antiques, crafts, homemade blankets, holiday glassware, wheelchair, paintings, jewelry, pus and regular size clothes, hand tools, boat, 35 HP motor, trolling motor, motor scooters. Travelers Campground 17701 April Blvd, Alachua 386-462-2505 Turn at Waffle House and follow signs.

 

Miscellaneous

 

 

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

 

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

 

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.

Virginia Haag Herschleb, 95, of The Village, Gainesville, passed away Friday, April 29, 2011 at Haven Hospice of Gainesville.

She was born in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, in 1915.  As a child, she spent long hours playing the piano and loved ice skating.  Virginia married Alvin John Herschleb in 1942.  The family spent its early years in Indiana. The Herschleb family moved to Pompano Beach, Fla., in the 1960s where Mrs. Herschleb worked for the Pompano Beach Public Library.  After their retirement, the Herschlebs moved to High Springs to be near their children.

Virginia was a long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church of High Springs, a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, and an avid bridge player.  She lived at The Village in Gainesville for the past nine years.

Mrs. Herschleb was predeceased by her husband, Alvin J. Herschleb, her elder son, Steven J. Herschleb, her grandson, Kristofer A. Herschleb, and her daughter-in-law, Karen Herschleb-DeLuise.

Survivors include her son, William (Katherine) Herschleb of Fort White; and their daughters, Erin Herschleb of Atlanta, Ga., and Amy Herschleb, also of Atlanta; granddaughter, Shelby Herschleb-Demory of Chattanooga, Tenn., the daughter of Steve and Karen; great-grandchildren, Kameron Herschleb of Fort White and Jordan Herschleb-Demory of Chattanooga, Tenn.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, May 9, 2011 at 11 a.m. at the Village chapel in Gainesville.

Arrangements are under the care of Williams-Thomas Funeral Home West Area, Gainesville.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Haven Hospice, 4200 NW 90th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32606.

 

Hulan H. Sullivan, 77, Alachua resident, passed away on Tuesday, April 19, 2011 at North Florida Regional Medical Center.

He was a native of Branford and founder of Discount Tire of Gainesville.

Survivors include two sons; Noel Sullivan of Archer and Paul Sullivan of Alachua; four brothers, one sister and three grandchildren.

Graveside services were held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 23, 2011 at Forest Grove Cemetery with Rev. Kenneth Sullivan officiating.

Arrangements were under the care of Evans-Carter Funeral Home in High Springs.

Raymond Edward Smith of Alachua, Fla., 64, passed away on April 21, 2011.

He was a member of the US Army Special Forces, Green Beret, a decorated Vietnam Veteran; the toughest man most people have ever met. He was a football coach and an avid Gator fan; a man who always found his way, AKA “The Navigator”; a savvy salesman with a degree in B.S.; a devoted husband and father.

Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Doris Gail Smith; sons, Nicholas Edward Smith of Gainesville, Terry Michael (Rhonda) Smith of St. Augustine, Mark Christopher (LeeAnn) Smith of Alachua; special family member, Chasity Dawn McBride; proud grandfather, known as “G-Daddy” to Ashley Nicole Smith, Zachary Michael Smith and Madelyn Gail Smith; Thomas and Ann Etheridge; brothers, Clinton Smith, Cleo (Bunny)Smith; sisters, Nell Sparrow, Jean (Jay) Terrell, Thelma Thomas; and numerous nieces and nephews. We will miss you.

A funeral service was held Monday, April 25, 2011 at 2 p.m. at the Spring Hill United Methodist Church. Visitation was one hour prior to the service, which was conducted by Rev. L. Jimmy Barnes.

Interment was in Spring Hill Cemetery.

Arrangements were under the care of Evans-Carter Funeral Home of High Springs.

editorials

 

Guest Editorial by William Boe

As a twice wounded veteran, I feel strongly about our nation’s energy security.  Our government continues to apply an astronomical amount of resources to maintain and secure access to Middle East fuel sources.  These countries are unstable and our dependence on them puts our national security and our energy future in jeopardy.  The U.S. cannot continue down this path.  With rising gas prices and the demand for energy growing every day, we must maximize opportunities to establish energy corridors with friendly neighbors in our own hemisphere.

The construction of the proposed Keystone XL Pipeline, which will connect an abundant supply of Canadian crude oil with U.S. refining markets, is an essential opportunity we should seriously consider.  The pipeline could reduce our dependence on oil from Venezuela and the Middle East by up to 40 percent, fostering much-needed economic growth.

Canada is our largest trading partner and an influx of Canadian oil resources will make a significant difference in the U.S.  The Canadian Research Institute estimates that the oil sands in Canada could generate nearly 340,000 new U.S. jobs while adding billions to the U.S. GDP over the next five years.  With unemployment still very high throughout the U.S., Americans will stand to benefit from the jobs the pipeline could create.

With the summer months quickly approaching and gas prices already averaging more than $3.73 for a gallon of regular gasoline in Florida, the pipeline will help increase access to stable and affordable energy supplies.  More importantly, it will provide us with enough resources to avoid massive price increases at the pump.  Many Floridians remain out of work and simply cannot afford higher energy costs.  These costs go beyond what we pay to gas up our vehicles.  They also affect out monthly utility bills and weekly grocery trips.

Canada is an undoubtedly reliable trading partner and our nation could certainly benefit from their vast supply of energy resources.  It makes complete sense to rely on a friendly ally rather than hostile nations half way across the world.  We must stop finding reasons to prevent projects like the pipeline from coming to fruition.

Commission approves sale of old library building

Weeks of heated debate became moot on Monday night, as issues were raised regarding the incorporation status of the Alachua Children's Theater. A report by G.B. Wilson, of the City of Alachua Department of Compliance and Risk Management, showed that the theater had been registered as a new corporation, thus rendering prior agreements void.

The Alachua Children's Theater has been using the old library building at 15100 NW 141 Street, which was declared surplus last summer. The city commission had been preparing to accept a sales offer of $175,000 for the building and directed the city manager to complete the contract earlier in the meeting.

Prior to the meeting, the city commission was prepared to sign a new lease agreement with Carol Jackson, president of the Alachua Children's Theater. This new agreement would have extended the lease through December 31, 2011 but was subject to early termination in the event of the sale of the building. The sale itself was delayed due to concerns raised at the previous meeting over several legal aspects of the sale. Jackson, who has been occupying the building as a “holdover” tenant since the lease expired in December 2010, was $2,900 in arrears on rent. The new agreement would have waived the $100-per-week rent going forward and created a structure for the theater to pay off the arrears.

However, Wilson's report said that the corporation that the city had previously dealt with had been dissolved and that the theater had been operating as a wholly new corporation. The new corporation does not have the 501(c) non-profit status that the previous corporation possessed, which, according to Wilson, was one requirement of the previous lease. According to Wilson, this change in corporation places the organization in default, because the entity which originally entered into the lease no longer exists. The previous corporation was dissolved on September 24, 11 days after the first extension of the lease.

“I've never seen this done before or seen anyone attempt to do this,” said Wilson.

Wilson further speculated that the organization chose to register a new corporation, rather than reinstate the previous one, because of a drastic difference in cost. Wilson referred to the change as “disturbing” and said that the city could face liability because the corporate entity which held the insurance policy for the organization no longer exists. Jackson later refuted this, claiming that her insurance policy allows for the change.

“If you wanted us gone, that's all you had to do, was say, 'gone,'” said Jackson.

City Attorney Marian Rush and City Manager Traci Cain agreed with Wilson's assessment of the legal risks involved, especially in regard to insurance and liability. The commission, which had already agreed to sell the building, then voted against signing any lease with Jackson and directed the city manager to remove the theater group from the building.

Emotions were tense and heated in the commission chambers, as supporters of the theater voiced their protest over the sale. Reactions ranged from calm and quiet to angry and loud. Stan Richardson, a member of Alachua's Planning and Zoning Board, called the decision “pathetic,” while Mayor Gib Coerper told citizens to “make it short” and interrupted several as they spoke. One woman, Carol Thomas, was escorted from the chambers after disrupting the meeting. Not everyone was angry, however.

“I'm glad to hear this type of communication and dialogue,” said Alachua resident Jalil Mohammed.

Jackson later announced that the theater will continue its programs at another location.

BoukariSwearingIn2011Commissioner Ben Boukari was appointed vice-mayor during Monday's commission meeting.

Boukari, who was elected for another three-year term as commissioner last month in the absence of any challengers, first was sworn in as commissioner by City Manager Traci Cain. Immediately afterward, Commissioner Orien Hills nominated Boukari for vice-mayor. With no other nominations, Boukari was automatically appointed.

The vice-mayor is elected annually from among the commissioners. Gary Hardacre, last year's vice-mayor, congratulated Boukari as they switched seats.

“I'd like to thank the city commission and the citizens for allowing me to be vice-mayor last year. I was truly honored,” said Hardacre.

At 26, Boukari was believed to be the youngest commissioner in Alachua history when he was elected last spring. He also serves as Alachua's delegate to the Florida League of Cities and the North Central Florida Plannng Council and has previously served on the Planning and Zoning Board. In addition to his municipal duties, Boukari also works as an assistant basketball coach at Santa Fe High School, teaches part time and serves as a public address announcer.

“I just want to thank the commissioners here tonight for the vote of confidence. I certainly appreciate it,” said Boukari.

NewberryAnnex

Alachua County Supervisor of Elections Pam Carpenter, her staff and canvassing board members tally the results of Newberry’s annexation elections Tuesday evening.

In overwhelming numbers, voters turned down referendums, which, if approved, would have annexed their residences into the City of Newberry’s corporate limits.

The referendum election follows what has been a nearly two-year process, Newberry Planning Director Lowell Garrett said, just before hearing the results Tuesday evening.

Taking suggestions from the County officials, Garrett said the City of Newberry was attempting to clean up some of the pockets of land, commonly referred to as enclaves, surrounded by properties within the city.  After results came in Tuesday, it became clear that cleaning up the city’s boundaries isn’t likely to happen anytime soon.

Shortly after 7 p.m. Tuesday, Alachua County Supervisor of Elections Pam Carpenter and her staff unsealed the ballots, ran them through the tabulation machine and brought the results to the canvassing board for review and certification.

Of the 110 votes cast across the three referendums, 100 were against the annexations.

In Annexation area 1, located along the Gilchrist County line, voters stood up 49 to 3 against the measure.

Located in the northwestern most portion of Newberry, Annexation area 2 also failed with every one of the 21 votes cast, nixing the annexation.

Annexation area 3, which runs across the north and south sides of State Road 26, east of Hitchcock’s Market was also defeated with 30 votes against and only seven in favor of the annexation.

Reacting to the results, County Commissioner Paula DeLaney joked, “You know what I say, the solution: 10 MSTU mills, stay as long as you want,” referring to the maximum possible tax rate paid on unincorporated land in the County.

Residents living within the area considered for annexation had expressed concerns at Newberry City Commission meetings in recent months.  Among their concerns were possible tax implications and being restricted by some of Newberry’s local ordinances.

As the funding for the CHOICES program approaches on Dec. 31, the Alachua County Commission continues to struggle to decide the future of the program.

“We’ve changed this program so many times, and it sounds like it’s going to have to be changed again,” said Commissioner Lee Pinkoson.

The sales tax surcharge that helps fund the program sunsets at the end of this year. The commission felt it wasn’t ready during Tuesday’s commission meeting to decide what should be done with the remaining funds.

Commissioner Susan Baird suggested an end be put to the program and ask voters how to reallocate the remaining CHOICES money. Doing this would be legal but would require a lengthy process.

The commission instructed staff to return with the issue after finding out how other county health departments would use the money if it were allocated to them.

The commission did vote to allow Santa Fe College students who meet the rest of the eligibility requirements to be eligible for the program.

In the past, these students were eligible for CHOICES but the commission voted on September of last year that people with access to student health care services be excluded from the program.

The commission decided to allow Santa Fe students to participate in CHOICES because, unlike the University of Florida, Santa Fe only provides basic health care services. Also, a large percentage of its students are Alachua County residents who are expected to remain in the county upon graduation.

The goal was $38,000. That was how much Hitchcock’s pledged to raise for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). And according to consumer relations spokesperson Kathy Josleyn, the company is going to reach its goal.

The local food market chain works year-round to fundraise for MDA and on Friday it is hosting a company-wide golf tournament in which, Josleyn said, mainly representatives from the store’s vendors will compete. Their entry fees are donated to the cause.

According to its website, “MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research.”

As defined by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, muscular dystrophy “is a group of inherited disorders that involve muscle weakness and loss of muscle tissue, which get worse over time.”

The disease can vary from causing minimal disability to being fatal, and onset can occur in childhood or adulthood.

Josleyn explained that the golf tournament is just one of many yearly events the company puts on to raise money for MDA. Stores participate in several ongoing fundraisers like selling shamrocks and holding raffles as well as individual locations holding their own charity events.

The shamrocks, as explained on the Hitchcock’s website, are representative of being the power formed by the three heart-shaped leaves, which stand for “my heart, your heart, and MDA’s heart.”

The store that raised the most this year is located in East Palatka. That branch’s store director, Joann Vandyke, said cookouts, car washes and bake-offs all contributed to the $12,500 the store brought in for MDA.

She credited its success to teamwork, saying it was not just the employees but that customers got really involved as well.

“They were a great help – they were just as excited as we were,” she said.

The golf tournament will be held at Ironwood Golf Course in Gainesville, and based on the number of participants signed up, Josleyn confirmed that when all is said and done, Hitchcock’s will have met its MDA fundraising goal for the year.

 LEGAL NOTICE

Fictitious Names

 

NOTICE OF INTENT TO REGISTER FICITIOUS NAME Pursuant to Section 865.09, Florida Statutes, notice is hereby given that the undersigned owner, HARRIS DIAZ LLC, 2632 NW 43rd ST, Suite B-98, Gainesville, FL, 32606, doing business under the firm name of: EQUITAX of Alachua County, previously located at 315 SE 2nd Ave, Suite B in the County of Alachua, in the City of Gainesville, Florida, 32601, but now located at 2632 NW 43rd ST, Suite B-98 in the County of Alachua, in the City of Gainesville, Florida, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated this 28 day of April, 2011.

 

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - April 28, May 5, 12, 19, 2011)

 

 

PUBLIC NOTICE

 

 

 

NOTICE OF PROPOSED ENACTMENT OF ORDINANCE BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WALDO, FLORIDA

 


 

Notice is hereby given that City Council of the City of Waldo will consider the following ordinance for second and final reading on May 10, 2011, at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as may be heard, at the Yerkes Center, 14245 Cole Street, Waldo, Florida

 

 

All interested parties may appear and be heard with respect to the proposed ordinance.

 


 

ORDINANCE NO. 2011-01

 

 

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF WALDO, FLORIDA, REVISING CODE PROVISIONS RELATING TO COLLECTION OF SOLID WASTE; PROVIDING FOR THE ENTRY BY THE CITY INTO FRANCHISE AGREEMENTS FOR THE COLLECTION OF SOLID WASTE; PROVIDING THAT RATES TO BE CHARGED FOR THE COLLECTION SHALL BE ESTABLISHED BY RESOLUTION; PROVIDING INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CODIFIER; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

 

A copy of the proposed ordinance is available for public inspection at City Hall, 14655 Kennard Street, Waldo, Florida, during regular business hours.

 

 

Persons with disabilities requesting reasonable accommodations to participate in this proceeding should contact City Hall at (352) 468-1001 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting date.

 

 

Please be advised that if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Council with respect to any matter considered at said hearing, that person will need a record of the proceedings, and that for such purpose, that person may need to insure that a verbatim record is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

 

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - April 28, 2011)

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 8th JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA

 

 

CASE NO. 01-2010-CA-0510 PNC MORTGAGE, a Division of PNC Bank, N.A., Plaintiff, v. GARY R. WHITE, JR., and MONICA L. WHITE,

 

 

Defendants. _______________/ NOTICE OF SALE

 

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to the Summary Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated March 9, 2011, entered in Case No. 01-2010-CA-000510 in the Circuit Court of the 8th Judicial Circuit in and for Alachua County, Florida, wherein PNC MORTGAGE, a Division of PNC Bank, N.A., is the plaintiff, and GARY R. WHITE, JR., and MONICA L. WHITE are the defendants, I will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash at Alachua County Family/Civil Justice Center, 201 E. University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32601 at 11:00 a.m. on May 27, 2011, the following described property situated in Alachua County, as set forth in said Agreed Final Judgment, to wit:

 

 

LOT 66, SAVANNAH STATION, PHASE I, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 27, PAGES 41 THROUGH 43, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA

 

 

ANY PERSON CLAIMING AN INTEREST IN THE SURPLUS FROM THE SALE, IF ANY, OTHER THAN THE PROPERTY OWNER AS OF THE DATE OF THE LIS PENDENS, MUST FILE A CLAIM WITHIN 60 DAYS AFTER THE SALE. If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact Jan Phillips, ADA Coordinator, Alachua County Courthouse, 201 E. University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32601 at (352) 337-6237  within 2 days of your receipt of this Notice of Hearing at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711. Respectfully submitted, SHUTTS & BOWEN LLP Counsel for PNC Mortgage PNC Center, Suite 2100 200 East Broward Boulevard Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301 Telephone: (954) 524-5505 Facsimile: (954) 888-3071

 

 

By:/S/ Edward J. O'Sheehan

 

 

EDWARD J. O’SHEEHAN

 

 

Florida Bar No.: 0056790

 

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - April 21 and 28, 2011)

 

 

 

CITY OF HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

 

 

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the following Item(s) will be heard at a meeting held by the City Commission of the City of Hawthorne, Florida, at a public hearing on May 17, 2011 at 6:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter can be heard, in the Commission Meeting Room, City Hall located at 6700 Southeast 221st Street, Hawthorne, Florida. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA, ADDING A $15.00 SURCHARGE TO THE CITY’S WATER RATES; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. PLEASE NOTE: Pursuant to Section 286.015, Florida Statues, if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Commission with respect to any matter considered at such meeting, he or she will need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceeding is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. In accordance with the American with Disabilities Act, a person with disabilities needing any special accommodations to participate in City Commission Meetings should contact the office at City Hall at 352-481-2432.  On the date, time and place first above mentioned, all interested persons may appear and be heard with respect to the proposed actions. This/ These Resolution(s) may be inspected by the public prior to the hearing at City Hall located at the address above.

 

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - April 28, 2011)

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 01 2011 CP 000517 IN RE: ESTATE OF JEWELL D. NASH A/K/A JEWELL DEAN NASH,

 

 

Deceased.

 

 

NOTICE TO CREDITORS (Summary Administration)

 

 

TO ALL PERSONS HAVING CLAIMS OR DEMANDS AGAINST THE ABOVE ESTATE:

 

 

You are hereby notified that an Order of Summary Administration has been entered in the estate of JEWELL D. NASH A/K/A JEWELL DEAN NASH deceased, File Number 01 2011 CP 000517 by the Circuit Court for Alachua County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 220 South Main Street, Gainesville, Florida 32601; that the decedent’s date of death was January 15, 2011; that the total value of the estate is $0.00 and that the names and addresses of those to whom it has been assigned by such order are: Creditors:

 

 

None

 

 

Beneficiaries: TERRY D. NASH 14104 S. E. 179th Avenue

 

 

Hawthorne, Florida 32640

 

 

SHERRY DELANO 4617 Delwood Park Blvd.

 

 

Panama City, FL 32408

 

 

ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE NOTIFIED THAT: All creditors of the estate of the decedent and persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent other than those for whom provision for full payment was made in the Order of Summary Administration must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE. ALL CLAIMS AND DEMANDS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER APPLICABLE TIME PERIOD, 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 April 21, 2011.

 

 

Attorney for Person Giving Notice: Ralph V. Hadley III Attorney for Petitioners Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Florida Bar No. 108033 SWANN & HADLEY, P.A. 1031 West Morse Boulevard Suite 350 Winter Park, Florida 32789 Telephone: (407) 647-2777 Person Giving Notice: TERRY D. NASH 14104 S. E. 179th Avenue Hawthorne, Florida 32640

 

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - April 21 and 28, 2011)

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

 

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

 

 

Get Your Ad Noticed Here and in Over 100 Papers throughout Florida for One Low Rate. Advertising Networks of Florida, Put us to work for You! (866)742-1373 www.florida-classifieds.com.

 

 

SPECIAL EVENTS

 

 

 

Make your wedding special at a budget price!

 

 

 

Don’t let these tough times keep you from having your dream wedding. Weddings performed anywhere. Non-denominational , non judgmental, any and all marriages. Your choice of wedding vows, candle ceremonies, and sand ceremonies. Starting at $69. Many upgrades and wedding planner services available for an additional fee.

 

 

Call us at (352)317-7340 or (352)317-0846.

 

 

SCHOOLS/INSTRUCTION

 

 

 

"Can You Dig It?" Heavy Equipment School. 3wk training program. Backhoes, Bulldozers, Trackhoes. Local job placement asst. Start digging dirt Now. (866)362-6497

 

 

GOOD THINGS TO EAT

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

Strawberrier $13 per flat, Cucumbers, Florida Broccoli & Cauliflower, Acre Peas, Fresh Cut Mustards & Collards, Bell Peppers, Florida Vine Ripe Tomatoes, Local Yellow Squash & Zucchini, Cabbage, Local Honey, Brown Eggs, Foothills Butter, Fresh Local Silver Queen Corn, Amish Jellies and Jams, N. Carolina Apples & Apple Cider.

 

 

 

Now accepting EBT cards, MasterCard, Visa, Discover, Debit/Credit.

 

 

Call 386-462-6158.

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

Vidalia Onions, Cucumbers, Florida Broccoli & Cauliflower, Fresh Cut Mustards & Turnips, Bell Peppers, Florida Vine Ripe Tomatoes, Local Yellow Squash & Zucchini, Cabbage, Local Honey, Brown Eggs, Foothills Butter, Fresh Local Silver Queen Corn, Amish Jellies and Jams, N. Carolina Apples & Apple Cider. Canning quantities of Pickling Cucumbers and Yellow Squash.

 

 

 

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

 

 

EMPLOYMENT

 

 

Help Wanted

 

 

 

17 DRIVERS NEEDED! Top 5% Pay! Excellent Benefits New Trucks Ordered! Need 2 months CDL-A Driving Exp (877)258-8782 www.meltontruck.com www.meltontruck.com

 

Bookkeeper/Customer Rep to work with the company. Work within flexible hours M-F. English proficient with computer experience. For more information, contact Smith Payne at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

WE ARE LOOKING TO HIRE QUALIFIED CONDUCTORS. Background checks will be conducted as appropriate based on requirements of position. Apply WWW.CPR.CA CANADIAN PACIFIC EOE/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION

 

 

 

Drivers - CDL-A GREAT HOME TIME! START UP TO 43¢ PER MILE SIGN-ON BONUS!! Lease purchase available. Experience Req’d. (800)441-4271 X FL-100 HornadyTransportation.com

 

Part time cleaner/floor tech needed for commercial office building on US 441. Must have floor experience, ability to lift over 40 lbs and pass background check. $7.50/hour. Call Pat at 352-870-0363.

 

 

 

Driver- RECESSION PROOF freight! 2012 Trucks! LOCAL Orientation. DAILY or WEEKLY Pay! Hometime Choices! F/T or P/T. CDL-A, 3 months current OTR experience. (800)414-9569. www.driveknight.com

 

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

 

Part time Backup Cleaner needed for office building on NW US Highway 441. $7.25 per hour. Must pass background check. Call Pat 352-870-0363

 

 

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

 

 

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

 

 

 

DO YOU EARN $800.00 IN A DAY? Your Own Local Candy Route 25 Machines and Candy All for $9995.00 All Major Credit Cards Accepted (877)915-8222 AINB02653

 

 

SERVICES OFFERED

 

 

FINANCIAL

 

 

 

FREE DEBT SOLUTION. End Foreclosure and Debt Collections within 90 Days. No Payments, No Bankruptcy, and No Settlements. Guaranteed Since 1993. (800)477-9256 www.zerodebtguaranteed.com

 

 

 

CASH NOW! Cash for your structured settlement or annuity payments. Call J.G. Wentworth. (866)494-9115. Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau.

 

 

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

 

 

MEDICAL SUPPLIES

 

 

 

VIAGRA 100MG and CIALIS 20mg!! 40 Pills + 4 FREE for only $99. #1 Male Enhancement, Discreet Shipping. Only $2.25/pill. The Blue Pill Now! (888)796-8871

 

 

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 garage sale. Furniture, appliances and all household items. Saturday and Sunday. Starts at 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. 14504 NW 193 Street, Alachua. Cell 352-514-8616.

 

 

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

 

 

WANTED TO BUY

 

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

 

 

AUTOS, BOATS, MOTORCYCLES

 

 

AUTOMOTIVE

 

 

 

DONATE YOUR VEHICLE RECEIVE FREE VACATION VOUCHER UNITED BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION Free Mammograms, Breast Cancer Info www.ubcf.info FREE Towing, Fast, Non-Runners Accepted, 24/7 (888)468-5964

 

 


To Place a Classified Call 386-462-3355.

 

Dog show brings pound pups and purebreds together

MuttsPups2Hundred-plus-pound Mastiff, teacup Chihuahua and average-sized mix breeds came together under one tent to drool, sniff, and lick while competing for a cause.

Dogs, big and small, purebred and mutt, mingled on the lawn with their two-legged counterparts at Plantation Oaks in High Springs. Fifty-one were there as contestants in the fifth annual Mutts and Pups Dog Show, and many more were out just enjoying the day.

The event, organized by Leda Carrero, raises money for the High Springs Farmers Market.

Judges awarded prizes for most unusual, best singing or talking, owner/pet lookalike, best dressed, best trick, best kisses, most beautiful and a new category this year, most distinguished senior.

A prize for best in show was also awarded.

While the competing pooches paraded through the main tent for judges and audience to see, other attendees – both man and best friends – milled around the various booths and food vendors.

Children showed off fresh face paint, soon to be soiled in some cases as a side effect of consuming the readily available cotton candy and hot dogs.

The event ran from 10 in the morning to about 2 p.m., with clear, sunny skies all the way through.

Carrero said, “It was totally satisfying to see the amount of people there and see that everyone was genuinely enjoying themselves.”

The k-9 turnout was just as pleasing she said, and she was happy to see the variety of many rescues as well as pedigree.

She confirmed that she would be doing the show again next year, “and the year after that,” she added enthusiastically.

Check alachuatoday.com for a list of the winners from this year’s show.

At a Hawthorne City Commission meeting Tuesday night, commissioners voted to add a surcharge to the city’s water rates in order to make up for the significant deficiencies in the city’s enterprise fund.

The surcharge rate will be a flat rate of $15 per water connection per month until the end of the fiscal year.

According to Interim City Manager Ellen Vause, the surcharge will be implemented until the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development can conduct a water rate survey and develop a proper rate for the city.

But an adjustment to the water rate isn’t the only change Hawthorne will be seeing.

In an effort to decrease expenditures and increase revenues, the city commission has adopted several budget cuts including a 10 percent decrease in commissioners’ salary, three staff layoffs and a decrease in staff benefits.

The decision to add a surcharge came about after a budget workshop on Friday, which highlighted the significant deficit in the city’s enterprise fund.

“At the workshop, we detailed our expenditures, revenues and deficiencies and discovered that even with all of the other cuts, we would have to increase our water and sewer rates,” Vause said. “If you look back historically, the enterprise fund has lost a significant amount of money ever year, which shows we aren’t generating enough revenue.”

At the commission meeting, Vause compared rates to other local cities of the same size and population. “Our water rate for 3,000 gallons is $11.97, while most other cities’ rates range from $24 to $34. The water revenue that comes in barely pays for the loans from the USDA for the water system.”

Currently, the city staff is in the process of getting the necessary materials together for USDA to perform the water rate survey.

After reviewing the adopted budget prepared by former city manager Ed Smyth, Vause said the main issues lie in the “over projection” of tax dollar revenues and enterprise fund revenues. Property tax dollars have been declining and the number of homes and businesses buying water and sewer from the city has been declining, she said.

“It was an optimistic revenue stream projection.”

Now the city is working to slowly pick up the pieces, and according to Vause, last night’s commission meeting showed the effort put in by both the residents and the commissioners.

“I think it’s a team effort and I was really proud to see the support the community gave the commission and the willingness of the commission to take the bull by the horns,” she said. “It was a good night.”

Negotiations for construction of Nations Baseball Park began after the Newberry City Commission voted unanimously to approve the committee recommendation on April 13.

After swearing in new Mayor Bill Conrad and Commissioners Robert Fillyaw and Jordan Marlowe, the commission held a special meeting to discuss contractors for the baseball facility. The commissioners approved the rankings and authorized City Manager Keith Ashby and City Architect Paul Stresing to enter negotiations with the top bids.

The contractors were ranked based on cost, ability to perform the job and use of local contractors. Edifice Inc. was the lowest bidder, with a baseline bid price of $7,149,000 and its total bid cost including additives such as substitute lighting features and netting system was $7,234,600, according to the bid tab from Paul Stresing Associates, Inc.

The city has allocated $7 million to go toward the park through a bed tax.

“I think our progress is very good, we’ve just got to get that number down,” Ashby said referring to the bids.

Edifice is based in Charlotte, North Carolina, but the company has worked on projects in Florida building movie theaters and schools, said Edifice Marketing Communications Specialist Caroline Floyd.

“Actually, a lot of our beginning projects were in Florida, even though we’re based in Charlotte now,” Floyd said.

Floyd said the company was “thrilled” to be in consideration.

MM Parrish Construction Company, who built the Easton-Newberry Sports Complex, ranked second with a base bid of $7,434,000. The bidding for the park opened April 6.

What has become a sensitive matter for some will be front and center Monday evening as Alachua city commissioners again consider a contract to sell a surplus building currently being used by a local theater group.

During the April 11 City of Alachua commission meeting, supporters of the Alachua Children's Theater raised concerns about the city’s sale of the building referred to as, “The old library.”  In light of those concerns, commissioners tabled the contract to sell until city staff could investigate the history of the building and the process by which it was being sold.

Among the claims made was that the City wasn’t legally selling the property because it was allegedly purchased for $1 with strings attached, and that the building couldn’t be sold separately from two adjacent lots since they were part of the same tax parcel.  It was also stated that the city hadn’t properly followed its surplus guidelines in the process of advertising and declaring the property as surplus.

In a report to be presented at the April 25 commission meeting, City staff disputes the allegations.  Once serving as the Alachua County Library District’s Alachua Branch, the roughly 2,500 square foot building was purchased in 2000 by the City of Alachua for $85,000, not $1 as claimed by some at the April 11 meeting.  The three lots are combined into one tax parcel for purposes of tax parcel designation and billing, but are platted as three separate lots, the report states.  According to city records, the commission held public meetings about the property on seven separate occasions beginning in May 2010.

Following an agreement approved by the city commission on March 15, the property was listed with a real estate broker with a sale price of $175,000.  By April 7, two offers, one for $135,000 and another for $168,000, had been received and rejected.  On April 7, the city was given an offer of $175,000, the full asking price.  It is that offer the commission is expected to consider Monday.

Carol Jackson, administrator of the theater, stated that she had sought partnerships and investors and was prepared to make a bid to purchase the building, but according to City officials, no bid has been received from the theater group.

StearnsL to R: Ian Martorana, congressional Intern; Jean Clough, district congressional aide; Katie McAuliffe, staff assistant in the Washington, D. C. office.

U.S. Representative Cliff Stearns’ staff received constituents recently at an open house in the new Gainesville District office at 1900 SW 34th

Street, Suite 207. Stearns was unable to attend because of the congressional discussion and pending vote on the national budget. A video connection allowed the guests to see and hear a broadcast message from the congressman, as well as participate in a question and answer session.

The determination of whether or not three separate blocks of land will be annexed into the City of Newberry is expected to become clear Tuesday evening.  That’s when ballots are slated to be opened and counted, Supervisor of Election Pam Carpenter said Wednesday.

The annexations are being handled as a referendum in each of the three areas, meaning registered voters living on the lands being considered for annexation may cast a ballot in favor of or against the move.

In Annexation Referendum 1, located along the Gilchrist County line, of the 107 ballots mailed to voters, 47 have been returned to the Supervisor of Elections office, Carpenter said.

Located in the northwestern most portion of Newberry, Annexation Referendum 2 has had 15 out of 27 ballots returned so far.

Just 28 of 72 ballots have been returned in Annexation Referendum 3, which runs across the north and south sides of State Road 26, east of Hitchcock’s Market.

Each annexation area is technically being voted on in separate elections and the determination of whether or not one area is annexed will have nothing to do with votes from the other areas.

Carpenter said her office would begin the necessary steps to tally the results at 6 p.m. Tuesday evening in downtown Gainesville.

Friends of Library book sale quenches thirst for knowledge, entertainment

Book lovers all over the county flocked to the semi-annual Friends of the Library book sale that took place from Saturday until Wednesday.

More than 500,000 books, DVDs, posters, magazines, among other things were for sale with most prices ranging from $.25 to $4. All profits from the sales go to the Alachua County Library District and for community literacy programs.

The last book sale, which took place in October, raised $162,983, according to a Friends of the Library newsletter.

Although the sale always takes place in Gainesville, all the smaller libraries that are part of the Alachua County library district benefit from the event.

The amount of money and materials given to each library from the sales is proportional to the size of the population the library serves, said Joanne Tremblay, librarian to the city of Alachua library.

The book sale helps the Alachua branch in many ways, she said. It provides materials, educational reinvestments for staff and helps pay for several programs the library puts together like the Snuggle Up ‘n Read program and youth programs.

All the books and other items sold at the sale have first been donated to the local libraries. Tremblay said that people come into the Alachua library branch almost every day donating materials. She once had someone come with a pickup truck full of books.

The sale had books that fell into just about every category. It also offered some collector’s edition books.

Money collected from sales also helps fund mini-grants for projects aimed to enrich the cultural life of the community.  The money is also used for projects such as the Family Literacy Festival, scholarships for library personnel and Books for Soldiers, which provides library materials to members of deployed forces.

The Friends of the Library book sales have been taking place since 1986. The next sale will take place in October.

LEGAL NOTICE

Fictitious Names

 

NOTICE OF INTENT TO REGISTER FICITIOUS NAME Pursuant to Section 865.09, Florida Statutes, notice is hereby givent that the undersigned owner, HARRIS DIAZ LLC, 2632 NW 43 Street, Suite B-98, Gainesville, FL, 32606, doing business under the firm name of EQUITAX of Alachua County, in the City of Gainesville, Florida, 32601, but now located at 2632 NW 43 Street, Suite B-98 in the County of Alachua, in the City of Gainesville, Florida, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated this 21 day of April, 2011.

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - April 21, 28, May 5, 12, 2011)

 

NOTICE OF INTENT TO REGISTER FICTITIOUS NAME

 

Pursuant to Section 865.09, Florida Statutes, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Gainesville Muffler & Auto Repair located in the County of Alachua, City of Gainesville, Florida intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated at Gainesville, Florida, this 21st day of April, 2011. DS Vonesh, Inc. (owner)

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - April 21, 2011)

 

PUBLIC NOTICE

 

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 01-2009-CA-005341 SEC.: K CITIMORTGAGE, INC. Plaintiff, v. MARILYN P. CLAYTON; CHARLES DENNIS CLAYTON A/K/A C. DENNIS CLAYTON; ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, UNDER, AND AGAINST THE HEREIN NAMED INDIVIDUAL DEFENDANT(S) WHO ARE NOT KNOWN TO BE DEAD OR ALIVE, WHETHER SAID UNKNOWN P ARTIES MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, OR OTHER CLAIMANTS. Defendant(s). ________/

 

NOTICE OF SALE

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to an Order to Reset Foreclosure Sale dated March 18, 2011, entered in Civil Case No. 01-2009-CA-005341 of the Circuit Court of the Alachua County Circuit Court (FL), Florida, wherein the Clerk of the Circuit Court will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash on the 26th day of April, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. in the main lobby of the Alachua County Courthouse, 201 East University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32601, relative to the following described property as set forth in the Final Judgment, to wit:

 

LOT 79 OF COUNTRYSIDE UNIT III, A SUBDIVISION AS PER PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK "N", PAGE 23 OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA.

 

Commonly known as 3728 Northwest 110th Terrace, Gainesville, FL 32606.

 

Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale. This is an attempt to collect a debt and any information obtained may be used for that purpose.

 

Dated at Gainesville, Florida this 8th day of April, 2011 J.K. Irby Clerk of the Circuit Court Alachua County, Florida By: /s/ Erika Powell

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - April 14 and 21, 2011)

 

CITY OF HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the following Item(s) will be heard at a meeting held by the City Commission of the City of Hawthorne, Florida, at a public hearing on May 3, 2011 at 6:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter can be heard, in the Commission Meeting Room, City Hall located at 6700 Southeast 221st Street, Hawthorne, Florida. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE OF ALACHUA COUNTY FLORIDA, AMENDING SECTION 2-246 OF THE HAWTHORNE CODE OF ORDINANCES BY PROVIDING FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF COSTS INCURRED IN PROSECUTING A CODE ENFORCEMENT CASE AND THE FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED IN REDUCING A CODE LIEN; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. PLEASE NOTE: Pursuant to Section 286.015, Florida Statues, if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Commission with respect to any matter considered at such meeting, he or she will need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceeding is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. In accordance with the American with Disabilities Act, a person with disabilities needing any special accommodations to participate in City Commission Meetings should contact the office at City Hall at 352-481-2432.  On the date, time and place first above mentioned, all interested persons may appear and be heard with respect to the proposed actions. This/ These Ordinance(s) may be inspected by the public prior to the hearing at City Hall located at the address above.

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - April 21, 2011)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 8th JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA

 

CASE NO. 01-2010-CA-0510 PNC MORTGAGE, a Division of PNC Bank, N.A., Plaintiff, v. GARY R. WHITE, JR., and MONICA L. WHITE,

 

Defendants. _______________/ NOTICE OF SALE

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to the Summary Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated March 9, 2011, entered in Case No. 01-2010-CA-000510 in the Circuit Court of the 8th Judicial Circuit in and for Alachua County, Florida, wherein PNC MORTGAGE, a Division of PNC Bank, N.A., is the plaintiff, and GARY R. WHITE, JR., and MONICA L. WHITE are the defendants, I will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash at Alachua County Family/Civil Justice Center, 201 E. University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32601 at 11:00 a.m. on May 27, 2011, the following described property situated in Alachua County, as set forth in said Agreed Final Judgment, to wit:

 

LOT 66, SAVANNAH STATION, PHASE I, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 27, PAGES 41 THROUGH 43, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA

 

ANY PERSON CLAIMING AN INTEREST IN THE SURPLUS FROM THE SALE, IF ANY, OTHER THAN THE PROPERTY OWNER AS OF THE DATE OF THE LIS PENDENS, MUST FILE A CLAIM WITHIN 60 DAYS AFTER THE SALE. If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact Jan Phillips, ADA Coordinator, Alachua County Courthouse, 201 E. University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32601 at (352) 337-6237  within 2 days of your receipt of this Notice of Hearing at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711. Respectfully submitted, SHUTTS & BOWEN LLP Counsel for PNC Mortgage PNC Center, Suite 2100 200 East Broward Boulevard Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301 Telephone: (954) 524-5505 Facsimile: (954) 888-3071

 

By:/S/ Edward J. O'Sheehan

 

EDWARD J. O’SHEEHAN

 

Florida Bar No.: 0056790

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - April 21 and 28, 2011)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 01 2011 CP 000517 IN RE: ESTATE OF JEWELL D. NASH A/K/A JEWELL DEAN NASH,

 

Deceased.

 

NOTICE TO CREDITORS (Summary Administration)

 

TO ALL PERSONS HAVING CLAIMS OR DEMANDS AGAINST THE ABOVE ESTATE:

 

You are hereby notified that an Order of Summary Administration has been entered in the estate of JEWELL D. NASH A/K/A JEWELL DEAN NASH deceased, File Number 01 2011 CP 000517 by the Circuit Court for Alachua County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 220 South Main Street, Gainesville, Florida 32601; that the decedent’s date of death was January 15, 2011; that the total value of the estate is $0.00 and that the names and addresses of those to whom it has been assigned by such order are: Creditors:

 

None

 

Beneficiaries: TERRY D. NASH 14104 S. E. 179th Avenue

 

Hawthorne, Florida 32640

 

SHERRY DELANO 4617 Delwood Park Blvd.

 

Panama City, FL 32408

 

ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE NOTIFIED THAT: All creditors of the estate of the decedent and persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent other than those for whom provision for full payment was made in the Order of Summary Administration must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE. ALL CLAIMS AND DEMANDS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER APPLICABLE TIME PERIOD, 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 April 21, 2011.

 

Attorney for Person Giving Notice: Ralph V. Hadley III Attorney for Petitioners Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Florida Bar No. 108033 SWANN & HADLEY, P.A. 1031 West Morse Boulevard Suite 350 Winter Park, Florida 32789 Telephone: (407) 647-2777 Person Giving Notice: TERRY D. NASH 14104 S. E. 179th Avenue Hawthorne, Florida 32640

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - April 21 and 28, 2011)

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

 

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

 

Get Your Ad Noticed Here and in Over 100 Papers throughout Florida for One Low Rate. Advertising Networks of Florida, Put us to work for You! (866)742-1373 www.florida-classifieds.com.

 

SPECIAL EVENTS

 

 

Make your wedding special at a budget price!

 

Don’t let these tough times keep you from having your dream wedding. Weddings performed anywhere. Non-denominational , non judgmental, any and all marriages. Your choice of wedding vows, candle ceremonies, and sand ceremonies. Starting at $69. Many upgrades and wedding planner services available for an additional fee.

 

Call us at (352)317-7340 or (352)317-0846.

 

SCHOOLS/INSTRUCTION

 

 

USE YOUR GI BILL Learn to Operate HEAVY EQUIPMENT and CRANE Approved for VA EDUCATIONAL FUNDS Member of YELLOW RIBBON PROGRAM www.GA-SC.com CALL TODAY (866)218-2763

 

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

 

Vidalia Onions, Cucumbers, Florida Broccoli & Cauliflower, Fresh Cut Mustards & Turnips, Bell Peppers, Florida Vine Ripe Tomatoes, Local Yellow Squash & Zucchini, Cabbage, Local Honey, Brown Eggs, Foothills Butter, Fresh Local Silver Queen Corn, Amish Jellies and Jams, N. Carolina Apples & Apple Cider. Canning quantities of Pickling Cucumbers and Yellow Squash.

 

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

 

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

 

Strawberrier $13 per flat, Cucumbers, Florida Broccoli & Cauliflower, Acre Peas, Fresh Cut Mustards & Collards, Bell Peppers, Florida Vine Ripe Tomatoes, Local Yellow Squash & Zucchini, Cabbage, Local Honey, Brown Eggs, Foothills Butter, Fresh Local Silver Queen Corn, 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

 

 

Drivers - CDL-A GREAT HOME TIME! START UP TO 43¢ PER MILE SIGN-ON BONUS!! Lease purchase available. Experience Req’d. (800)441-4271 X FL-100 HornadyTransportation.com

 

Driver- RECESSION PROOF freight! 2012 Trucks! LOCAL Orientation. DAILY or WEEKLY Pay! Hometime Choices! F/T or P/T. CDL-A, 3 months current OTR experience. (800)414-9569. www.driveknight.com

 

Drivers- No Experience- No Problem. 100% Paid CDL Training. Immediate Benefits. 20/10 program. Trainers Earn up to 49¢ per mile! CRST VAN EXPEDITED (800)326-2778 www.JoinCRST.com

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

 

17 DRIVERS NEEDED! Top 5% Pay! Excellent Benefits New Trucks Ordered! Need CDL-A & 3 mos recent OTR. (877)258-8782 www.meltontruck.com

 

Driver- Plenty of miles. Recession proof freight. $1000 Sign-on for experienced CO's and incentives for O/O's. Driver Academy Refresher Course available. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. (855)356-7121.

Bookkeeper/Customer Rep to work with the company. Work within flexible hours M-F. English proficient with computer experience. For more information, contact Smith Payne at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Part-time landscaper wanted. Experience preferred but not necessary. 352-375-5296

 

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

 

 

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

 

 

DO YOU EARN $800.00 IN A DAY? Your Own Local Candy Route 25 Machines and Candy All for $9995.00 All Major Credit Cards Accepted (877)915-8222 AINB02653

 

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

 

CASH NOW! Cash for your structured settlement or annuity payments. Call J.G. Wentworth. (866)494-9115. Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau.

 

FREE DEBT SOLUTION. End Foreclosure and Debt Collections within 90 Days. No Payments, No Bankruptcy, and No Settlements. Guaranteed Since 1993. (800)477-9256 www.zerodebtguaranteed.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

 

FARM & LIVESTOCK

 

 

Hay For Sale

 

Fertilized Coastal Bermuda, barn stored, large round rolls, excellent quality. $45 per roll. Cow hay $25 per roll. 352-215-1018

 

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

 

 

Acreage & Farms

 

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.

5 acres High Springs area. Gorgeous country setting with cleared oak-shaded homesite. Owner financing. No down payment. $69,900. $613/mo. NO IMPACT FEES. 352-215-1018, www.LandOwnerFinancing .com.

1 acre LaCrosse. Beautifully wooded, paved road frontage. Owner financing. No down payment. $29,900. $307/mo. 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.

 

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

 

 

Health/Beauty

 

 

Tired of Living with PAIN? Let us help. Physician approved products. Covered by insurance. FREE consultation and samples available. CALL MEDASAVE (800)841-5773 ext 22 Home Delivery

 

VIAGRA 100MG and CIALIS 20mg!! 40 Pills + 4 FREE for only $99. #1 Male Enhancement, Discreet Shipping. Only $2.25/pill. The Blue Pill Now! (888)796-8871

 

Garage Sales

 

 

MULTI-FAMILY YARD SALE SATURDAY, APRIL 23 7 A.M.-NOON 14029 NW 49 AVE JUST OFF CR241 BETWEEN ALACHUA AND JONESVILLE FURNITURE, DISHES, SHEETS, TOWELS, CLOTHES, RUGS, TVs, SMALL APPLIANCES AND MUCH MORE

Multi-family garage sale. Furniture, appliances and all household items. Saturday and Sunday. Starts at 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. 14504 NW 193 Street, Alachua. Cell 352-514-8616.

 

Miscellaneous

 

 

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

 

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

 

WANTED TO BUY

 

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

 

Auctions

 

 

Absolute Auction - Industrial Zoned, 4951 Woodlane Circle Tallahassee, FL 32303. 1 acre w/office and shop. 3 parcels sell as 1 unit for one price. Live event on April 28th at 11:00 am EDT. Info and Online Bidding Now: www.abalauction.com (850)510-2501 AB2387 AU 3239

 

CAMPING

 

 

MOTORHOMES

 

 

SELL YOUR RV FAST! Online at RVT.com Millions of RV Shoppers Thousands of RVs SOLD - Serving RV traders since 1999 www.RVT.com or Call (888)437-1072

 


To Place a Classified Call 386-462-3355.

columnColumn by Bobby Cook

Back in the 60s, when I was a young man in school, my professor told a few jokes about our national debt.  I remember none of the jokes, but his grasp of the danger was prophetic.  The dept was approximately $311 billions, but he was already sounding the alarm about the danger of debt.  I remember how he struggled to get us to visualize how large a billion dollars is.  He told us that the typical person's heart will beat its one billionth beat at age 27.  There is no way to check this fact, but one billion seconds is 32 years so it sounds right.  The professor had to resort to such illustrations because a billion was too large a number for the class to comprehend.

When I studied chemistry in 1964, my class was taught that we could ignore one part per 1000.  An error of one part per 1000 was considered inconsequential.  So using that as our standard, how big is a thousand dollars?  A thousand dollars is so large that it makes one dollar seem insignificant.

Moving up the ladder, what is a million?  A million is a thousand thousand.  It's the number so large that it makes one thousand dollars seem inconsequential.

Moving another step up the ladder, what is a billion?  A billion is a thousand million, or it's a number so large that it makes one million dollars seem inconsequential.

A friend once commented to me that Bill Gates had $60 billion.  I jokingly commented that wasn't so much.  It was only 60 thousand million dollars.  Have you ever heard a congressman talk about billions of dollars?  In any such conversation, amounts of only a few million or less will be treated like pocket change.

Today, our national debt is around $13 trillion.  So how much is a trillion dollars?  A trillion dollars is a thousand billion or a million million dollars.  It's an amount so large that it makes one billion dollars seem inconsequential. 

The governor of California once stated that $5 billion dollars wasn't a lot of money.  It's true, when we are talking about trillions of dollars.  A trillion dollars is so large that a billion dollars seems like a trivial amount. 

When politicians speak about trillions of dollars, they speak as though any amount less than a billion dollars is pocket change.  They figuratively toss around a billion dollars like I would toss parking meter change into the ashtray of my car.

Our nation can be compared to a frog sitting in a pot of water.  It doesn't notice the rising temperature until it's too late.  We have gradually become desensitized to money.  There was a time when every dollar amount was important.  Eventually we evolved to million dollar budgets where a thousand dollars seemed trivial.  Later, when we arrived at billion dollar budgets, a million dollars became the new trivial amount. 

Now that we have crossed the trillion dollar threshold, a billion dollars is the current trivial amount.

Today our politicians seem to think it's hardly worth the effort to save a billion dollars.  It's such a small amount.

Congress is now debating the national budget for this year.  It will require borrowing hundreds of billions of dollars more even after the proposed budget cuts.  Congress just doesn't get it.  They don't seem to know what every citizen knows instinctively, that the budget must be balanced.  To not balance the budget now is irresponsible and I believe criminal, passing the debt on and stealing from our children and grandchildren.  At the moment, Congress is shamefully oblivious and seems to be content to mortgage our future and steal from children as yet unborn.

Our congressman, Cliff Stearns, is facing this critical decision now.  He needs to hear from all of us today, "No More Deficit Spending."  Call Congressman Cliff Stearns' aid now at 352-337-0003.  It's important to be polite but it's equally important to be firm, "Balance the Budge Now."

In summary, our national debt is in the trillions of dollars.  It's important to remember just how big a trillion is.    

  • a million seconds  =  12 days
  • a billion seconds  =  32 years
  • a trillion seconds  =  32,000 years

A trillion is a thousand billion or a million million.  It is so large that it makes a billion dollars seem to be a trivial amount.  It trivializes a million dollars to the status of pocket change or parking meter money.  It's urgent that all of us call Congressman Cliff Stearns today.

Congressman Cliff Stearns will either be a part of the solution or he is the problem.  Your voice can make a difference.

AlachuaSpringFest2011Alachua’s 9th annual Spring Festival had more to offer than spring flowers, as this couple found out as they examined a table piled high with colorful seashells. Running from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the festival transformed Alachua’s winding Main Street into a bevy of activity as crowds strolled up and down the tree-lined street, socializing, shopping, listening to music and taking advantage of Florida’s spring weather.  Main Street was closed to traffic, allowing the festival to spill over sidewalks and offering plenty of room for arts and crafts, colorful spring garden flowers, artists, food vendors, and child-safe fun for the kids.

Musicians performed throughout the day at two stage locations.  The entertainment lineup included Jana Horton (vocals, guitar), Drunk Uncle Band (vocals, guitar), Margie Z (vocals, guitar), Alley Katz Band (jazz), Santa Fe High School Jazz Band & Color Guard, Sun Country Rainbow Performance Team (dance) and Mainstay (vocals and guitar). Festival organizers reported that over 150 arts and crafts vendors displayed their wares and offered gastronomic delights to suit anyone's fancy.

Newberry_Election2011 L-R:  Newberry City Clerk Gayle Pons administers the oath of office to newly elected Mayor Bill Conrad Wednesday morning.

It was a long six weeks of campaigning, but three have emerged victorious. Newberry has a new mayor and two new commissioners.

Bill Conrad, former Commissioner of Group 4, won the mayoral seat with a total of 503 votes, to Harry Nichols’s 316 and Debbie Campbell’s 41.

Conrad was not at the Newberry Fire Department, at 310 NW 250th Street, when the results were announced just before 8 p.m. Tuesday. He heard the results over speakerphone from his campaign manager as he waited with his family and friends at Villaggio’s Pizzeria down the road.

“I’m very excited, very happy and a little exhausted,” Conrad said. “In six weeks I think I’ve knocked on about 1,000 doors and have about 17 pages of notes on what the city wants.”

Conrad said his first job will be to meet with the commission and see if the “new blood” is on the same page with the rest of the commission or if the city’s vision for the future will need to be “tweaked a bit.”

The “new blood” he is referring to is Robert Fillyaw, who won the Group 4 seat Conrad vacated with 644 votes, and Jordan Marlowe, who won the Group 5 seat with 526 votes.  Fillyaw was challenged by Barry Green, Sr. who picked up 182 votes.  Marlowe, meanwhile, faced off against two others including incumbent commissioner Monty Farnsworth who garnered 223 votes and Mike Durst who pulled down 101 votes.

“I’m ecstatic, elated, very, very happy,” Fillyaw said.

Fillyaw said it was difficult to wait for the results after a busy two months.

“Anytime you’re waiting on results for something you’ve worked hard on, it makes you nervous,” he said.

Marlowe was happy to receive the news as well. He looks forward to serving on the city commission and thanked Farnsworth for running a clean race.

“It was a hectic seven weeks, but now I can get down to the work of being a commissioner,” Marlowe said.

About 40 people were gathered outside the fire station Tuesday night for the results. The newly elected officials were sworn in at City Hall Wednesday at 11 a.m.  The commission chambers were packed with a standing room only crowd who witnessed the swearing in ceremony and congratulated the commissioners on their victories.

Of the 3,167 registered voters in Newberry, more than 850 voted in Tuesday’s election, a 27 percent turnout.

Commissioners unanimously selected sitting Commissioner Joe Hoffman as Chair Pro-Tempore, meaning he would serve as chairman in Conrad’s absence.

Former city manager Edward Smyth has retained an attorney regarding certain benefits that were owed to him based on the terms of his employment agreement with the City of Hawthorne.

In a letter dated March 31, Smyth’s attorney, Rod W. Smith, said Smyth’s termination violated the city charter, which entitled him to up to 15 days to request a public hearing, which he said the city did not follow.

Smith also accused the city of not fully paying Smyth his three months of severance pay, which included life insurance payments and three months contribution to his retirement plan.

Moreover, the letter accused the city of wrongfully seeking to recover $2,322.93 from Smyth for his wife’s health insurance benefits. The city manager’s health insurance plan includes full payment of his personal premium and one-half of the family premium, Smith cited, adding that “The City is not entitled to unilaterally change this agreement during the severance period.”

Hawthorne City Attorney Audrie Harris responded to the letter saying that Smith’s allegations were incorrect. In a response letter dated April 11, Harris said the city charter addresses suspension of the city manager and not termination and is worded as a discretionary course of action, which she illustrated by quoting the language of the charter.

“Accordingy, Mr. Smyth’s termination was controlled by his employment agreement with the city and his termination was lawful and warranted,” she added.

Harris also addressed the $2,322.93 the city was seeking to recover from Smyth, saying that according to the employment agreement, the city was responsible for covering one-half of the family premium only during his term of employment.

Based on the agreement, this does not include the severance period, she said.

Initially, the city believed the insurance carrier would handle billings for Smyth’s wife’s premiums, but once they were notified otherwise, they informed Smyth.

“As Mr. Smyth’s wife had insurance coverage for the severance period, the city is entitled to reimbursement for her premiums,” she said.

Harris also responded to Smith’s allegations regarding the city’s lack of full contribution to Smyth’s life insurance by saying that the city would deduct the amount to be paid toward retirement from the $2,322.93 that Smyth owed the city.

Harris closed the letter by saying, “Mr. Smyth’s threat of legal action for wrongful termination and refusal to reimburse the city the money it has paid for his wife’s insurance after receiving approximately $25,000.00 in severance from the city is not only meritless, but downright unconscionable.”

Currently, the city is waiting for Smyth to respond.

At a commission meeting Tuesday night, several of the commissioners expressed their gratitude for Harris’ thorough response as well as their surprise in receiving a legal threat from Smyth.

“I’m just appalled,” Commissioner Deloris Roberts said.

Once they receive a response from Smyth, Harris recommended that the city hold a shade meeting to discuss litigation strategy.

“This will be defended vigorously,” she said.

But for now, all they can do is wait.

“We need to sit tight and see what happens next,” Commissioner Harry Carter said.

An agenda item recommending the sale of the old library building at 15100 Main Street was tabled at Monday night's commission meeting after supporters of the Alachua Children's Theater raised concerns about the sale.

Alachua Children's Theater has been renting space in the building since June 2010, according to City Manager Traci Cain. Supporters of the theater protested the sale of the building, raising questions about the procedures involved in the sale of the property and protesting a perceived lack of support for the arts in Alachua.

“Kid can get into trouble easy. My family, from my youngest to my wife, is involved with this theater,” said one man.

Eileen Roy, a member of the Alachua County School Board, said that involving children in the arts would be valuable to the welfare of the city, helping children perform better in school, develop emotionally and avoid trouble. Other supporters said that the theater could stimulate business by bringing crowds into downtown.

“It hurts me that you have never been down there to see what's going on,” said Stan Richardson, vice-chair of the Planning and Zoning Board.

Carol Jackson, administrator of the theater, stated that she had sought partnerships and investors and was prepared to make a bid to purchase the building, at one time mentioning running back Adrian Peterson.

Lack of support for the arts was coupled with accusations that the city had acted inappropriately while trying to sell the property, violating guidelines for selling surplus property. One criticism was that the public was not offered a chance to bid on the property. The tone of the comments was often angry, with one resident referring to the item as a “bogus sale” and another claiming that the commission had “illegally spent reserved funds” and was trying to “balance its checkbook.”

“Everything about this sale should stink in your nostrils,” said Dollean Perkins, who unsuccessfully ran for commission in April 2010.

Eventually, City Attorney Marian Rush suggested that the agenda item be tabled so that the city staff could examine issues involving the division of the parcels for sale. The property in question is one lot of a larger property. The commission followed Rush's suggestion.

Cain later said that there are no issues regarding the division of property that will interfere with the sale of the property.

According to Cain, the city has been “incredibly open and inclusive” regarding the sale of the property, which was purchased from the Alachua County Library District for $85,000 in 2000. The property was first declared surplus during the June 14, 2010 commission meeting and was listed as For Sale by Owner. After a lack of interest in the property, the city moved to solicit a real estate agent in October and approved Alachua Properties, Inc.'s proposal in December. According to Cain, any individual or group could have made an offer during this nine-month period and the city received no offer from Jackson or her organization. Cain said that Jackson was aware when she first leased the building that the city intended to sell the property.

“The suggestion that the City has not been open throughout this entire process is grossly inaccurate as evidenced by the multiple public meetings held to discuss this matter,” said Cain.

Cain and City Attorney Rush also said that the Real Estate Guidelines for the Sale of City Property are administrative guidelines, not ordinance that must be followed to the letter.

The city commission directed the city manager to create a new lease agreement for the theater. The new agreement will waive the $100-per-week rent while acknowledging the money that Jackson currently owes to the city for unpaid rent. While the rent will be waived going forward, Jackson will still be required to pay utilities and establish a payment plan for the rent currently in arrears. The new lease will be effective through December 31, 2011 or until the sale of the building is finalized.

Three seats open on Commission

The City of Hawthorne will be holding its annual city elections on June 14.

Polling will take place at City Hall from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to elect commissioners to the three open seats currently held by Harry Carter, William Carlton and Matthew Surrency.

At a city commission meeting Tuesday evening, Carter announced that he will not be seeking reelection this year.

“It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve on this board,” Carter said. His announcement was met with surprise by many of the residents.

Mayor Eleanor Randall responded by expressing her gratitude for Carter’s work with the city. “I myself have really enjoyed working with Commissioner Carter and I want to thank him for his support and respect that he has given me and the rest of the board.”

Commissioner Carlton and Vice Mayor Surrency will be seeking reelection.

The qualifying period for all candidates will begin at noon on Monday, April 18, and end at noon on Wednesday, April 27.

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

 

 

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 A.M. on Saturday, April 30, 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. H05 DEBORAH DOWELL J6A SAM WOOLFSON 277 WILLIAM DAVIS 107 EDMAN KELLY 232 ERIN WHITTAKER

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - April 07 and 14, 2011)

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 01-2009-CA-005341 SEC.: K CITIMORTGAGE, INC. Plaintiff, v. MARILYN P. CLAYTON; CHARLES DENNIS CLAYTON A/K/A C. DENNIS CLAYTON; ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, UNDER, AND AGAINST THE HEREIN NAMED INDIVIDUAL DEFENDANT(S) WHO ARE NOT KNOWN TO BE DEAD OR ALIVE, WHETHER SAID UNKNOWN P ARTIES MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, OR OTHER CLAIMANTS. Defendant(s). ________/

 

NOTICE OF SALE

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to an Order to Reset Foreclosure Sale dated March 18, 2011, entered in Civil Case No. 01-2009-CA-005341 of the Circuit Court of the Alachua County Circuit Court (FL), Florida, wherein the Clerk of the Circuit Court will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash on the 26th day of April, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. in the main lobby of the Alachua County Courthouse, 201 East University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32601, relative to the following described property as set forth in the Final Judgment, to wit:

 

LOT 79 OF COUNTRYSIDE UNIT III, A SUBDIVISION AS PER PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK "N", PAGE 23 OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA.

 

Commonly known as 3728 Northwest 110th Terrace, Gainesville, FL 32606.

 

Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale. This is an attempt to collect a debt and any information obtained may be used for that purpose.

 

Dated at Gainesville, Florida this 8th day of April, 2011 J.K. Irby Clerk of the Circuit Court Alachua County, Florida By: /s/ Erika Powell

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - April 14 and 21, 2011)

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

 

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

 

Get Your Ad Noticed Here and in Over 100 Papers throughout Florida for One Low Rate. Advertising Networks of Florida, Put us to work for You! (866)742-1373 www.florida-classifieds.com.

 

SPECIAL EVENTS

 

 

Make your wedding special at a budget price!

 

Don’t let these tough times keep you from having your dream wedding. Weddings performed anywhere. Non-denominational , non judgmental, any and all marriages. Your choice of wedding vows, candle ceremonies, and sand ceremonies. Starting at $69. Many upgrades and wedding planner services available for an additional fee.

 

Call us at (352)317-7340 or (352)317-0846.

 

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

 

Strawberrier $13 per flat, Cucumbers, Florida Broccoli & Cauliflower, Acre Peas, Fresh Cut Mustards & Collards, Bell Peppers, Florida Vine Ripe Tomatoes, Local Yellow Squash & Zucchini, Cabbage, Local Honey, Brown Eggs, Foothills Butter, Fresh Local Silver Queen Corn, 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

 

 

ACT NOW! New Pay Increase! 37-46 cpm. New Trucks in 2011. Need CDL-A & 3 most recent OTR. (877)258-8782 www.meltontruck.com

 

Driver- New Trucks + Flexible Days Off + Paid Daily. Looking for Drivers who are Looking for Miles + Full Benefits. CDL-A. 3months recent experience required. (800)414-9569. www.driveknight.com

 

Drivers Earn Up to 39¢/mi HOME SEVERAL NIGHTS & WEEKENDS 1 yr OTR Flatbed exp. Call: (800)572-5489 Susan ext. 227 Joy ext. 238 SUNBELT TRANSPORT, LLC

 

Driver - Recession proof refrigerated freight. Plenty of miles. Need refresher? Free tuition at FFE. $1000 Sign-on. Pet & Rider policy. CO & O/O's. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. (855)356-7121

Bookkeeper/Customer Rep to work with the company. Work within flexible hours M-F. English proficient with computer experience. For more information, contact Smith Payne at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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

 

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

 

 

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

 

 

DO YOU EARN $800.00 IN A DAY? Your Own Local Candy Route 25 Machines and Candy All for $9995.00 All Major Credit Cards Accepted (877)915-8222 AINB02653

 

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

 

FARM & LIVESTOCK

 

 

Hay For Sale

 

Fertilized Coastal Bermuda, barn stored, large round rolls, excellent quality. $45 per roll. Cow hay $25 per roll. 352-215-1018

 

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

 

 

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.

5 acres High Springs area. Gorgeous country setting with cleared oak-shaded homesite. Owner financing. No down payment. $69,900. $613/mo. NO IMPACT FEES. 352-215-1018, www.LandOwnerFinancing .com.

1 acre LaCrosse. Beautifully wooded, paved road frontage. Owner financing. No down payment. $29,900. $307/mo. 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.

 

Investment Properties

 

 

20 Acres-$0 Down!! $99/mo. ONLY $12,900 Near Growing El Paso, Texas (2nd safest U.S. City) Owner Financing, No Credit Checks Money Back Guarantee! FREE Color Brochure (800)755-8953 www.sunsetranches.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

 

 

Appliances

 

 

Used Washer and dryer 55.00 each. Contact 352-317-0179.

 

Garage Sales

 

Multi-family garage sale. Furniture, appliances and all household items. Saturday and Sunday. Starts at 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. 14504 NW 193 Street, Alachua. Cell 352-514-8616.

 

Miscellaneous

 

 

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

 

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

 

WANTED TO BUY

 

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

 

Auctions

 

 

Absolute Auction - Industrial Zoned, 4951 Woodlane Circle Tallahassee, FL 32303. 1 acre w/office and shop. 3 parcels sell as 1 unit for one price. Live event on April 28th at 11:00 am EDT. Info and Online Bidding Now: www.abalauction.com (850)510-2501 AB2387 AU 3239

 

CAMPING

 

 

MOTORHOMES

 

 

PUBLIC AUCTION 200+ Travel Trailers & Camp Houses NO MINIMUM PRICE! Online Bidding Available. Saturday April 16 @ 10 am Harrah's Tunica, MS www.hendersonauctions.com (225)686-2252 Lic #226

 


To Place a Classified Call 386-462-3355.

Delmar W. Pendley, 85, passed away quietly at his daughter's home in St. Augustine, Fla. on April 3, 2011.  Present were his daughter, Penny Dillingham, son, Guy Spear, granddaughters,  Zara and Chandylen Pendley, all of St. Augustine, and life partner Thelma Gillis. Delmar was born in Greensboro, Ga., and grew up in Alachua, Fla. Most of his adult life was spent in Gainesville, Fla. where he founded Flair Color Lab. He later moved to St. Augustine and in 1987 he opened and ran First Class 1 Hour Photo Lab. 

He loved nature and all its majesty with his favorites being photography, fishing in any body of water, and traveling with Thelma to the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina, and especially Maggie Valley where he spent many happy summers with his brother and sister-in-law, Austin and Sue Pendley.

He is survived by his daughter, Penny Dillingham and husband Eric; two granddaughters, Zara and Chandylen Pendley; great grandson, Noah Del Pendley; son, Guy Spear and wife Marsha, all of St. Augustine and long time companion and life partner, Thelma Gillis of Gainesville. He was greatly loved and will be missed forever.

A Life Celebration will be held Saturday, April 16, 2011 at 1 p.m. in St. Augustine at the home of his son, Guy Spear.  Family and friends are asked to RSVP to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if planning to attend. A private burial will be held in Alachua on Sunday, April 17, 2011.

Santa Fe High School basketball standout C.J. Wakeley has committed to Lincoln Memorial University, north of Knoxville, TN.  The 5’11” senior point guard averaged 28 points per game this past season, and helped lead his team into a Sweet Sixteen appearance.  Wakeley was a three-year varsity starter.SF_All_American_Wakeley

 

The following is a list of roadwork underway by the Florida Department of Transportation that may impact traffic.

 ALACHUA COUNTY:

Archer Road (State Road 24) Nighttime lane closures Sunday through Thursday from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. between Interstate 75 and Southwest 34th Street (State Road 121) for paving the new median crossovers.

 Hawthorne Road (State Road 20) Daytime lane closures from Waldo Road to the Putnam County line to repaint the roadway markings.

 Interstate 75 The northbound exit ramp at Archer Road (State Road 24 – Exit 384) is scheduled to be closed at 9 p.m. Monday and reopen by 6 a.m. Friday, April 15 for reconstruction. Traffic will be detoured to either Newberry Road (State Road 26 – Exit 387) or Williston Road (State Road 121/331 – Exit 382) during the closure.

 Interstate 75 Daytime lane closures between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to widen the northbound exit ramp at Newberry Road (State Road 26)  (Exit 387).

 Newberry Road (State Road 26) Daytime lane closures at the I-75 interchange between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to work on the medians as part of the I-75 northbound exit ramp widening.

 Newberry Road (State Road 26) Crews will be repainting the roadway lines from the Gilchrist County line to Northwest 13th Street (US 441).

 Northeast Sixth Street (State Road 20) Crews will be repainting the roadway lines from Northwest Eighth Avenue to 13th Street (US 441).

 Northwest 34th Street (State Road 121) Daytime lane closures near Northwest 58th Avenue for driveway work at the new Gainesville Senior Recreation Center.

 South Main Street (State Road 329) Traffic is detoured from University Avenue to South First Avenue for reconstruction of the roadway. Southbound through traffic is detoured to University Avenue, Southwest Sixth Street and Southwest Fourth Avenue. Northbound through traffic is detoured to Southeast Fourth Avenue, Southeast Third Street and University Avenue. Local traffic has access and all businesses in the area are open and accessible.  This section is scheduled to be reopened to traffic on April 15-16, weather permitting. Also, crews will be repainting the roadway lines from Williston Road (State Road 331) to Depot Avenue.

 Southwest 13th Street (US 441) Daytime lane closures at the intersection with Southwest 16th Avenue to modify a driveway for a new CVS Pharmacy being built in the southeastern corner.

 Southwest 16th Avenue (State Road 226) Daytime lane closures at the intersection with Southwest 13th Street (US 441) to modify a driveway for a new CVS Pharmacy being built in the southeastern corner.

 Southwest 34th Street (State Road 121) Crews will be repainting the roadway lines from Williston Road (State Road 331) to University Avenue (State Road 26).

 State Road 26 Daytime lane closures both east and west of US 301 for pavement corrections and final paving work. Traffic is now using the new overpass over US 301 and the CSX Railroad.

 University Avenue (State Road 26) Daytime lane closures at the intersection with Main Street from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. to work on the curb in the northeastern corner.

 US 301 Daytime lane closures from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. between Orange Heights and Waldo for work on the shoulders and installing new signs.

US 441 Daytime lane closures south of Hague at the northern entrance to Gainesville Renewable Energy Center to modify the driveway and turn lanes. Crews will be repainting the roadway lines from Northwest Sixth Street to the Columbia County line.

columnColumn by Kirby Green

Executive Director

St. Johns River Water Management District

 For more than 20 years, the St. Johns River Water Management District has partnered with local governments, civic and business organizations, environmental groups and the public to help protect water resources and ensure that we have ample supplies of water to meet our economic and environmental needs. We believe that Floridians want to be good stewards of water, and understand that natural resources are limited and we must use them wisely if they are to be sustainable.

April is Water Conservation Month, a time for all of us to reflect upon the importance of this resource and consider all of the ways that we use water and the ways that we can reduce our water use. Saving water doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. Simple actions will help extend our supplies, help protect our current sources of water and delay the need to develop more costly alternative sources.

Conservation does not mean doing without water. It means that we must ensure that our water is used as efficiently as possible. The District works with industry, agriculture, power plants and recreational facilities, such as golf courses and ball fields, to implement processes to reduce the amount of water needed for these uses.

Saving water at home is equally important and the District’s Web site, floridaswater.com, is a dependable source of information on ways to conserve. A good place to begin is by following the watering restrictions, which allow for adequate amounts of water to keep your landscapes healthy. While preparing your yard for spring and summer, remember that planting the right plant in the right place is the key to using water efficiently. On our Web site, you will find an updated and expanded waterwise plant database that allows you to input the characteristics of your yard — sunny, shady, dry soil, moist soil, etc. — and the database helps you select the right plants to create an appealing, low-maintenance landscape that thrives in Florida’s climate.

The District’s Florida Water StarSM program, a voluntary certification program for new and existing residential and commercial developments, encourages water efficiency in household appliances, plumbing fixtures, irrigation systems and landscapes. On our Web site, you can learn how to retrofit your home or plan a new home designed to conserve water. Saving water at home will not only protect the resource but will reduce the amount of money you spend on your water bill.

Conserving water is everyone’s responsibility, is good for the economy and good for the environment. Please take a moment this month to consider how you use water and see if you can identify a couple of changes that you can make to do your part to protect this precious resource.

Pioneer_Days_2011UF law student Caroline Picart shows a necklace to her friend, Carolyn Terrell, who was visiting from Tallahassee for the day. The women drove from Gainesville on Saturday to check out Pioneer Days and couldn't get enough of Lynne Hutchins' Suwannee Song Designs jewelry.

Colleen Mahoney is a woman who takes pride in knowing her roots.

High Springs is a town that shares her sentiment, and for the past 35 years, has celebrated its history every spring with Pioneer Days, a weekend festival of arts and crafts, music, food, games and a special concentration on commemorating and honoring local heritage.

Technically, Mahoney isn’t from High Springs; she hales from Lakeland.  But when she came to participate in the event this year, she found herself right at home, sharing High Springs’ pride and reverence for ancestry and Florida history.

She explained that her historic Florida pride reaches back to her sixth-great-grandfather, John Whidden, who was the first white settler in Polk County. This was Mahoney’s first time at Pioneer Days, where she demonstrated her craft of palm weaving, dressed for the occasion in full historical costume. She shared a tent with friend Barbara W. Silagi, who was also dressed up and was demonstrating her craft of traditional cotton spinning.

Silagi, a Pioneer Days veteran, invited Mahoney to join her this year. They were just two of the many vendors and artisans surrounding the James Paul Park sinkhole exhibiting their wares.

Aside from the array of craft displays and local businesses, and an entire section dedicated to edible commodities such as funnel cake, ice cream and kettle corn, the festival also featured its Kids Corral, which this year included a bounce house, real ponies and a mechanical bull to ride.

The High Springs Chamber of Commerce hosts the event, and as chamber president Donna Mogler explained, it is one of the chamber’s biggest yearly fundraisers.

Sandra Webb, the chamber’s event manager, said the final count on how much was raised this year won’t be available until April 14, but based on observation she’s confident the weekend was a success.

“It was two beautiful days,” she said, estimating between 2,000 and 3,000 attended.

There were fewer vendors than years past, Webb said, because the event was held at the beginning of the month rather than the end so as not to conflict with Easter. But, she said, that might have helped the city as a whole in the long run.

She was pleased to hear from downtown businesses, including High Springs Antiques, Enchanted Memories and Coffee Clutch that business was good during the festival. Having fewer vendors, Webb thinks, encouraged people to visit local shops.

With a 3-2 vote Tuesday night, the High Springs City Commission decided to move forward with the city’s wastewater treatment project.

Mike Clark of Jones Edmunds Engineering, the city’s contracted engineering firm, presented options available to proceed with the continuation of the sewer system expansion.

Mayor Larry Travis, and Commissioners Byran Williams and Sue Weller shared in the majority in approving one of the options.

Meanwhile, Commissioners Eric May and Dean Davis refused to support the expansion on grounds that the city can’t afford it.

The selected option includes expanding the wastewater treatment plant with a 0.50 MGD (million gallons per day) new ring steel package construction and completing the phase-four portion of hookups to the system. Weller made the initial motion to approve, saying it gives “the most bang for the buck.”

Weller suggested including phase five hookups in the plan too, and that was approved as well.

The total estimated cost, according to Clark, is $6.7 million.

The city began this discussion of how to move forward with the project after receiving word last month that its $4.9 million bond was validated, allowing the city to take out a loan for up to that amount.

The city also has about $3.9 million in grant funds to be spent on the plant expansion or for adding additional utility customers to the system, but the terms of the grant require that loan funds be used first.

The original bond resolution required the city to prove that its total yearly revenue is at least 1.2 percent of its debt.  High Springs was granted a waiver of that requirement through Rural Development, the USDA agency financing the sewer project.

May and Davis still insisted they would not vote to borrow the money or dedicate funding to any further action on the sewer system until they had solid answers for how the city can afford it and whether the numbers presented by Jones Edmunds were accurate.

All commissioners seemed to agree on how unappealing the prospect of ending the project now looks. Clark explained that if the city decided to end the project as it stands, customers already online from phases one, two and three would be responsible for repaying the debt service already incurred by the system.

If the commission had put an end to it now, under the premise that no additional customers got hooked up, the city would have had two options, he said.

The first would consist of a minimum monthly charge of $39.95 for residential users and $53.92 for commercial users with a 1.5 percent yearly rate increase. The second option would be a minimum monthly charge of $54.50 for residential users and $73.56 for commercial users, but with no yearly rate increase.

Davis said, “If you raise rates on the customers, all you have done is raise taxes.”

A local realtor asked the commission to consider putting the project on hold. He suggested that there was nothing stopping the city from waiting until it became more financially stable before resuming the project. He pointed out he is in favor of the sewer system because it will be necessary for commercial growth, but the city shouldn’t take out a loan it can’t afford.

With the 3-2 vote approving the plan to move forward, despite May and Davis voting against it, Clark said it would take about two years to complete the project.

Election is Tuesday

Candidates for Newberry mayor and city commission addressed questions from the Newberry-Jonesville Chamber of Commerce and from members of the audience on Tuesday.

About 20 people attended the forum in City Hall. The meeting lasted about two hours, beginning at 7 p.m.

Debbie Boyd, member of the Chamber and former state representative and city commissioner, was the moderator for the evening.

“I feel like I’ve come full circle,” Boyd said after the event.

Boyd sat as a candidate on the same dais in 2002 for city commissioner. She spent four years on the commission before being elected to the state house for four years from 2006-2010.  She said the feeling was much different from the moderator’s standpoint.

“I remember back to my first question forum in 2002 in that same room… I was green, I was so nervous,” Boyd said. “Being moderator is quite different; I had a lot of fun.”

The candidates were all in attendance and sat in order of group (Mayor, Group 4 seat, Group 5 seat) and then alphabetically. Each candidate had two minutes to answer each question. The order of answering the questions rotated so every candidate had the opportunity to speak first.

“By the end of the forum it seemed like the candidates were a lot more relaxed, which I like to see,” Boyd said. “Whenever people relax you tend to see more of their true side, I think.”

Issues that were discussed included the candidate’s vision for Newberry in five years, plans for encouraging business growth with the expected growth in tourism, and comparing the city cash reserve to that of other local cities.

There was a five minute break due to technical difficulties regarding the TV broadcast. It was televised live on Cox channel 97.

Joy Glanzer, director of the Chamber of Commerce, said she received some texts and e-mails from the viewers after the forum.

“We got some great feedback from the audience,” Glanzer said. “They said they appreciated it and got some good information from it.”

At the end of the Chamber’s question round, the candidates were asked a question that was submitted by a member of the audience. That question asked about the possibility of a police department in Newberry, and all candidates seemed to be in agreement. Though each was supportive of the idea, the consensus was that it is not currently financially feasible.

Gayle Pons, Newberry city clerk, was present at the forum. She said she thought the forum was a success and wonders what the results will be come election day.

“They all made very good points,” Pons said. “I’m not sure how it’s going to go.”

Glanzer said that the Chamber was pleased with the forum and the candidates’ responses.

“We thought the candidates were able to fully describe their positions and to help the public understand their views,” she said.

There will be a Meet the Candidates session at the commission meeting Monday. Election Day is Tuesday, April 12.

Over halfway through the current fiscal year, the City of Hawthorne has its preliminary budget completed said Interim City Manager Ellen Vause.  The city commission will be meeting for a budget workshop on Friday, April 15, to discuss the information and make recommendations.

Vause said she reviewed adopted budget revenues and expenditures from 2009 to 2010 as well as the six-month revenues and expenditures from 2010 to 2011to balance the budget.

“Essentially, I looked at where we were a year ago, where we were six months ago, where we’ve been and where we need to go,” she said.

Based on the information presented to them at the workshop, commissioners will decide the next step in the process.

“They may send me back to work on it some more, or they may go right to action at the next commission meeting, it can really go either way,” Vause said.

The city’s budget was initially approved in September 2010, but was later found to be out of balance and contained numerous accounting errors. In December, the commission fired then City Manager Ed Smyth who has been on the job there since October 2009. The move came amid a review of the city’s budget. Since then, city officials have been struggling to keep the city’s finances intact.

Florida law requires a municipality to annually adopt a budget which must be adopted by ordinance or resolution.  The budget workshop is the next step in remedying the matter.

Participating in Bike Florida event

A bike rider participating in the Bike Florida 2011 and Share the Road campaign ride through North Central Florida died after being hit by a car in Newberry on March 30.

Robert King, 65-year-old from Prescott, Az., was riding from Trenton to Newberry on SR 26 a half-mile east of NW 298th Street when a 1999 Ford F-250 pickup truck driven by 23-year-old Newberry resident Brian Bunting drifted and hit him, according to a Florida Highway Patrol media release.

Leigh Matusick, president of Bike Florida, said it was the first fatality and first car-bicyclist accident in the event’s 18 years.

“We are all just devastated here in the Bike Florida family,” Matusick said. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the King family.”

Before this accident, the worst accidents involving Bike Florida were cyclists running into each other or off the road and health issues, Matusick said.

“We really take pride in safety and visibility and sharing the road,” she said. “That’s our message - Florida has a law that bikers and drivers can share the road. People need to realize distracted driving is dangerous for everybody.”

Charges are pending against Bunting.

The northbound outside lane on Interstate 75 about two miles south of the US 441 Alachua exit (Exit 399) is scheduled to be closed Thursday, April 7, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. to resurface the approaches to the overpass over Peggy Road.

Hipp Construction of Alachua will be doing the work for the Florida Department of Transportation as part of a maintenance contract aimed at repairing small sections of asphalt. The asphalt at the bridge approach has worn down creating a bump for motorists in the outside (slow) lane.

Two northbound lanes will remain open, however, traffic should slow down to 60 mph in the lane closure. Semi-trucks should use the far left, or inside lane, to protect the safety of the workers.

This is Work Zone Safety Awareness Week in which motorists are advised to stay alert, not tailgate or speed or change lanes in a construction work zone and minimize distractions.  Since the majority of fatalities in work zone crashes are the drivers themselves, the lives they save may be their own.

Annette Eddy Melville of Gainesville, Fla., formerly of Nashville, Tenn., passed away on Saturday, April 2, 2011, in Gainesville.  She was 86.

She was born in Alachua, Fla., in 1924. Annette maintained an abiding love for Alachua, her family, and childhood friends her entire life. She graduated from Florida State College for Women in 1946, and in June of that year was married to David Melville of New Orleans, La.

In July 1947, their daughter Ann was born.  After living in New Orleans and Cape Girardeau, Mo., she and her family relocated to Nashville in 1954.

Annette was a devoted homemaker, wife, and mother and a talented craftswoman and cook. She belonged to both the Homemakers’ Club and Ladies’ Demonstration Club in Nashville. She was a passionate reader and instilled a lifelong love of books and learning in her daughter and granddaughter. Also, she was an avid bridge player and belonged to several bridge clubs in Nashville.

She will be greatly missed by her friends and family.

Annette is preceded in death by her husband, David Melville and her daughter, Ann Melville McDowell.

Survivors include her granddaughter, Traci McDowell Matthews of Tallahassee, Fla.

Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, April 6, 2011, from 5 to 7 p.m. Graveside Services will be held Thursday, April 7, 2011 at 10 a.m. at Newnansville Cemetery in Alachua, Fla.

Arrangements by Milam Funeral and Cremation Services 311 South Main Street Gainesville, Fla.

lettersOur country is the richest country.  The richness is all around us and it is both a blessing and a curse.  We seem to have lost our way.  We have lost sight of real values.  We are free to speak but political correctness is eating away at our freedom.  We can still vote and should, but many among us openly brag that they don’t vote.  They may as well wear a T-shirt with big letters.  I’m Stupid.” They have lost historical perspective and are oblivious to the danger we face.

Out national institutions are under attack.  Corruption is everywhere. No longer does one expect a politician to be truthful. It would be easy to imagine that bribery is the norm.  We still speak of patriotism but real patriotism is found in our all-volunteer military, not in political office.

We are divided as never before.  Each division wants only what it wants and seems to be blind to the needs of others.  It’s like a hand saying, “I don’t care if a foot dies.”  Imagine hearing the heart say, “Why should I worry about the lungs.” One would have to go all the way back to our Civil War to find us more divided.  Healthy churches once flourished but today failing churches are the norm.  Very successful churches are rare.

We are no longer governed by our elected officials.  They have passed laws delegating power to governmental agencies which make rules with the force of law.  We are governed by unelected, un-named bureaucrats, not by our representatives whom we elected.  Our representatives have abandoned us.

We are not involved in three wars, yet we lack the political will to enforce immigration laws.  We are a nation of laws and cannot survive without respect for those laws.  We now have millions of illegal aliens among us who have no respect for our laws.  Congress could not agree on a budget last year.  The proposed budget for this year is roughly a trillion dollars more than projected revenue.  They are spending us into national suicide, yet Congress does not seem to be concerned.

We are losing jobs to foreign countries at an unprecedented rate and the bad news is, we are not likely to get those jobs back.  Many elderly people believe that our nation will not survive another generation.  I do believe the outlook isn’t good but I am not that pessimistic yet.  Our greatest need now is a leader of courage.  Unfortunately, I do not see such a leader on the horizon.  Fear is a necessary part of courage.  Without fear, courage cannot exist.

We have high unemployment, high taxes, high prices and dishonesty and corruption everywhere one looks.  What I don’t see is national far.  Millions are on food stamps.  Millions are out of work.  Millions are being evicted from their homes.  There are millions of isolated pockets of fear in America.  Uncertainty fills the air and businesses are fearful of hiring.

There is much, much suffering in America, but it remains isolated in little pockets and our country, as a whole, is not fearful.  Almost all of our parts are fearful, but the whole has not yet noticed.

We are an exceptional people with exceptional skills.  One day, and I hope soon, born from our collective fear and extraordinary resilience, a great leader of courage will rise among us.  We will pull together as only Americans can. I believe we will survive as a great nation, not because of government, but because our greatness lies in the heart and minds of a free people.  Liberty and personal responsibility are our biggest assets.  They are not gifts from government but rather are gifts from God.  May it be ever so and may God continue to bless America.

I am reminded of the words by Abraham Lincoln, “Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure.” We are again being tested.  Our national debt is so large that it is beyond comprehension.  Congress is now debating a budget for this year that will require us to borrow hundreds of billions more.  Congress is like a drunk whose only ambition is to finish the bottle.  Our financial boat is sinking and Congress is too drunk to care.

Our Congressman is Cliff Stearns.  You can leave a message for him with his aid by calling 352-337-0003.  He needs to hear from all of us.  “No more deficit spending.”

It’s always a good time to be polite, but this is not a good time to be timid.  Call Cliff Stearns today.  Say it politely, but say it firmly, “No more deficit spending.”

Can your one voice make a difference?  Yes.  I once participated in an election where my vote made the difference.  It was a Waldo election for councilman.  The vote was 91 to 93.  My wife and I had voted as a block (a block of 2) and our candidate won by two votes.  Had we voted for the other candidate, the vote would have been 93 to 91, and our candidate would have lost.

Your voice has never been more important than it is today.  Call Congressman Cliff Stearns today.  You can make a difference.

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, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of CreatioVentures located at 4428 SW 20th Lane, in the County of Alachua, in the City of Gainesville, Florida, 32607 intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated at Gainesville, Florida, this 29th day of March, 2011. Jason Paul Brown

 (Published: Alachua County Today - March 31, 2011)

NOTICE OF INTENT TO REGISTER FICTITIOUS NAME

Pursuant to Section 865.09, Florida Statutes, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of VirginFruit located at 4428 SW 20th Lane, in the County of Alachua, in the City of Gainesville, Florida, 32607 intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated at Gainesville, Florida, this 29th day of March, 2011. Jason Paul Brown

 (Published: Alachua County Today - March 31, 2011)

PUBLIC NOTICE

CITY OF HAWTHORNE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

 

On Wednesday, April 13th, 2011 at 6:00pm at 6700 SE 221st St. Hawthorne, FL, the Planning and Zoning Board will hold a public hearing regarding the following ordinances:

 ORDINANCE

 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA, RELATING TO THE REZONING OF MORE THAN TEN CONTIGUOUS ACRES OF LAND, PURSUANT TO AN APPLICATION BY THE LAKES OF HAWTHORNE, LLC, OWNER; AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING ATLAS OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS, PROVIDING FOR AMENDMENT OF AN EXISTING PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT ON CERTAIN LANDS WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA; AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING ATLAS OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS, PROVIDING FOR REZONING FROM ‘PUD’ (PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT) DISTRICT TO ‘RSF-1’ (RESIDENTIAL, SINGLE-FAMILY) DISTRICT OF CERTAIN LANDS WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA;PROVIDING SEVERABILITY; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

Copies of the proposed actions may be inspected by the public at City Hall on SE 221st St. The hearing will be open to the public and interested parties may appear at the hearing to be heard regarding the proposed action.

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - March 31, 2011)

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell this vehicle on 04/23/2011, 10:00 a.m. at 14515 NW PEGGY RD, ALACHUA, FL 32615-5449, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids.

 JS1GN72A8S2103988 1995 Suzuki

 (Published: Alachua County Today - March 31, 2011)

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell this vehicle on 04/16/2011, 10:00 a.m. at 14515 NW PEGGY RD, ALACHUA, FL 32615-5449, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids. 1G2JB5241W7571982

 

1998 Pontiac

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - March 31, 2011)

 ANNOUNCEMENTS 

 GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Get Your Ad Noticed Here and in Over 100 Papers throughout Florida for One Low Rate. Advertising Networks of Florida, Put us to work for You! (866)742-1373 www.florida-classifieds.com.

 

SPECIAL EVENTS

 

 

Make your wedding special at a budget price!

 

Don’t let these tough times keep you from having your dream wedding. Weddings performed anywhere. Non-denominational , non judgmental, any and all marriages. Your choice of wedding vows, candle ceremonies, and sand ceremonies. Starting at $69. Many upgrades and wedding planner services available for an additional fee.

 

Call us at (352)317-7340 or (352)317-0846.

 

SCHOOLS/INSTRUCTION

 

 

"Can You Dig It?" Heavy Equipment School. 3wk training program. Backhoes, Bulldozers, Trackhoes. Local job placement asst. Start digging dirt Now. (866)362-6497

 

GOOD THINGS TO EAT

 

 

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

 

Strawberrier $13 per flat, Cucumbers, Florida Broccoli & Cauliflower, Acre Peas, Fresh Cut Mustards & Collards, Bell Peppers, Florida Vine Ripe Tomatoes, Local Yellow Squash & Zucchini, Cabbage, Local Honey, Brown Eggs, Foothills Butter, Fresh Local Silver Queen Corn, 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

 

 

Drivers: Dedicated Runs! Top Pay, Weekly Home-Time for Solo's & Teams! Consistent Freight with Werner Enterprises: 1-888-567-4862

 

ASAP! New Pay Increase! 34-46 cpm. Excellent Benefits. Need CDL-A & 3 mos recent OTR. (877)258-8782 www.meltontruck.com

 

Drivers Earn Up to 39¢/mi HOME SEVERAL NIGHTS & WEEKENDS 1 yr OTR Flatbed exp. Call: (800)572-5489 Susan ext. 227 Pam ext. 238 SUNBELT TRANSPORT, LLC

 

Driver - Recession proof refrigerated freight. Plenty of miles. Need refresher? Free tuition at FFE. $1000 Sign-on. Pet & Rider policy. CO & O/O's. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. (855)289-2217

 

Need CDL Drivers A or B with 2 yrs recent commercial experience to transfer motor homes, straight trucks, and tractors. www.mamotransportation.com (800)501-3783

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

 

Driver- STRONG Freight *REGIONAL or EXPRESS lanes *F/T or P/T *LOCAL orientation *DAILY or WEEKLY pay! CDL-A, 3 months current OTR experience. (800)414-9569. www.driveknight.com

Part time Backup Cleaner needed for office building on NW US Highway 441. $7.25 per hour. Must pass background check. Call Pat 352-870-0363

 

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

 

 

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

 

 

DO YOU EARN $800.00 IN A DAY? Your Own Local Candy Route 25 Machines and Candy All for $9995.00 All Major Credit Cards Accepted (877)915-8222 AINB02653

 

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

 

CASH NOW! Cash for your structured settlement or annuity payments. Call J.G. Wentworth. 1-866-494-9115. Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau.

 

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

 

FARM & LIVESTOCK

 

 

Hay For Sale

 

Fertilized Coastal Bermuda, barn stored, large round rolls, excellent quality. $45 per roll. Cow hay $35 per roll. 352-215-1018

 

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

 

 

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.

5 acres High Springs area. Gorgeous country setting with cleared oak-shaded homesite. Owner financing. No down payment. $69,900. $613/mo. NO IMPACT FEES. 352-215-1018, www.LandOwnerFinancing .com.

1 acre LaCrosse. Beautifully wooded, paved road frontage. Owner financing. No down payment. $29,900. $307/mo. 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

 

 

ALABAMA WATERFRONT GRAND OPENING-4/2 only- 2 for 1 SALE! Buy $39,900 Waterfront lot, get RV lot ABSOLUTELY FREE! Direct Gulf access; Limited supply.(888)392-9944

 

MERCHANDISE

 

 

Miscellaneous

 

 

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

 

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

 

WANTED TO BUY

 

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

 

Auctions

 

 

Absolute Auction - Industrial Zoned, 4951 Woodlane Circle Tallahassee, FL 32303. 1 acre w/office and shop. 3 parcels sell as 1 unit for one price. Live event on April 28th at 11:00 am EDT. Info and Online Bidding Now: www.abalauction.com (850)510-2501 AB2387 AU 3239

 


To Place a Classified Call 386-462-3355.

Waldo_collageOver the years, the town has developed into the quintessential rural town

Waldo of yesteryear was complete with the hustle and bustle of a railroad town where travelers and tourists routinely paused long enough to enjoy operas at the famous opera house, buy cigars at El Toney Cigar Factory, and shop at local establishments.

Bellamy Station was never quiet.

With the constant flow of travelers rushing to get from one place to another, the old train depot on Waldo Road was very much alive. It was the center of Waldo, inviting tourists, students and railroad workers alike to visit the city with its several attractions — the opera house, cigar factory, icehouse and several shops.

And with the construction of the canal, which connected Waldo to Melrose through Lake Alto and Lake Santa Fe, Waldo became a major shipping point, bringing agriculture products to the city by steamers for shipment north on one of the 25 freight trains that passed through the depot.

Visitors from Melrose would take the F.S. Lewis steamboat through the canal and into the city. Couples would come to see operas at the famous opera house, men would buy cigars at El Toney Cigar Factory, which was converted into a boarding house in 1920 for railroad workers, and women would shop.

The ceaseless hustle and bustle of travelers and residents made a name for Waldo, which, at the time, was the largest tourist spot in Florida—much bigger than the city of Gainesville. It was an agricultural gem among the rural towns of Florida.

Today, the train station still stands, but it no longer has the rush of people, the large scale that was used to weigh luggage or the rickety wooden carts for carrying suitcases. It is deserted, aside from the bus that picks up travelers and transports them to the Amtrak stations in Jacksonville and Baldwin.

The train station isn’t the only thing that closed down. The opera house has since burned down, the cigar factory has been empty for years and the icehouse no longer exists.

But that’s not to say the city has lost its appeal.

Originally a tourist spot for people around the country, Waldo, with its rich history, has become the typical quiet, rural town that attracts occasional visitors, but primarily families who look for a close-knit community where relationships run deep. Despite multiple freezes, a fire and the depression, the city maintains a quaint charm that appeals to its long-time residents.

Lucy Roe still remembers her frequent trips on the Amtrak from Waldo to Boca Raton, Fla. When her daughter attended the University of Florida, Roe, 70, would take the train to Waldo to visit her in Gainesville.

On their trips back to Boca Raton, they would get to Bellamy Station at 3 a.m.

“Rarely did the train come on time so we would sit at the diner nearby and the man who worked at the station would run over and tell us when the train was coming,” she said.

Finally, when the train stopped in Waldo, they would board, walking to the dining car to get some breakfast. “We’d have to hold our breath and run through the lounge to get to the dining car so we didn’t have to smell the smoke-filled lounge,” Roe said.

After breakfast, they would settle down in their seats, which Roe said looked as though they had come straight out of an old black-and-white movie, and around 10 a.m. they would roll into Boca Raton.

That was in the 1980s, after the railroad repair shops had already moved to Wildwood and Baldwin, making Waldo just a quick stop rather than a large terminal for travelers. Now, with the station completely gone, the red caboose, acquired by the city from the Seaboard System Railroad in 1986, sits on display in the city park, reminding residents and visitors of Waldo’s rich history.

But after the city’s peak from the 1890s to the early 1920s, Waldo saw a series of events that led to an overall decline in population, business and visitors. According to City Manager Kim Worley, the city suffered from two freezes, a fire that burned the opera house and much of downtown, and the great depression, which drove people out.

“Waldo has primarily been an agricultural town, and when the extreme weather conditions kept people from growing citrus and other crops, people started moving away,” she said.

Adding to the decline, in the late 1920’s, the railroad shops were moved from Waldo to Wildwood when the city council failed to bring land prices down to a more affordable rate for railroad workers to buy in order to expand. The railroad workers packed up and left for Wildwood, and so did the “hustle and bustle” of the town.

But despite all of the setbacks, Waldo never lost its charm, Worley said.

“It went from being a busy city to a quiet ‘Smalltown, USA,’ which appealed to many people,” she said. “City Hall knows almost everyone that walks inside, and there’s that ‘neighbors help neighbors’ understanding that really gives people a reason to want to live here.” In such a small town with a population of 853 people, relations among residents are more than just a quick “hello.”

Aside from a bit of growth in the 1940s, the town retained its quiet, rural identity, and with the construction of U.S. Highway 301, people could pass over the heart of the city without ever having to stop in.

However, there are still a few attractions that bring visitors from other areas to the city. The Waldo Farmers and Flea Market, Motorsports Park and the Dixieland Music Park that hosts bluegrass shows keep people coming and going on a regular basis, while giving the town the ability to maintain a quaint atmosphere.

Most of the city’s residents either work at local businesses to try and keep the local scene alive, or they commute to Gainesville, where jobs are more readily available. Residents can work in the “hustle and bustle environment” and then return to their quiet, peaceful homes in Waldo.

For Lucy Roe, it’s the people that made her want to move to Waldo. “The first time I came to Waldo, I fell in love with it. The people were so friendly,” she said.

Roe is a member of the Waldo Historical Society, which aims to “preserve Waldo’s past for the future generation.” She, along with the historical society president, Milly Keirnan, and other members including Penny Dodd, Marylyn Thompson, Lawrence “Buddy” Thompson and several others work to educate people about Waldo’s history and facilitate an interest among the younger generation in preserving the city’s colorful past.

They do tours of the city, conduct meetings every three months with guest speakers and host events with other historical societies including a round table event.

In the future, they hope to get more children in the community to get involved with the society. They also plan to build a museum that guards many of Waldo’s old treasures.

“We want the kids in the community to love Waldo the way we love Waldo,” Roe said.

Early talks regarding the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) budget for the upcoming fiscal year got off to a rocky start during Tuesday’s Alachua County budget meeting.

A preview of ACSO expenses next year by Alachua County Sheriff Sadie Darnell revealed that it is likely to be at least $5 million more than last year’s budget. The budget will be officially submitted to the county June 1.

Darnell’s budget request takes place in the midst of the ACSO budget appeal for the 2010-11 fiscal year to the Office of Policy and Budget in Tallahassee. The appeal came about after the county commission reduced ACSO’s budget by $500,000 last July.

Commissioner Susan Baird made a motion, supported by Commissioner Lee Pinkoson, to restore $350,000 to the sheriff’s office budget in exchange for dropping the appeal. Darnell expressed her willingness to settle for the lesser amount rather than the full $500,000.

“The precedent we could set right here, right now is that we can work together,” said Pinkoson.

The motion failed to pass with the three remaining commissioners, Mike Byerly, Paula Delaney and Rodney Long not supporting the motion.

Commissioner Byerly voiced his concern that settling would be a betrayal to the process of setting the budget, and would set a precedent that any agency that disagrees with their budget can sue the county to get their way. He said he would rather see the appeal run its course.

The budget discussions between Byerly and Darnell during the meeting became hostile as they disagreed to what level the commission should inquire into the sheriff’s office spending.

“There’s been an adversarial relationship between the board and either me and previous sheriffs,” Darnell said. “I thought it was personal, but then learned it’s been a historical situation.”

Prior to the meeting, the commission sent a request to Darnell asking her for specific program cost information. Darnell said she tried to respond to the commissioner’s questions during her presentation. Still, she found the level of inquisition to be “intrusive” and the tone to be “disrespectful.”

Byerly disagreed, saying he believed his questions were fair. He said it was routine for commissioners to ask questions and gather data in order to do their jobs.

He said that in the past couple of years the demand for the ACSO has declined as the department has received fewer calls, probably because various jurisdictions now respond to those calls. Byerly questioned why the sheriff’s budget has not reflected this decline in need for the service.

“I think it’s unavoidable; there’s going to be conflict, particularly during a time where budget reductions are going on across the state,” Byerly said.

The Sheriff’s Office is the largest department in the county’s budget. In addition to the unincorporated areas of the county, the ACSO is ultimately responsible for law enforcement in all nine municipalities in the county as well as the county jail.

Citizens of Newberry will have the opportunity for a Question and Answer session with city commission candidates on Tuesday.

The Newberry Jonesville Chamber of Commerce will host the candidate forum at the Newberry City Hall from 7-9:30 p.m.

“We are hosting it to help educate the community on various topics the community leaders will be dealing with when elected,” said Chamber President Blake Fletcher.

All the candidates are expected to attend the event.

“I think as Americans it is our right to be involved in the process, even if we all don’t agree on the results,” Fletcher said. “It is important for the citizens to have the opportunity to engage and interact with the community’s leaders.

The Chamber of Commerce holds the forum each year to keep it unbiased and nonpartisan, said Director of the Chamber of Commerce and Newberry Main Street organization Anne Bello.

“With Newberry’s expected growth and business potential for next year, it should be an exciting forum this year,” Bello said. “The candidates each have platforms they are running from, about where they think Newberry should go from here.”

The forum will not be a debate. Each candidate will have a designated amount of time to speak on the subject of each question.

Questions will range from current city issues, such as parking, to potential growth issues. Residents and members of Newberry’s business community were encouraged to submit questions to the Chamber of Commerce by Wednesday, March 30.

“Not enough people get involved in their local government,” Bello said. “We want to encourage people to come.”

At the forum, the people in attendance will have the opportunity to submit questions as well.

The forum will be televised on Cox channel 97. City Hall will also have a “meet the candidates” session after the commission meeting on Monday, April 11.

“This forum brings up good topics for discussion and shows the candidates how the entire community feels about things going on,” Bello said. “If you have a question or an idea, certainly come out to this forum.”

Stearns held town hall meetings in area

 StearnsU.S. Congressman Cliff Stearns spoke of the nation’s financial situation in a town hall meeting at Newberry’s Municipal Building on Saturday.

Stearns also paid visits to Trenton, Gainesville and Micanopy.

“These town meetings provide an opportunity for those attending to bring up the issues that are important to them and to ask questions,” Stearns later said about the meetings.

He gave a presentation to a full house at 11 a.m. about the current and projected financial problems and his proposal of how to solve them.

Stearns said the current national debt exceeds $14 trillion and President Obama’s budget plan would double the debt in five years. Stearns also mentioned his “support for a plan to reduce federal spending by $2.5 trillion over 10 years.”

After his presentation, Stearns fielded questions from the audience. The meeting lasted about an hour.

“We had a good meeting and I deeply appreciated the chance to talk with the people of Alachua County,” he said.

Sister Erma Cheeley Jackson, age 72, retired, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2011 at Haven Hospice, Gainesville, Fla. Sister Erma was born in High Springs, Fla., and graduated from Douglas High School Class of 1956. She was saved at an early age and was a member of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church in High Springs.

Sister Erma was the President of the Mt. Olive Home Mission Society, past choir president at Mt. Olive; member of Jerusalem Baptist Association Woman’s Convention, Florida General Baptist State Woman’s Convention, Jerusalem Baptist Association District Choir; Corresponding Secretary of the Southeast Division Ministers and Deacon Union; Past Treasurer of Laymen Dept.; Sister Erma was also a Heroin of Jericho and employed with the Alachua County voting poll.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joshua and Ruby (Williams) Cheeley; brothers Robert Cheeley and Earl (Rutha Mae) Cheeley and sister Laura Hendrick.

Sister Erma leaves to cherish her memories her loving husband, Rev. Stanford Jackson, High Springs; children, Alvin (Sue) Phillips, Jonesville, Fla., Melvin (Dorothy) Daniels, Vanessa (William) Mabrey, all of Gainesville, Fla., Stanford Jackson III Lithonia, GA., Carmelia (Darryl) Jackson-Copeland, Stone Mountain, GA., and Authur (Beverly) Phillips of Crystal River, Fla.; sister Muriel (Harvey) Hutchinson of Gainesville; grandchildren Monica Johnson, Jerel Phillips, Taylor Jackson, Alton Davis, Erica Mabrey, Dominique, William and Brandon and adopted brother Rev. Mack (Mary) Edwards, Gainesville; a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral services for Sister Jackson will be held Saturday, April 2, 2011 at 11 a.m. at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, Elder L C Hunt, Pastor.  Visitation will be Friday 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home.  Burial will follow in Pine Hill Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to A. Jerome Brown Funeral Home, 1560 N W 1st Avenue, High Springs, Fla.

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, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Gainesville Natural Meats located at 5200 NW 43 Street, 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 Alachua, Florida, this 24th day of March, 2011. Scott A. Gove

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - March 10, 2011)

NOTICE OF INTENT TO REGISTER FICTITIOUS NAME

 

Pursuant to Section 865.09, Florida Statutes, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of McSween Construction located at 14213 NW 154 Place, in the County of Alachua, in the City of Alachua, Florida 32615, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated at Alachua, Florida, this 14th day of March, 2011. Angus McSween

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - March 10, 2011)

PUBLIC NOTICE

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 01-10-CA-00823 Div. K RBC BANK (USA), Plaintiff, vs. CAST-COAT, LLC, a Florida limited liability company; and ROBERT S. LOTHROP, individually, Defendants, _______/

AMENDED NOTICE OF SALE

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to the Summary final Judgment of Foreclosure rendered on November 1, 2010, in that certain cause pending in the Circuit Court in and for Alachua County, Florida, wherein RBC BANK (USA) is the Plaintiff, and granted against the Defendants, Cast-Coat, LLC, a Florida limited liability company, et al., in Case No. 01-10-CA-00823, J.K. Irby, Clerk of the Court of the aforesaid Court, will at 11:00 a.m. on April 4, 2011, offer for sale and sell ti the highest and best bidder for cash in the lobby of the Alachua County Family/Civil Justice Center, 201 E. University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32601, the following described real and personal property, situate and being in Alachua County, Florida to-wit: Lots 6, 25 and 27, CARAWAY SUBDIVISION, according to the plat or map thereof as recorded in Plat Book 26, Page 15, Public Records of alachua County, Florida. Said sale will be made pursuant to and in order to satisfy the terms of said Summary Final Judgment of Foreclosure. Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale. J.K. IRBY Clerk of the Court BY: /s/ Erika Powell As Deputy Clerk Jesse E. Graham, Jr., Esquire Florida Bar No.: 0008620 BURR & FORMAN LLP CNL Tower I 450 S. Orange Avenue, Suite 200 Orlando, Florida 32801 Telephone: (407) 244-0883  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Attorneys for Plaintiff, RBC BANK (USA)

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - March 17 and 24, 2011)

 

CITY OF HAWTHORNE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

 

On Tuesday, April 5th, 2011 at 6:30 pm at 6700 SE 221st St. Hawthorne, FL, the City Commission will hold a public hearing regarding the following ordinance:

 

ORDINANCE

 

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA AMENDING THE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS IN THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE CODE OF ORDINANCES, PART III, RELATING TO THE REGULATION OF THE USE AND DEVELOPMENT OF LAND IN THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA; AMENDING ARTICLE 2 SECTION 2.1, AMENDING THE DEFINITION OF ‘DWELLING, MOBILE HOME’ AND CREATING A DEFINITION FOR ‘MANUFACTURED BUILDING’; AMENDING ARTICLE 4 BY CREATING SECTION 4.2.35 REGARDING MINIMUM DESIGN STANDARDS FOR SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLINGS; PROVIDING SEVERABILITY; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

Copies of the proposed actions may be inspected by the public at City Hall on SE 221st St. The hearing will be open to the public and interested parties may appear at the hearing to be heard regarding the proposed action.

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - March 24, 2011)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Get Your Ad Noticed Here and in Over 100 Papers throughout Florida for One Low Rate. Advertising Networks of Florida, Put us to work for You! (866)742-1373 www.florida-classifieds.com.

SPECIAL EVENTS

 

Make your wedding special at a budget price!

 

Don’t let these tough times keep you from having your dream wedding. Weddings performed anywhere. Non-denominational , non judgmental, any and all marriages. Your choice of wedding vows, candle ceremonies, and sand ceremonies. Starting at $69. Many upgrades and wedding planner services available for an additional fee.

 

Call us at (352)317-7340 or (352)317-0846

GOOD THINGS TO EAT

 

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

 

Strawberrier $13 per flat, Cucumbers, Florida Broccoli & Cauliflower, Acre Peas, Fresh Cut Mustards & Collards, Bell Peppers, Florida Vine Ripe Tomatoes, Local Yellow Squash & Zucchini, Cabbage, Local Honey, Brown Eggs, Foothills Butter, Fresh Local Silver Queen Corn, 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- New Trucks *Local Orientation *Service Centers w/Showers *Laundry *Fuel and Truck Maintenance. Dry Van *Refrigerated. CDL-A, 3 months current OTR experience. (800)414-9569 www.driveknight.com

17 DRIVERS NEEDED! Top 5% Pay! Excellent Benefits New Trucks Ordered! Need CDL-A & 3 mos recent OTR. (877)258-8782 www.meltontruck.com

Drivers Earn Up to 39¢/mi HOME SEVERAL NIGHTS & WEEKENDS 1 yr OTR Flatbed exp. Call: (800)572-5489  Susan ext. 227 Pam ext. 238 SUNBELT TRANSPORT, LLC

Drivers: Dedicated Runs! Top Pay, Weekly Home-Time for Solo's & Teams! Consistent Freight with Werner Enterprises: 1-888-567-4862

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

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

 

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

 

Get Your Ad Noticed Here and in Over 100 Papers throughout Florida for One Low Rate. Advertising Networks of Florida, Put us to work for You! (866)742-1373  www.florida-classifieds.com.

FREE Program on How to Get Rich. Go to www.YourWishisYourCommand.com for FREE offer. It's the Secret Behind The Secret, today's Think and Grow Rich!

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

CASH NOW! Cash for your structured settlement or annuity payments. Call J.G. Wentworth. 1-866-494-9115 . Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau.

ADOPTIONS

 

PREGNANT? CONSIDERING ADOPTION? A childless energetic, spiritual, committed couple seeks to adopt. Financially secure. Healthcare professionals. Expenses paid. Gil & Dave (888)580-ADOPT (2367). FL Bar#0150789

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

 

Waterfront Property

 

ALABAMA WATERFRONT GRAND OPENING-4/2 only-2 for 1 SALE! Buy $39,900 Waterfront lot, get RV lot ABSOLUTELY FREE! Direct Gulf access; Limited supply.(888)392-9944

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

 

Business & Office Rentals

 

Office for lease. Downtown High Springs - 1400 sq ft - in historic brick building. Great window space for retail sales or professional office in addition to a large private office, porch and fenced back yard area. 1st / last plus, security deposit and references required. Contact 386-243-0825 .

MERCHANDISE

 

Garage Sales

 

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY BENEFIT - HUGE YARD SALE & CONCESSION...ALL PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT ACS RELAY FOR LIFE... Rain or shine, Sat. Mar. 26, 8am - 12pm. Find some great bargains, buy lunch, and benefit a great cause, all at the same time. We are located at 1110 South Main Street, High Springs, in the industrial park across the street from Tumblemania in the parking lot of the two warehouses located between Themeworks and Main Street Storage. Look for the signs.

Miscellaneous

 

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

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

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.

Opening Day Jamboree draws crowds

 Alachua_Babe_Ruth_Jamboree

Thousands of players and spectators descended on the Hal Brady Recreation Complex for the Babe Ruth Softball/Baseball Opening Day Jamboree this past Saturday. Perfect weather and a full schedule of baseball and softball drew a crowd of more than 5,200 people to Alachua's Hal Brady Recreation Complex on Saturday for the Babe Ruth Softball/Baseball Opening Day Jamboree. The aroma of burgers grilling, the crack of bat on ball and clouds of spring pollen were all in the air as parents, fans and children gathered to celebrate America's favorite pastime.

Mayor Gib Coerper, Police Chief Joel DeCoursey and City Manager Traci Cain were present for the opening ceremony and shook hands with each player as the teams were introduced. Coerper accepted a trophy on behalf of the Santa Fe 12U softball team, which won the Babe Ruth World Series title in August. Santa Fe pitcher Lauren Riley threw the day's opening pitch.

Pilots Joe Vangorder and Richard Bray of the Alachua County Sheriff's Office were also present, displaying a police helicopter for the children.

Twenty games were played, with teams traveling from all over Florida to participate. Games started at 9 a.m. and continued well into the evening. Players present ranged from four year olds to the Santa Fe High School baseball team.

Keri Griffis, a parent from Lawtey, Fla., said that her daughter enjoys traveling and playing in Babe Ruth tournaments because they give her an opportunity to play softball in new places and socialize with other children her age. Griffis, who said she has traveled to Starke, Keystone Heights and Citra for softball, praised the energy and atmosphere at the event.

“It couldn't be more of a perfect day,” said Michelle Williams, whose son Blake plays for the Santa Fe Ford team.

Opening day was even sweeter this year with the improvements made to the recreation last year in preparation for the Babe Ruth World Series 12U softball tournament held in August.  Improvements were funded by the City of Alachua, the Alachua Chamber of Commerce, the Gainesville Sports Commission, Walmart, Sysco, Dollar General and Santa Fe Ford.

 In a meeting Tuesday morning, the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners approved the proposal to extend a Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) wastewater force main extension from Gainesville to Waldo to provide wastewater service to the city.

The 12-mile extension would offer a resolution to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (FDEP) consent order issued to Waldo in 2009.

According to Waldo City Manager Kim Worley, running a line underground was the city’s best option. Building a new plant would be too expensive, and too difficult to maintain with such a high cost.

“It is truly the best alternative for a small town as far as it being handled professionally,” she said.

Now that the proposal has been approved, Worley said, the next step is waiting for the U.S. Department of Agriculture to respond with financing for the project.  The estimated $5.2 million project would be paid by a grant, and loan which will be paid back by the city over a 40-year period.

“It’s really tough because it’s expensive, but at the same time, we are under consent order,” she said.

In November 2010, the County Commission reviewed the interlocal agreement draft, adding that the force main be limited in size to a 10-inch diameter, which according to Worley, is the most the city could afford anyway.

Because the line runs through Gainesville, Waldo and Alachua County, all three entities will have to approve any connections to the line outside of the “urban cluster,” surrounding the City of Gainesville.

Initially, the concept stirred a brief controversy among county commissioners, who were concerned that with other entities making decisions, there could be an increased risk of urban sprawl.

But according to Worley, “urban sprawl is just as much an issue for the city as it is for the county, so having all three entities involved is an added layer of protection against future development in the unincorporated area.”

The final approval for the interlocal agreement passed quickly on the consent agenda at Tuesday’s County Commission meeting.

Now, Worley’s only concern is a rise in the wastewater and sewer rates, which will be controlled by GRU instead of Waldo.

“In such a small city, we want to try and keep the rates as low as possible.” But it’s worth it, she said.

Without the help of GRU, the city would still be struggling.

“It was really great that all four entities worked together to get this passed,” Worley said, “The county, City of Gainesville and GRU really stepped up to help us.”

Waldo city officials hope to have the project completed in about two years.

Local and out-of-state non-profits will team up Saturday to spice things up in the name of charity and good chili.

Now in its fourth year, the O’Leno Ole’ Chili Cook-Off will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday in the park, located off US 441 about six miles north of downtown High Springs. Registration starts at 8, and anyone is welcome to compete.

The event is sponsored by Friends of O’Leno, Inc., a Florida non-profit dedicated to funding special projects within the park that the state doesn’t provide funding for. The organization partners with Chili Appreciation Society International, Inc. (CASI); a Texas-based non-profit that puts a passion for chili to work for other charities.

The fundraising objective this year, said Friends of O’Leno event coordinator Harriet Walsh, is to continue to support the park’s new nature center as well as to raise money to purchase visual media equipment like a screen and projector for the park dinning hall.

There will be two separately judged competitions going on: one is the open category and the other is the CASI division. To enter one or the other is $20 per team, or $35 to compete in both. All winners will receive trophies.

There is no limit to how many entries are allowed.

For non-competitors, park admission will be charged as one canned food item per person. Walsh said the organization opted for this form of charge because local food banks are in “dire need” right now.

Last year, Walsh said the cook-off raised between $600 and $700 for Friends of O’Leno, and she hopes it will be even more this year.

The park will also be hosting Alachua County’s Springs Celebration, an event the cook-off has coordinated with in the past.

For more information, visit the O’Leno State Park page on floridastateparks.org.

The City of High Sprigns is one step closer to continuing the next phase of its wastewater management project.

On March 17, High Springs City Manager Jenny Parham received word from the city’s bond counsel, Dan Livermore, notifying her that a county judge ruled to validate the city’s $4,973,000 bond, which is to be used to fund the next phase of the sewer project - specifically the expansion of the treatment plant.

At Thursday night’s 6:30 regular meeting, the High Springs City Commission will schedule a special meeting to discuss the next steps. Whether the city will go ahead with borrowing money as planned is entirely up to the commission, Parham said.

During the special meeting to be held, the city’s contracted engineering firm in charge of the project will present various options about how to proceed.

If the bond hadn’t been validated, High Springs would have had to find other funding in order to go forward with the sewer project.

“…and if we didn't go forward with the sewer, the people already connected would have to bear the debt and I don't think they would appreciate that,” Parham added.

Alan Hitchcock Park has been closed since March 1Alachua_Old_theater_Park4, shortly after City of Alachua officials learned of structural concerns.  The park has been a popular spot on Alachua’s Main Street for the last decade.  In May 2009, the City renamed the park from Old Theatre Park to Alan Hitchcock Park in honor of the longtime area businessman.

Structural concerns at the site are apparently focused on loose bricks in the archways, which remain from the original building.  Temporary scaffolding has been installed at the entry to the park so pedestrian traffic may continue along the sidewalk along the park.  City officials do not know when repairs to the structure will begin or end.

One of 4 cities featured in Bike Florida

Newberry_Bike_Florida

The City of Newberry will host Bike Florida participants during their annual 300-mile cycling tour, which kicks off March 26.  Bikers will overnight in Newberry and take part in planned activities at the Easton-Newberry Sports Complex.

Prepare for bikes. Lots and lots of bikes.

Bike Florida’s annual weeklong bicycling tour will reach Newberry on Wednesday as part of its tour of North Central Florida. Up to 1,000 bicyclists are expected to participate.

The trip will begin in Gainesville on Saturday, March 26, and end in Gainesville on April 1. The riders will stop in High Springs, Newberry and Micanopy. The weeklong, nearly 300-mile bike tour will be making its first appearance in Central Florida.

“We are excited to be coming to the Central Florida region this year,” Rachel Weissler, ride director for Bike Florida, said.

The bicyclists will arrive in Newberry Wednesday morning from High Springs. The Easton-Newberry Sports Complex will host the riders for dinner and entertainment “Olympics style,” said Joy Glanzer, member of the city’s planning committee for the event.

“We have a fun night planned and we hope kids and families come,” Glanzer said. “We want to showcase Newberry’s recreation activities for the cyclists and the city.”

At the complex, the cyclists will be able to participate in “Bike Florida Olympics,” which will feature activities such as archery, cricket, croquet and baseball, Glanzer said. A DJ from Kiss 105.3 will be there for music entertainment.

“Newberry designed their activities because they want to show off their community as a sports mecca,” Weissler said. “They want the riders to see the best of Newberry so they want to come back.”

Glanzer said it is an opportunity for the city to feature its recreational facilities and show the riders Newberry is a good host community. She participated in the Bike Florida event as a rider in the past.

“It was wonderful,” she said, “I had a lovely week. This year I hope the bikers enjoy the local flavor of our city.”

Bike Florida is a non-profit organization founded in 1994. All proceeds from the registrations go to promoting bike safety, and this year North Central Florida was chosen to Ride to Save Florida Springs in partnership with Florida’s Eden, Weissler said.

“We are calling this year’s route ‘Florida’s Eden’ because we are partnering with that organization to highlight the springs in the area,” she said.

Gary Lee Curry, 54, passed away Sunday, March 20, 2011 at his residence in High Springs, Fla.  He was a carpenter.

He was preceded in death by his parents, W.D. and Betty Curry.

Survivors include his daughter, Whitney (Brant) Bussey of Ft. White; brother, Rusty Curry of Altamonte Springs, Fla.; two sisters, Debra Daniels of Lake City, Fla., Cindy Spencer of Cumming, Ga.; one granddaughter, Brae Bussey; and one grandson, Bage Bussey.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 25, 2011 from 7 to 8 p.m. at Evans-Carter Funeral Home in High Springs.

Flowers are welcome, but for those who wish, donations may be made to their favorite charity.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, March 26, 2011 at 10 a.m. at High Springs Cemetery with Rev. Morris C. Beck officiating.

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

columnColumn by DR. ERIC J. SMITH

Florida Commissioner of Education

I’m disappointed in the Orlando Sentinel’s recent article, “Test results will be late again, state tells schools,” which presents a host of misinformation about this year’s FCAT administration.

First and foremost, the article’s claim that assessment results are going to be late this year is premature. Students are currently in the testing process and we are months away from calculating the results. Based on this, a claim that nonexistent results are late is a gross misstatement of fact.

Putting aside the article’s sensationalized title, the chief concern raised in the piece deals with Florida’s administration of our first-ever end-of-course exam (EOC). The current delivery timeframe for the Algebra I EOC Assessment results is on or before June 7, 2011. The due date is specified in our contract, which was finalized in the summer of 2009, with our testing vendor, and is necessary due to the required processes when brand new assessments are introduced. Essentially, since we have no past Algebra I EOC results, we must perform something called post-equating to ensure the results that are reported are valid and accurate. Post-equating, by its nature, occurs after results come in, and is necessary to validate the results. Therefore, results for this exam are unable to be reported any sooner this year. The post-equating issue has been widely and openly discussed with school districts across the state for some time now, so that they may prepare for the timing of the results accordingly.

As part of the process, we have worked directly with our Leadership Policy Advisory Committee (LPAC) group. This group of core superintendents has met regularly with the Department and continues to advise and provide feedback on important education issues. This group unanimously agreed that if given raw scores, that they would bring more issues than they would help solve.

Lastly, while it is true that the June 7 due date for EOC results does occur after the close of the school year for a few districts in Florida, it is critical to note that the Department made a commitment to districts that, as always, we will do everything possible to get the results out as quickly as we can.

The Department of Education will continue to work with our testing vendor to ensure that statewide assessment and reporting are performed smoothly, accurately and in a timely fashion. It is unfortunate that the Sentinel chose to publish this article as we have only just begun this year’s test administration, and the calculation of results has yet to occur.  It is my hope that we can continue to work with the Sentinel to provide accurate information relating to all educational issues so reporters do not find themselves in this position in the future.

 

LEGAL NOTICE

 

PUBLIC NOTICE

 

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 04/08/2011, 10:00 a.m. at 14515 NW PEGGY RD, ALACHUA, FL 32615-5449, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids. 1GNCS13W1T2153399 1996 CHEVROLET

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - March 17, 2011)

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION CIVIL DIVISION CASE NO: 01-09-CA-3449 ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA, Plaintiff. vs. NGR PURE TRUST, RICHARD R. KLOPP, and all other persons claiming by, through, under or against the named Defendant, Defendants. ___________/

NOTICE OF SALE

 

NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Final Judgment entered in the above entitled cause in the Circuit Court of the Eighth Judicial Circuit in and for Alachua County, Florida, I will sell the property located in Alachua County, Florida described as Lots 33, 34 and 35 ARREDONDA ESTATES UNIT NO, 2-A, according to map or plat as recorded in Plat Book "G", page 58 of the Public Records of Alachua County, Florida, at public sale to the highest and best bidder for cash, in the Lobby of the Alachua County Family/Civil Justice Center, 201 East University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601 at 11:00 A.M. on the 29th day of March, 2011.

 

Any person claiming an Interest In the surplus from the sales, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim-within 60 days after the sale.

 

Dated on March 2, 2011. J.K. "Buddy" Irby Clerk of the Circuit Court P.O. Box 600 Gainesville, FL 32602 By: /s/ Erika Powell Deputy Clerk

 

(Published: March 10 and 17, 2011)

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION CASE NO: 01-09-CA-3450 ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA, Plaintiff, vs. LUDI STRITT, THOMAS E. MULLIN, and all other persons claiming by, through, under or against all the named Defendants, Defendants, ______________/ NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Final Judgment entered in the above entitled cause in the Circuit Court of the Eighth Judicial Circuit in and for Alachua County, Florida, I will sell the property located in Alachua County, Florida described in Exhibit A at public sale to the highest and best bidder for cash in the Lobby of the Alachua County Family/Civil Justice Center, 201 E. University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601 at 11:00 A.M. on the 29 day of March, 2011.

 

Dated on February 28, 2011. J.K. "Buddy" Irby Clerk of the Circuit Court P.O. Box 600 Gainesville, FL 32602 By: /s/ Erika Powell Deputy Clerk LEGAL DESCRIPTION

That part of the Southeast 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 of Section 3, Township 11 South, Range 22 East, Alachua County, Florida; and being more particularly described as follows:

 

Commence at the Southwest corner of the Southeast 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 for a point of reference; thence North 01º17'31" West, along the West line of the said Southeast 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4, a distance of 514.75 feet, to the POINT OF BEGINNING; continue North 01º17'31" West, along the West line of the Southeast 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4, a distance of 150.03 feet; thence North 87º31'42" East, a distance of 1519.89 feet, to an intersection with the Westerly right-of-way line of CSX Railroad; thence South 14º56'23" West, along said Westerly right-of-way line, a distance of 157.20 feet; thence South 87º31'42" West, a distance of 1475.94 feet, to an intersection with said West line of the Southeast 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4, for the said POINT OF BEGINNING.

 

LOT #2

That part of the Southeast 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 of Section 3, Township 11 South, Range 22 East, Alachua County, Florida; and being more particularly described as follows: Commence at the Southwest corner of the Southeast 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 for a point of reference; thence North 1º17'31" West, along the West line of the said Southeast 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4, a distance of 364.62 feet, to the POINT OF BEGINNING; thence continue North 01º17'31" West, along the said West line of the Southeast 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4, a distance of 150.13 feet; thence North 87º31'42" East, a distance of 1475.94 feet, to an intersection with the Westerly right-of-way line of the CSX Railroad (being 65.00 feet, measured perpendicular from the centerline of said railroad); thence South 14º56'23" West, along the said Westerly right-of-way line, a distance of 157.31 feet; thence South 87º31'42" West, a distance of 1431.96 feet, to an intersection with the said West line of the Southeast 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4, for the said POINT OF BEGINNING.

 

BEARING NOTE: The bearings as shown hereon have been projected from a previous map of the area prepared by M.K. Flowers and Associates for Tom Mullin, dated October 17, 1980. Project No. 284-80 TOGETHER WITH that certain right-of-way easement as follows: Together with a non-exclusive perpetual easement for ingress and egress across that part of the North 330.04 feet of the Northeast 1/4 of the Northwest 1/4; and that part of the Northwest 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 of Section 10, Township 11 South, Range 22 East, and across that part of the Southwest 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 of the Southeast 1/4; and across that part of the Northwest 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 3, Township 11 South, Range 22 East, that lies within a 30.00 foot strip that is parallel to and continguous with the Westerly right-of-way line of the Seaboard Coastline Railroad, as shown by a revised right-of-way description and map recorded in Official Records Book 1099, page 322; of the Public Records of Alachua, County, Florida; LESS the North 320.00 feet of the Northwest 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 3, Township 11 South, Range 22 East, the same lying North of the grade crossing.

(Published: March 10 and 17, 2011)

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No. 2010-CA-5323 PERKINS STATE BANK, A Florida Banking Corporation, Plaintiff, vs. MARILYN M. MARSON AND RODERICK T. MARSON, Defendants. __________/ CLERK'S NOTICE OF SALE UNDER F.S. CHAPTER 45

NOTICE IS GIVEN that, in accordance with the Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated January 31, 2011, in the above-styled cause, I will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, in the lobby of the Alachua County Courthouse, Gainesville, Florida at 11:00 a.m. on March 29, 2011 the following described property:

 

Condominium Units A and B, SHEMA PLAZA CONDOMINIUM, together with an undivided interest in the common elements, according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Record Book 1567, Page 205, as amended from time to time, of the Public Records of ALACHUA County, Florida.

 

Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale.

 

Dated: February 9th, 2011 J.K. Irby Clerk of Court By: /s/ Erika Powell Deputy Clerk

 

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 A.M. on Tuesday, March 29, 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. UNIT C21 Nicole Leacock-Auxter UNIT G05 Marquita Williams UNIT H31 Kenneth Traylor UNIT I23 Willie Crumpler UNIT J09 David Arbogast UNIT K03 Cassandra Kwarteng UNIT L12 Ruta Victoria Chumbook UNIT 174A Ebony Jenkins UNIT 259B Klarika Taylor UNIT 359 Cecil Valentine UNIT 548 Thomas Oil Company UNIT 654A Billy Beard (Published: Alachua County Today - March 10 and 17, 2011)

 

NOTICE OF SALE

 

ADC Self Storage, in accordance with the Florida Self Storage Act, hereby notifies that the following units are scheduled for public auction, or other disposal, on Thursday, March 31, 2011 at 10:00 A.M. The Auction, or other disposal, will be held at ADC Self Storage, 13701 NW US Hwy 441, Alachua, Florida 32615. A11 Beverly Denise Sandurs B27 Feliciano Vega, Jr. D12 Builders Choice Cabinets D13 Builders Choice Cabinets D14 Builders Choice Cabinets

(Published: Alachua County Today – March 10 and 17, 2010)

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 04/04/2011, 10:00 a.m. at 14515 NW PEGGY RD, ALACHUA, FL 32615-5449, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids. 1FTCR10A7SUB63936 1995 FORD 1FTDF15Y7KNA78169 1989 FORD

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - March 17, 2011)

 

City of Alachua Request for Proposals RFP 2011-01 Banking Services

The City of Alachua FL is requesting proposals from qualified depositories to provide comprehensive banking services to include establishing demand deposit accounts, zero balance accounts, certificates of deposits and/or money market accounts as needed. The objective of the City is to secure the most efficient and effective banking services at the lowest cost to taxpayers while maintaining the liquidity and protection of the City’s funds. Proposal documents may be obtained from the City’s website (www.cityofalachua.org). Requests for clarification or additional information should be made in writing (facsimile and email acceptable) to: Marcian K Brown – Finance Director City of Alachua PO Box 9 Alachua FL 32616-0009 386-418-6114 (fax) This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Responses to requests for information will be furnished to all proposers. Deadline to receive requests is 14 April 2011. Requests after that date will not be answered. Sealed proposals should be received by 5:30PM on 21 April 2011. Proposals received after that time and date will be returned unopened. Proposals should be delivered to: Frank Sodek, III – Administrative Services Director City of Alachua 15100 NW 142 Terrace Alachua FL 32615 Or mailed to: Frank Sodek, III – Administrative Services Director City of Alachua PO Box 9 Alachua FL 32616-0009

(Published: Alachua County Today – March 17, 2011)

 

City of Archer Request for Bids

The City of Archer intends to contract with a vendor to provide a Public Sector Utility Billing System. This Request for Bid (RFB) which is available via the web or at city hall states the overall scope of services desired, specific software functionality and technology foundations as well as desired vendor qualifications. Prior to filing a proposal, vendors shall examine the specifications in order to verify all existing conditions and limitations. Bid Documents may be obtained by calling City Hall at 352-495-2880 or accessed via the web at; www.cityofarcher.com Bids are due by 5PM March 25, 2011. Bids may be e-mailed or mailed to the City of Archer at the contact information listed below. All Bid submissions or questions should be directed to: John Glanzer, City Manager 16870 SW 134th Ave Archer Fl 32618 352-495-2880

(Published: Alachua County Today - March 17, 2011)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 01-10-CA-00823 Div. K RBC BANK (USA), Plaintiff, vs. CAST-COAT, LLC, a Florida limited liability company; and ROBERT S. LOTHROP, individually, Defendants, _______/

AMENDED NOTICE OF SALE

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to the Summary final Judgment of Foreclosure rendered on November 1, 2010, in that certain cause pending in the Circuit Court in and for Alachua County, Florida, wherein RBC BANK (USA) is the Plaintiff, and granted against the Defendants, Cast-Coat, LLC, a Florida limited liability company, et al., in Case No. 01-10-CA-00823, J.K. Irby, Clerk of the Court of the aforesaid Court, will at 11:00 a.m. on April 4, 2011, offer for sale and sell ti the highest and best bidder for cash in the lobby of the Alachua County Family/Civil Justice Center, 201 E. University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32601, the following described real and personal property, situate and being in Alachua County, Florida to-wit: Lots 6, 25 and 27, CARAWAY SUBDIVISION, according to the plat or map thereof as recorded in Plat Book 26, Page 15, Public Records of alachua County, Florida. Said sale will be made pursuant to and in order to satisfy the terms of said Summary Final Judgment of Foreclosure. Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale. J.K. IRBY Clerk of the Court BY: /s/ Erika Powell As Deputy Clerk Jesse E. Graham, Jr., Esquire Florida Bar No.: 0008620 BURR & FORMAN LLP CNL Tower I 450 S. Orange Avenue, Suite 200 Orlando, Florida 32801 Telephone: (407) 244-0883 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Attorneys for Plaintiff, RBC BANK (USA)

(Published: Alachua County Today - March 17 and 24, 2011)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

 

Campbellton v. Unknown Respondents. 14th Judicial Circuit Ct/Marianna. Condemning Agent authority over Florida contractually-provided voting rights in Publix; foreign mutual insurance companies; mutual funds. Respondents contesting by 3-31-11 will be removed from action. Full info: www.EconomicStrategies.ORG

 

Get Your Ad Noticed Here and in Over 100 Papers throughout Florida for One Low Rate. Advertising Networks of Florida, Put us to work for You! (866)742-1373 www.florida-classifieds.com

SPECIAL EVENTS

 

 

Make your wedding special at a budget price!

Don’t let these tough times keep you from having your dream wedding. Weddings performed anywhere. Non-denominational , non judgmental, any and all marriages. Your choice of wedding vows, candle ceremonies, and sand ceremonies. Starting at $69. Many upgrades and wedding planner services available for an additional fee.

Call us at (352)317-7340 or (352)317-0846.

EMPLOYMENT

 

Help Wanted

 

 

Drivers Earn Up to 39¢/mi HOME SEVERAL NIGHTS & WEEKENDS 1 yr OTR Flatbed exp. Call: (800)572-5489 Susan ext. 227 Pam ext. 238 SUNBELT TRANSPORT, LLC

 

Between High School and College? Over 18? Drop that entry level position. Earn what you're worth!!! Travel w/Successful Young Business Group. Paid Training. Transportation, Lodging Provided. (877)646-5050.

 

Black Rock Farm, seeks temporary US farm workers starting 3-27-11 to 12-31-11. Wages will be the federal adverse effects wage rate currently $10.60 / hr. The work requires some heavy manual labor related to farm activates ; includes preparing fields , haying, planting, cultivating, herbs, operating some farm machinery. Apply for this job at the nearest (Maryland Dept. of Licensing and Regulation Rural Services)Office using job number MD0668238

 

Between High School and College? Over 18? Drop that entry level position. Earn what you're worth!!! Travel w/Successful Young Business Group. Paid Training. Transportation, Lodging Provided. (877)646-5050.

FARM WORKERS AND CROP LABORERS Colchester, Vermont Area 10 temporary positions at S. Mazza Farm Stand & Greenhouses, Inc. / S. Mazza Farm. Workers needed to do field work, hand weeding, hoeing, planting, etc. for diversified crops. Will also harvest crops. To start approx. 04-04-11 to 10-30-11. A great deal of heavy lifting, standing, bending and kneeling for long periods of time. Wage is $10.20 per hr. Prod. Standards required. Work is guaranteed for 3/4 of contract period. Tools are provided without cost. Housing provided at no cost to workers who reside outside of the normal commuting distance. Transportation cost reimbursed after 15 days or 50% of contract period, whichever comes first. Contact The Nearest Department of Labor Office for application and referral. Job order number: 86316.

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

 

DRIVERS-OTR Experienced? $1000 Sign On-O/O's & CO. Need New Career / Guaranteed Job? Offering Sponsored Training at FFE Driver Academy, Fort Worth, TX. (800)569-9232 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

 

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

 

 

DO YOU EARN $800.00 IN A DAY? Your Own Local Candy Route 25 Machines and Candy All for $9995.00 All Major Credit Cards Accepted (877)915-8222 AINB02653

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

ADOPTIONS

 

 

PREGNANT? CONSIDERING ADOPTION? A childless energetic, spiritual, committed couple seeks to adopt. Financially secure. Healthcare professionals. Expenses paid. Gil & Dave (888)580-ADOPT (2367). FL Bar#0150789

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

 

Real Estate

 

 

ALABAMA WATERFRONT GRAND OPENING-4/2 only-2 for 1 SALE! Buy $39,900 Waterfront lot, get RV lot ABSOLUTELY FREE! Direct Gulf access; Limited supply. (888)392-9944

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

 

Business & Office Rentals

 

Office for lease. Downtown High Springs - 1400 sq ft - in historic brick building. Great window space for retail sales or professional office in addition to a large private office, porch and fenced back yard area. 1st / last plus, security deposit and references required. Contact 386-243-0825.

MERCHANDISE

 

Garage Sales

 

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY BENEFIT - HUGE YARD SALE & CONCESSION...ALL PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT ACS RELAY FOR LIFE... Rain or shine, Sat. Mar. 26, 8am - 12pm. Find some great bargains, buy lunch, and benefit a great cause, all at the same time. We are located at 1110 South Main Street, High Springs, in the industrial park across the street from Tumblemania in the parking lot of the two warehouses located between Themeworks and Main Street Storage. Look for the signs.

Miscellaneous For Sale

 

 

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

 

RUG LIQUIDATION SALE! 75% Off Every Rug. FREE SHIPPING/BUY NOW. 200,000 Rugs Must Go www.eSaleRugs.com (866)647-3965

 

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

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.

Legacy Baptist and Hope Community Baptist merge

MarriageChurchesMergeBryan_DSF3547

The growing congregation of Legacy Baptist Church formed when the youthful membership of Legacy Baptist and the aging membership of Hope Community Baptist merged in December.  Legacy Baptist Church is located on the site of the former Hope Community Baptist Church on NW 146th Avenue.

Marriage ceremonies unite a couple as one. But what happens when two churches decide to unite as one?

In Alachua, two churches have done just that as two congregations, one aging, the other youth oriented, merged to form a new church.

Over the last few months, Pastor John Jernigan has seen drastic changes in his church, Legacy Baptist Church. All of them, he said, have been overwhelmingly positive.

“You don't often hear about churches coming together. You more often hear about them coming apart,” said Jernigan.

Jernigan and his congregation at Legacy Baptist have done exactly that, joining Hope Community Baptist and becoming one congregation.

Hope Community, a Southern Baptist church with an older group of worshipers, was facing problems in November when health concerns forced their pastor, Eugene Polk, to retire.  The once thriving congregation had been meeting in its church at the corner of NW 146th Avenue and NW 137th Terrace since October 2001.  But Deloris Polk said that by last fall, membership numbers had dwindled.

Hope Community Steering Committee members Jimmy Burns, Jimmy Willis and Otis Porter approached Legacy and offered a compromise: Move into Hope Community's building and become one congregation. The two groups had church together in December and unanimously voted in favor of the move.

“We just fell in love with everyone. It was a miracle made in heaven,” said Burns, a former member of Hope Community.

Legacy, which had been renting space in the Alachua Women's Club since 2004, had members showing up hours before services to set up sound equipment and arrange the room.  With a healthy congregation of some 80 members, Legacy was growing and needed a more permanent place to call home. Now, they have dedicated facilities, along with space for a nursery. Wade Townsend, a Legacy member, said that they had been praying for guidance for several years about whether they should buy a building for the church.

“We meshed real well together,” added Townsend.

Hope Community, which had an older congregation, welcomed the infusion of youth into their routine.

“The future of the church is the young people,” said James Willis, a longtime member of Hope Community.

The move required some adjustment on both sides. A typical service at Legacy now includes infants alongside retirees. Older members of Hope Community had to adjust to a new set of hymns and the rhythms of a new pastor, but praise for the move is universal among members of the congregation.

“It's being done a different way,” said Jernigan, “but it’s the same message.”

The combined congregation, which has taken the name Legacy Baptist and moved into Hope Community's building on NW 146th Avenue, has now been together for more than two months.

Damages and thefts top $20,000

Alachua Police Department (APD) responded Monday to reports of a burglary at J.D. Sanders RV Center in Alachua. Burglars pried open 30 motor coaches and stole 25-30 DVD players, televisions and other electronics from the motor homes located at the U.S. Highway 441 business. The burglary caused approximately $10,000 worth of damage and caused extensive damage to the pried-open doors, according to APD. The stolen electronics are valued at approximately $12,000.

The burglars gained access to the gated compound by cutting the fence surrounding the area. Police estimate that the burglary took place between 3 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday.

There was no surveillance video of the burglaries, and APD currently has no suspects, but is currently working several leads, said Officer Jesse Sandusky.

The Alachua County Commission continued discussing how to deal with the backlog in road improvements and repairs to no avail.  The board failed to come up a unanimous decision during Tuesday’s special commission meeting dealing with public works’ budget issues.

Commissioner Paula DeLaney was not present at the meeting, and the board decided to continue discussing the issue at a later date.

All commissioners that were present said they understood the urgency of improving roads in the county and appeared to agree that a sales surtax was necessary to manage the expenses.

Commissioners Lee Pinkoson and Mike Byerly suggested a half-cent surtax instead of a one-cent surtax.  Pinkoson also suggested figuring out what projects exactly were going to receive the money and for how long the tax would be in effect before asking the public to support it.

“I think the only thing that has a chance is [road] maintenance only and short term,” Pinkoson said. “Somehow we need to figure out a better way of educating the public about what the projects are. We have a real problem here.”

The decision on whether to create such a tax would lie with the voters in the 2012 election. The commission also discussed whether the county should be responsible for placing the initiative on the ballot, or if the county should educate the public on the road issues and leave it to the residents to place the initiative.

However, Commissioner Rodney Long said he was hesitant to spend taxpayers’ dollars on educating the public about the road issues before the board has a set plan on what it wants to do.

During the public comments part of the meeting, several residents expressed their lack of trust in the commission. One resident blamed the commission for not having “sold” the idea of spending on roads in the past to the public and instead supported non-essential programs like Wild Spaces and Public Places.

During the meeting, public works staff did a presentation on how much money has been spent and how much money is needed for roads. Staff reported that the current backlog for roads is $378 million. The road problem has been growing for the past 30 years and will continue to worsen if the county doesn’t do something about it.

In a 2010 pavement condition analysis, the public works department determined that 49 percent of roads in the county need major repair and 85 percent need some capital repair.

GatorNationalsDaroza_DSF3454Jason Line won his second-straight Gatornationals title this past weekend, making him the only driver to win a race in the first two Pro Stock races of the 2011 NHRA season thus far.

Instead of a rain-soaked drag strip and mud-bogged parking lots, thousands of race fans poured into Gainesville Raceway this weekend for a record-setting 42nd annual Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals.

Both Jason Line and Eddie Krawiec each notched their second Gatornationals championships in as many years in the Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle categories, respectively.

In Top Fuel, former Funny Car pilot Del Worsham became only the 15th in NHRA history to capture victories in Top Fuel and Funny Car categories.

And Mike Neff, who is taking Ashley Force Hood’s spot in the John Force Racing stable while she’s on maternity leave, sped to his first-ever Gatornationals win.

Worsham’s 3.858-second pass at 318.99 mph. just barely edged four-time Gatornationals champ and seven-time world champ Tony Schumacher’s pass of 3.866 seconds at 318.39 mph.

The win became Worsham’s first in the Top Fuel category after notching 25 victories during his Funny Car career that began in 1990.

“It feels great,” a happy Worsham said later about winning in both classes.

“I had a chance at the U.S. Nationals in 1993, could have won in Top Fuel, and I made a huge mistake, red-light against Kenny Bernstein.

“It’s kind of weighed on me for 20 years.”

Neff, who pulls the rare double life as driver and crew chief, wheeled his Castrol GTX Mustang to a dominating win over former champ Cruz Pedregon in the Funny Car final.

Pedregon smoked the tires on his ride, allowing Neff to speed away for his second-career win and first at Gainesville.

“It’s just a great day for our whole team,” Neff said.

“The hardest part is just trying not to mess it up as a driver.”

There was no question which race team would win the Pro Stock final, just which teammate in the Summit Racing stable would be hoisting the trophy in the winner’s circle.

Line – who won the Pro Stock season opener in Pomona two weeks ago – beat his teammate Greg Anderson despite running a slower elapsed time (6.554 to 6.545) and a lower speed (211.96 to 212.43).

It was Line’s reaction time off the starting line that allowed him to take his second-consecutive Gatornationals victory and spoil Anderson’s 50th birthday (the following day).

Krawiec enjoyed what would end up being the easiest way to the winner’s circle when Karen Stoffer red-lighted off the starting line, gift-wrapping Krawiec’s second-straight Gatornationals title.

National records were set in both the Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle classes at the Gatornationals during qualifying.

Former Gatornationals champ Hector Arana set the national record for elapsed time at 6.777 seconds, while Krawiec set the national speed record at 199.26 mph. in the Pro Stock Motorcycle category.

In fact, the entire Pro Stock Motorcycle field combined to record the three quickest and three fastest runs in class history.

In Pro Stock, both the national records for elapsed time and speed were smashed when Rodger Brogdon laid down a lightning-quick pass of 6.495 seconds and later Erica Enders ran the fastest-ever Pro Stock run at 213.57 mph.

Overall, this year’s Gatornationals Pro Stock field recorded the seven quickest elapsed times in category history, as well as establishing the 10 fastest speeds in class history.

Former NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Kurt Busch made his Pro Stock debut in Gainesville and met mixed results.

Busch struggled, for the most part, in the four qualifying rounds, but eventually made the starting field of 16 cars for Sunday’s eliminations.

Paired against Enders in the first round, few gave Busch – who will return to his “real” job next Sunday in Bristol – much of a chance based on his inconsistent qualifying performances.

However, the race between Enders and Busch couldn’t have gotten much closer.

Enders barely edged out Busch by .031 seconds at the finish line, bringing the crowd to their feet.

The 42nd edition of this event, in conjunction with NHRA’s 60th anniversary, saw several dedications to some heroes of Gatornationals past.

Legendary drivers “Big Daddy” Don Garlits and Kenny Bernstein were each honored this past weekend at the prestigious race track.

During pre-race ceremonies, Garlits – who owns the Don Garlits Drag Racing Museum just south of Gainesville in Belleview – had the TEC grandstands dedicated in his honor, and now the former TEC Grandstand at Gainesville Raceway will now be forever known as the Don Garlits Grandstand.

Bernstein, who broke the 300-mph barrier at the Gatornationals by making a pass at 301.70 mph. in his Top Fueler in 1992, was honored earlier, as the NHRA and Gainesville Raceway named the quarter-mile strip “301 Bernstein Way.”

AlachuaHouseParkingLot_DSF3521

The former daycare center at 14919 NW 142nd Terrace is slated to be demolished to make way for downtown parking spaces. Purchase of the property was approved by the Alachua City Commission and will be paid for with Downtown Redevelopment Trust Board funds.

The site of a former daycare is on track to be owned by the City of Alachua thanks to funding from the Downtown Redevelopment Trust Board (DRTB), the city’s community redevelopment agency.  The board voted at a recent meeting to move ahead with an offer to purchase the property located at 14919 NW 142nd

Terrace.

Alachua City Commissioners voted unanimously Monday to backup that move and gave authorization for the City to offer to purchase the site for $100,000.  The City would also pay 2010 and 2011 property taxes as well as other transfer and closing costs.

The owner of the building has been facing foreclosure and is believed to be offering the deed in lieu of foreclosure.  The DRTB and city staffers have been working with the mortgage holder of the property for several months to reach an agreement.  The Alachua County Property Appraiser’s office lists the property with a market value of $183,600.  It has also been listed for sale by a local realtor for several months.

Located primarily behind Dr. Douglas Adel’s dentist office, which is at the corner of NW 142nd Terrace and NW 150th Avenue, the former daycare site would be used to create additional parking in the future.  The DRTB has been mapping and planning for additional parking areas in the downtown area to accommodate future growth.

The site currently has two buildings, one totaling about 1,700 square feet and the other just over 900 square feet.  Based on discussions at the most recent meeting of the Downtown Redevelopment Trust Board, the City would likely demolish those buildings or have them removed from the site to allow for more parking spaces.

The added parking would likely help with the DRTB’s planned reconstruction of NW 150th Avenue and NW 142nd Terrance.  That project would create more orderly street side parking, but also encroach on existing dedicated parking in front of merchants on the south side of NW 150th Avenue.  The purchase of the daycare property would mitigate those lost spaces.

The sale is expected to be finalized within weeks.

 In an effort to give back to the community, residents of Hawthorne will be participating in Keep America Beautiful’s Great American Cleanup, the nation’s largest community improvement program on April 2 at 7 a.m.

Volunteers from the Hawthorne Area Community Foundation, chamber of commerce, public works department, local churches and other organizations along with the residents and city officials will be helping to clean the city, getting rid of any trash and debris they see in the area.

“It’s just a wonderful resource for the community to come together and clean the city free of charge,” Interim City Manager Ellen Vause said. “It gives residents the opportunity to show their pride in the community.”

Waste Pro, the privately owned full service solid waste and recycling company that services Hawthorne, will be donating the tipping fees and roll off trash bins for residents and commercial businesses in the area to drop off their debris and waste at a central location.

The company has partnered with the city for at least five years to make the event a success.

According to Dana Miller, the municipal marketing representative at Waste Pro, the cleanup is another chance for them to get involved with the community.

“We don’t just want to be the garbage people,” she said. “We want to be a community partner. Waste Pro is really proud to be a part of it and to help contribute to making Hawthorne a cleaner place to live.”

Waste Pro is the largest solid waste and recycling company in the Southeastern United States, covering seven different states and serving 1.3 million customers.

According to the Web site, in 2010, volunteers donated more than 5.7 million hours to clean and improve more than 33,000 communities nationwide.

At a city commission meeting Tuesday, Mayor Eleanor Randall encouraged all residents to participate in the event.

Lish Bing, 68, died Thursday, March 10, 2011 at Park Meadows Health and Rehabilitation Center, Gainesville, Fla.  Mr. Bing was born May 5, 1942 to the late Willie and Dessie Mae Bing.  He was preceded in death by a daughter, Gwendolyn Bing, and brothers, Clyde Bing, Raymond Bing and Willie Bing.

He leaves behind a devoted and faithful wife of 47 years, Mrs. Willie Jean Byrd Bing of Fort White, Fla.  They had seven children, daughters, Joyce Strawder of Gainesville, Fla. and Pamela Bing of Lake City, Fla.; sons, Barry (Sheila) Bing of Williston, Fla., Michael (Jovan) Bing of Lake City, Terrynce (Bonnie) Bing of High Springs, Fla., Leonard (Kachina) Byrd of Dallas, Texas; grandchildren, Enondrus “Stanka” (Kelli) Phillips of Lake City, Sheila Phillips of Jacksonville, Fla., Enoch Jonas of Orlando, Fla., Eric Jonas and Teresa Bing of Fort White; sister, Bessie (Robert) Williams of High Springs; and brother, Eugene (Rutha) Bing of Fort White, a host of sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law; aunts; uncles; nieces; nephews; cousins; and sorrowing friends.

Funeral Service for Mr. Bing will be Saturday, March 19, 2011 at 11 a.m. at Anderson Memorial Church of God in Christ, Elder Lowell James, Pastor and Elder Boyzie Perry Eulogist.  Burial will follow in Heavenly Rest Cemetery, Fort White.  Visitation will be Friday at the funeral home 6 to 8 p.m.

Arrangements Entrusted to A. Jerome Brown Funeral Home, High Springs, Fla.

TurkeyCreek

L-R: Turkey Creek residents Dick and Carol Verkeyn have lived in the golf course community for over 10 years and have been regulars on the course that is slated to close at the end of this month.

Turkey Creek Golf & Country Club sent waves of shock, sadness and uncertainty throughout Turkey Creek on Friday when management announced that the course will close at the end of March.

According to the announcement, economic factors are forcing the club, which opened in 1978, to close down.

“It has been a struggle the past couple of years,” officials with the country club wrote in the announcement, which was e-mailed Friday afternoon.

The club attempted to increase membership in January 2010 by offering a “now or never” deal to residents of the roughly 1,200 homes surrounding the golf course. Homeowners were told to join the club or forfeit their membership rights in the future, including any future owners of their properties.

That maneuver, believed by some to be a threat to negatively impact property value, apparently wasn't enough to rescue the financially floundering club.

“It was pretty obvious they were having financial difficulties,” said Jerry Meriwether, who moved to Turkey Creek in 2001.

The property is currently owned by Plantation Oaks GC, Inc., a Florida corporation. Plantation Oaks GC purchased the land in May 2000 for $3 million according to public records. The total value of the property is currently estimated at just over $1.6 million by the Alachua County Property Appraiser.

The Turkey Creek Master Owners Association owned the course, clubhouse and amenities until the early 1990s.

Turkey Creek Golf & Country Club General manager Walter Smith declined to comment about the status of the course.

In 2006 and 2007, golf course owners sought and received approvals from the City of Alachua to rezone 1.43 acres of land from recreation to residential to allow for single-family homes and 8.57 acres from recreation to residential to allow for up to 80 condominiums.  The rezoning was intended to shore up the financial viability of the golf course, but much of that land has remained undeveloped.

The driving ranges, pool, pro shop and tennis courts will also shut down March 31. According to the announcement, memberships paid in advance will be refunded.

The club also includes a sports bar, Mulligan’s, and a catering service, Chef's Brothers. Chef's Brothers will continue to lease kitchen space and the clubhouse, but Mulligan’s will be shut down.

“I'm stressed out, but there's nothing I can do about it,” said a single mother of two who works at Mulligan’s. “All I can do is come to work every day and hope to find another job before we close.”

In all, about 20 employees will be out of work when the club shuts down. Some have already found their next job. Others, like Ashley Sapp, face uncertainty. Sapp, a Santa Fe College student who also works part-time at Shands Hospital in Gainesville, said she has been unsuccessfully searching for another job since she heard the news.

The financial impact of the club closing may go beyond unemployment. Turkey Creek is, after all, a golf course community that attracts new residents with the offer of a beautiful course and like-minded neighbors. If the course stays closed for an extended period, residents expect property values to freefall.

The Turkey Creek Master Owners Association is expected to address the golf course closing and other related problems at its meeting on March 16, but President Terry Morrow declined to comment on how the board will approach the issue.

Several local groups have scheduled fundraising events at the course already, including the Alachua Chamber of Commerce and the Alachua Woman's Club.

Cheryl Hartley, who plans fundraisers for the Alachua Woman’s Club, said they were “very hopeful” that a compromise could be reached that would allow the golf tournament to continue. The Woman's Club raises about $10,000 a year from the annual tee-off at Turkey Creek.

Dot Evans, Alachua Chamber of Commerce administrative assistant, said the Chamber’s plans for a June golf tournament in Turkey Creek are also currently on hold.

Many long-time members of the club spoke fondly of the course. Reactions ranged from sadness to anger to hope.

Jane Hope, who has lived in Turkey Creek since 1978, said she was “heartbroken” by the course closing and believes it is still one of the most attractive courses in the area.

Peggy Radcliffe, a member of the Women's Golf Association, kept her complaint short and simple: “My husband and I retired out here so we could play golf and now we can't play golf.”

Many residents were holding out hope that something will happen to keep the course open, such as a developer buying the land and continuing to operate the golf course.

“We're praying something happens to keep it open,” said Shirley Edelstein, who has been a resident of Turkey Creek since its development in the 1970s.

Alachua City Commissioner Robert Wilford is also a Turkey Creek resident and said he uses the course seven or eight times a year. He believes that the property will be put to use quickly.

“I don't think anyone's expecting it to stay closed,” said Wilford.

Commissioner Ben Boukari, Jr. pointed to the rough economic outlook for Turkey Creek while echoing Wilford's prediction.

“I think Turkey Creek will be back,” Boukari said.

Both commissioners emphasized that the City of Alachua is not interested in purchasing Turkey Creek and maintaining it as a municipal golf course, citing expenses and a need for fiscal responsibility during economic turmoil.

Whether the golf course reopens or not, Turkey Creek residents are getting a sense of how vulnerable their community might be. One Mulligan's employee found herself tearing up as she reflected on the changes coming for Turkey Creek.

“A lot of these people have become my family. This is how our community mingles, by playing golf. When they can't do that, what will they do?”

Archer students raise money for West African school

Archer_-_14_grade_one

What started as a pen pal program between students at Archer Elementary School and students at Ecole Nagueswende in Burkina Faso, Africa, has evolved into a larger community fundraising effort to help the impoverished school and its students.  Led by Archer Elementary teacher Laurie Tornese, the Burkina Faso school has received money for new desks, and future plans include funds to help build a new classroom.

For Laurie Tornese and her students, it started out as a pen pal correspondence.

But before they knew it, the small school in West Africa, with its 239 children and four classes, had somehow found a way into their hearts.

Now, over a year later, Tornese and her students at Archer Elementary School have planned a Read-A-Thon to raise $2,122, the amount of money needed for owner and founder Mathias Ouedraogo to build another classroom for his students at Ecole Nagueswende, a school in Burkina Faso, Africa.

The Read-A-Thon will be held on Wednesday, March 23 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and will feature local celebrities such as Mike Potter from WCJB TV-20 and Storm Roberts from KTK 985 as well as other professionals in the community, who will read to the students and talk about their careers.

In February 2010, Tornese, who is the current teacher of the year for Archer Elementary, came across a Web site where teachers could request pen pals in other countries. She decided pen pals would be a great experience for the children in her second-grade enrichment writing class.

“Pairing the lives of other students to ours seemed like a fabulous project,” she said. “It would give the students practice in writing letters and also teach them about geography and culture.”

Soon after, she received a response from Ouedraogo, and she and her students began comparing life in Florida to life in Burkina Faso.

Looking at the photos Ouedraogo sent and reading through different statistics about education, literacy and life in Burkina Faso, where there are poor economic prospects for the majority of its citizens, Tornese began to realize how much of a privilege it was to receive an education at the school.

With a literacy rate of 21.8 percent and the school life expectancy of about six years in Burkina Faso, Tornese knew she had to help.

“I thought to myself, ‘These people are just trying to survive,’” she said. “So I decided that I wanted to take a small segment and try to make it better.”

A few months later, Tornese and a few of her students held a plant sale for Mother’s Day to raise money for the school to build desks for the children.

“[Quedraogo] said they needed desks, so I spoke to one of my students’ mothers who owned a nursery, and we had the plant sale,” she said.

The group raised $440, the exact amount needed to build nine new desks.

“Before we got the tables, children were sitting four or five to each table and it was hard for them to be at ease because the normal places for each table were three,” Ouedraogo said. “It helped our school so much, and we were very touched by the compassion that Mrs. Tornese and her students expressed towards us. ”

When Tornese and her students received photos of the children sitting on the wooden desks that read, “Donated by Archer Elementary, FL, USA,” they were speechless. “It was such a feeling of awe to know that you helped someone so far away and to know that you gave them a better learning environment,” she said.

This year, she decided to do something different.

After speaking with Principal Kim Neal, they decided to have an event where people could donate as much or as little as they wanted. The Read-A-Thon would inspire students to read and help raise money at the same time, Tornese said.

But it’s not just parents who are donating money. Tornese said her students have been working hard, too.

“I’ve heard some of my students talking about doing more chores so they can donate some money,” she said. “I think it made my students learn a lot about compassion.”

About 14 teachers will be participating in the event. According to Tornese, without the teachers’ help, the event wouldn’t be possible. “It was the combination of a lot of people’s efforts that made this happen,” she said.

Aside from raising money for Ecole Nagueswende, which means Hope in God, and communicating with the students and Ouedraogo through pen pal letters, one of Tornese’s greatest passions is showing the children in Burkina Faso what America is like, she said.

“I have sent them photos of our school, trees and the greenness we have here, and snow—things they don’t have there,” she said. “I try to give them a different outlook on things.”

For Tornese, participating in different service projects has been something she has done her whole life.

For much of her life, Tornese’s mother was the director of United Way in Preble County, Ohio.

“She would wake me up at 6 a.m. and we would help the firemen with whatever they needed, especially during natural disasters, she said. My mother did stuff like that all my life,” Tornese said.  “I do service work in honor of her.”

After she married and had children, she served as a Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts leader and worked with other organizations including her church.

But when her son Anthony was diagnosed with Wiskcott-Aldrich Syndrome, a condition resulting in a low platelet count and severe immune deficiency, and later, Lymphoma, things changed. Battling his health became the center of Tornese’s life. Fortunately, Tornese and her family were given a happy ending in 2003 when Anthony received a bone marrow transplant.

For Tornese, her experience with her son has given her a great amount of empathy for others, one of the reasons that motivated her to help the school in Burkina Faso. She hopes that the money raised through the Read-A-Thon will help Ouedraogo to provide the gift of education to more students at Ecole Nagueswende.

“She’s a true philanthropist,” Archer Elementary Principal Kim Neal said of Tornese.

“When I lay on my death bed, I want to be able to look back and say I made a difference,” Tornese said.

For more information, e-mail Laurie Tornese at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. If you would like to make a donation for the Read-A-Thon, please make checks payable to Archer Elementary.

PutnamAdam Putnam, Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services, will be the keynote speaker at the Alachua Lions Club 72nd Cattlemen’s Banquet.  Putnam will be joined by Charles “Chuck” Clemons, Sr., Vice President for Development at Santa Fe College, who will be the Master of Ceremonies. Florida Senator Steve Oelrich will introduce Commissioner Putnam. Commissioner Putnam was elected on Nov. 2, 2010, and sworn in on Jan. 4, 2011. He also serves as a member of Florida’s Cabinet, alongside Governor Rick Scott, Attorney General Pam Bondi and Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater.

Putnam served five terms as Congressman for Florida’s 12th district in the U.S. House of Representatives. While in Congress, he was elected by his colleagues to be Chairman of the House Republican Conference, the highest elected leadership position any Floridian of either party has held in Washington. Putnam also served as a member of the House Committees on Government Reform, Rules, Agriculture and Financial Services.

Throughout his Congressional career, Putnam was recognized as a leader on a variety of issues, most notably agriculture, food safety, childhood nutrition, energy and government efficiency. Before serving in Congress, Putnam was elected to the Florida House of Representatives. He became Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, leading on the many issues facing Florida's dynamic agriculture industry, including property rights, water and the Everglades.

The Cattlemen’s Banquet is the oldest continuous Lions fundraiser in Florida and is known for its high profile speakers such as former President Jimmy Carter and a number of Florida’s governors.

The banquet will take place on Thursday, March 24 at 7 p.m. at the Alachua Woman’s Club in downtown Alachua.  Tickets for the banquet, which includes a steak dinner, are $30 and can be purchased by contacting Gunter Hirsch at 386-462-3702 or 352-538-9709. RSVPs are requested by March 15.

The current financial condition of the City of Hawthorne’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is unclear.  The City Commission, sitting as the CRA board, is slated to discuss that uncertainty during a meeting in April.

Nearly halfway through its fiscal year and still without a balanced budget, the City of Hawthorne has been wrestling with financial missteps for the last several months.  In February, the City discovered it had mistakenly spent tax dollars designated for recreation projects.

Now, due to the discrepancies, the CRA must determine if the board’s budget, which was approved more than a year ago, is still feasible, said Samuel Wynkoop, CRA and Parks and Recreation director.

According to Wynkoop, when the City was in a financial pinch last year, the CRA board approved a loan of $177,000 to the City to build a water tower, and the City has been making its repayments each month.

Repayments on the loan should continue until 2019, but the City’s financial woes have cast doubt on its ability to continue the payments.

The board is scheduled to have its first meeting of the year on Tuesday, April 5 at 9 a.m. to review its financial situation, amend the budget, go over the structure and discuss its future plans.

Despite the City’s budget issues, Wynkoop said there is no reason to believe that the funds designated for the CRA are not in the bank, although the exact figures have not yet been calculated. Wynkoop said he would have these figures ready to present to the board at the meeting in April.

At least one commissioner is a bit more skeptical about the CRA’s state of financial affairs.

“I have requested an audit with the CRA to see where we really are, but I haven’t gotten too much support,” Commissioner William Carlton said. “I’m hoping we can get an audit from the county to see if we have overspent the CRA money and where we need to be.”

At a city commission meeting on Feb. 1, the commission made a motion to create separate accounts from the general fund that would be specifically designated for the CRA and the Wild Spaces Public Places program to ensure that the money is where it should be.

The CRA, which officially started in December 1993 and will expire in December 2023, is designed to improve the community and distressed areas, Wynkoop said. Money from the CRA comes from tax revenue as well as the city. In Hawthorne, the CRA covers a 201-acre area, mainly along Johnson Street.

In the past, the CRA has awarded façade grants to local businesses in the area that want to improve the appearance of their buildings. At the annual board meeting, Wynkoop hopes to determine if the board wants to continue awarding the grants this year.

As of now, future plans for the CRA consist of redoing storm water or water lines on Johnson Street, and redoing some of the hardscaping, such as new sidewalks, flowerbeds and crosswalks once the storm water or water lines are repaired.

But according to Carlton, although there are projects that the board has in mind, nothing can be done until they know more about the CRA’s and the city’s financial situation.

“Until I find out about the money situation, I myself am not planning on making any decisions,” he said.

Interim City Manager Ellen Vause said the city has not yet looked into the CRA account, but they should have information ready by the board meeting in April, adding that by then, the city should also have full accounting.

The April CRA board meeting will be the first held in six months.

Complaints that surfaced last summer related to Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) patrols in Newberry have been resolved, an ACSO public relations officer said.

Art Forgey reports there was nothing filed after the harassment complaints made last July about the methods of patrolling NW 252nd Street. The ACSO internal affairs staff spent several weeks in an office provided in Newberry City Hall in order to respond to any reports of harassment, but none were filed.

“You can’t just walk in the theater and yell ‘fire’ if there isn’t one,” Forgey said.

He said a probable reason for the complaints was because people were getting caught committing crimes, and “no one likes to get caught.”

“People get arrested and they get upset,” Forgey said. “It’s easy to point the finger at public officials.”

He said the sheriff’s office is happy there have been no substantiated complaints since they set up the office in City Hall.

“If there is an issue, we want to be the first to correct it,” he said. “But in this instance there have been no reports to address.”

Though Forgey could not detail the methods of patrolling used, he said it has not changed since the complaints were lodged in the summer.

City manager Keith Ashby said he believes the citizens of Newberry were satisfied with the “very community-oriented approach” the sheriff’s office used to deal with the harassment complaints.

“There has been no negative feedback,” Ashby said, “any previous issues seem to be resolved.”

Ashby said the office space is available for ACSO “whenever they want to use it.”

Sheriff Sadie Darnell said, while reviewing the past year at the commission meeting on Feb. 28, that the area “continues to be a source for concern regarding drug activity” but the July complaints were noted and resolved after she addressed the commission in July.

“We are not going to always please everyone, but we’re certainly going to try,” Darnell said.

Finalists compete for spot in regional competition

Soon, Newberry will have six champions. Karaoke champions.

This Saturday, 36 finalists will compete at Newberry’s Backyard BBQ for the chance to advance to the regional competition in Tampa.

For the first time, Newberry has had the opportunity to participate in the national Talent Quest competition, thanks to Justin Nelson of AJ Karaoke and Events.

“I’ve been doing karaoke at the barbeque for five years now and this year I wanted to bring the competition to Alachua County,” Nelson said.

Talent Quest began in 2000 and the state is represented by Talent Quest Florida and the newer Talent Quest Sunshine State, which Newberry has entered. The two are the largest regional divisions in the nation.

“The Talent Quest Florida competition got to be so large that we had to turn venues away, and that’s not good for business so we created Talent Quest Sunshine State,” said Phil Garris, co-owner of Talent Quest Sunshine State.

The top competitors from each of the 14 venues in the Sunshine State division will compete at the Doubletree Hotel in Tampa, Fla., on April 7-10 for the chance to make it to the national competition in Laughlin, Nevada, on Sept. 19-26, Garris said.

The winner of each category will win airfare, a hotel stay and a paid entrance fee for the national competition. Garris estimated the national Talent Quest winner will win about $3,000, but he said that is not why people participate.

“It’s about fun,” Garris said. “For one week out of the year it doesn’t matter if you’re Democrat or Republican, black or white, gay or straight. Everyone is there because they love to sing.”

The local competition began in January. The winners from each of the Saturday karaoke nights (six nights in all) will make up the 36 participants in Saturday’s event. It usually runs from 8-10 p.m., Nelson said.

“This was our first year doing it here and we’ve had a great turnout,” Nelson said.

Rocky Voglio, owner of Newberry’s Backyard BBQ said they enjoy hosting the event.

“It’s very good,” Voglio said of the competition. “We’ve had a great response so far and there are some great singers out there.”

Nelson and Voglio agreed they could not predict who might advance to the regional level.

“No big crowd favorites, but like I said, there’ve been some great performances,” Voglio said.

LEGAL NOTICE

 

PUBLIC NOTIC

 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION CASE NO: 01-09-CA-3450 ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA, Plaintiff, vs. LUDI STRITT, THOMAS E. MULLIN, and all other persons claiming by, through, under or against all the named Defendants, Defendants, ______________/ NOTICE OF SALE

 

NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Final Judgment entered in the above entitled cause in the Circuit Court of the Eighth Judicial Circuit in and for Alachua County, Florida, I will sell the property located in Alachua County, Florida described in Exhibit A at public sale to the highest and best bidder for cash in the Lobby of the Alachua County Family/Civil Justice Center, 201 E. University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601 at 11:00 A.M. on the 29 day of March, 2011.

 Dated on February 28, 2011. J.K. "Buddy" Irby Clerk of the Circuit Court P.O. Box 600 Gainesville, FL 32602 By: /s/ Erika Powell Deputy Clerk LEGAL DESCRIPTION

 That part of the Southeast 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 of Section 3, Township 11 South, Range 22 East, Alachua County, Florida; and being more particularly described as follows:

 Commence at the Southwest corner of the Southeast 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 for a point of reference; thence North 01º17'31" West, along the West line of the said Southeast 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4, a distance of 514.75 feet, to the POINT OF BEGINNING; continue North 01º17'31" West, along the West line of the Southeast 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4, a distance of 150.03 feet; thence North 87º31'42" East, a distance of 1519.89 feet, to an intersection with the Westerly right-of-way line of CSX Railroad; thence South 14º56'23" West, along said Westerly right-of-way line, a distance of 157.20 feet; thence South 87º31'42" West, a distance of 1475.94 feet, to an intersection with said West line of the Southeast 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4, for the said POINT OF BEGINNING.

 LOT #2

 That part of the Southeast 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 of Section 3, Township 11 South, Range 22 East, Alachua County, Florida; and being more particularly described as follows: Commence at the Southwest corner of the Southeast 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 for a point of reference; thence North 1º17'31" West, along the West line of the said Southeast 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4, a distance of 364.62 feet, to the POINT OF BEGINNING; thence continue North 01º17'31" West, along the said West line of the Southeast 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4, a distance of 150.13 feet; thence North 87º31'42" East, a distance of 1475.94 feet, to an intersection with the Westerly right-of-way line of the CSX Railroad (being 65.00 feet, measured perpendicular from the centerline of said railroad); thence South 14º56'23" West, along the said Westerly right-of-way line, a distance of 157.31 feet; thence South 87º31'42" West, a distance of 1431.96 feet, to an intersection with the said West line of the Southeast 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4, for the said POINT OF BEGINNING.

 BEARING NOTE: The bearings as shown hereon have been projected from a previous map of the area prepared by M.K. Flowers and Associates for Tom Mullin, dated October 17, 1980. Project No. 284-80 TOGETHER WITH that certain right-of-way easement as follows: Together with a non-exclusive perpetual easement for ingress and egress across that part of the North 330.04 feet of the Northeast 1/4 of the Northwest 1/4; and that part of the Northwest 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 of Section 10, Township 11 South, Range 22 East, and across that part of the Southwest 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 of the Southeast 1/4; and across that part of the Northwest 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 3, Township 11 South, Range 22 East, that lies within a 30.00 foot strip that is parallel to and continguous with the Westerly right-of-way line of the Seaboard Coastline Railroad, as shown by a revised right-of-way description and map recorded in Official Records Book 1099, page 322; of the Public Records of Alachua, County, Florida; LESS the North 320.00 feet of the Northwest 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 3, Township 11 South, Range 22 East, the same lying North of the grade crossing.

 (Published: March 10 and 17, 2011)

Town of LaCrosse

 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the proposed Ordinance Number 2011-01, which title hereinafter appears, will be considered for enactment on Monday the 14th of March, 2011 at the Town Council meeting starting at 7:30 p.m. in the Town Hall at 20613 N SR 121, LaCrosse, Florida. A copy of said Ordinance may be inspected by any member of the public at the Office of the Clerk of the Council in the Town Hall, LaCrosse, Florida. On the date first above mentioned, all interested parties may appear and be heard with respect to the proposed Ordinance.

ORDINANCE NO. 2011-01

AN ORDINANCE PROHIBITING OPEN CONTAINERS OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES IN PUBLIC AREAS, PROVIDING DEFINITIONS, PROVIDING PENALTY FOR VIOLATION, PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. IF A PERSON OR ENTITY DECIDES TO APPEAL ANY DECISION MADE BY THE TOWN OF LACROSSE COUNCIL WITH RESPECT TO ANY MATTER CONSIDERED AT SUCH MEETING OR HEARING SAID INDIVIDUAL OR ENTITY WILL NEED A RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS, AND THAT FOR SUCH PURPOSE THE INDIVIDUAL OR ENTITY MAY NEED TO ENSURE THAT A VERBATIM RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS IS MADE, WHICH RECORD INCLUDES THE TESTIMONY AND EVIDENCE UPON WHICH THE APPEAL IS TO BE BASED. A COPY OF THIS ORDINANCE IS AVAILABLE AT THE LACROSSE TOWN HALL.

 Shirley Pruitt Town Clerk LaCrosse, Florida

 (Published: Alachua County Today - March 3 and March 10, 2011)

NOTICE OF INTENT TO REGISTER FICTITIOUS NAME

 Pursuant to Section 865.09, Florida Statutes, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Saga located at 14960 Main Street, in the County of Alachua, in the City of Alachua, Florida 32615, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated at Alachua, Florida, this 8th day of March, 2011.

 (Published: Alachua County Today - March 10, 2011)

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 03/31/2011, 10:00 a.m. at 14515 NW PEGGY RD, ALACHUA, FL 32615-5449, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids. 1B7HF16Y8TS706579 1996 DODGE 1HGCD5637SA020910 1995 HONDA 2GTEC19T421348715 2002 GENERAL MOTORS CORP

 (Published: Alachua County Today - March 10, 2011)

NOTICE OF SALE

 ADC Self Storage, in accordance with the Florida Self Storage Act, hereby notifies that the following units are scheduled for public auction, or other disposal, on Thursday, March 31, 2011 at 10:00 A.M. The Auction, or other disposal, will be held at ADC Self Storage, 13701 NW US Hwy 441, Alachua, Florida 32615. A11 Beverly Denise Sandurs B27 Feliciano Vega, Jr. D12 Builders Choice Cabinets D13 Builders Choice Cabinets D14 Builders Choice Cabinets

 (Published: Alachua County Today – March 10 and 17, 2010)

Town of LaCrosse

 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the proposed Ordinance Number 2011-01, which title hereinafter appears, will be considered for enactment on Monday the 14th of March, 2011 at the Town Council meeting starting at 7:30 p.m. in the Town Hall at 20613 N SR 121, LaCrosse, Florida. A copy of said Ordinance may be inspected by any member of the public at the Office of the Clerk of the Council in the Town Hall, LaCrosse, Florida. On the date first above mentioned, all interested parties may appear and be heard with respect to the proposed Ordinance.

ORDINANCE 2011-02

AN ORDINANCE RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, DEFINING TERMS, REGULATING HOURS OF SALE, PROHIBITING SALES WITHIN CERTAIN DISTANCE OF SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES, PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION HEREOF, PROVIDING FOR AN ANNUAL REPORTING REQUIREMENT, PROCEDURES FOR REVOCATION AND REINSTATEMENT, PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT, AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

 IF A PERSON OR ENTITY DECIDES TO APPEAL ANY DECISION MADE BY THE TOWN OF LACROSSE COUNCIL WITH RESPECT TO ANY MATTER CONSIDERED AT SUCH MEETING OR HEARING SAID INDIVIDUAL OR ENTITY WILL NEED A RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS, AND THAT FOR SUCH PURPOSE THE INDIVIDUAL OR ENTITY MAY NEED TO ENSURE THAT A VERBATIM RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS IS MADE, WHICH RECORD INCLUDES THE TESTIMONY AND EVIDENCE UPON WHICH THE APPEAL IS TO BE BASED. A COPY OF

 THIS ORDINANCE IS AVAILABLE AT THE LACROSSE TOWN HALL. Shirley Pruitt Town Clerk LaCrosse, Florida

 (Published: Alachua County Today - March 03 and 10, 2011)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION CIVIL DIVISION CASE NO: 01-09-CA-3449 ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA, Plaintiff. vs. NGR PURE TRUST, RICHARD R. KLOPP, and all other persons claiming by, through, under or against the named Defendant, Defendants. ___________/

NOTICE OF SALE

 NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Final Judgment entered in the above entitled cause in the Circuit Court of the Eighth Judicial Circuit in and for Alachua County, Florida, I will sell the property located in Alachua County, Florida described as Lots 33, 34 and 35 ARREDONDA ESTATES UNIT NO, 2-A, according to map or plat as recorded in Plat Book "G", page 58 of the Public Records of Alachua County, Florida, at public sale to the highest and best bidder for cash, in the Lobby of the Alachua County Family/Civil Justice Center, 201 East University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601 at 11:00 A.M. on the 29th day of March, 2011.

 Any person claiming an Interest In the surplus from the sales, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim-within 60 days after the sale.

 Dated on March 2, 2011. J.K. "Buddy" Irby Clerk of the Circuit Court P.O. Box 600 Gainesville, FL 32602 By: /s/ Erika Powell Deputy Clerk

 (Published: March 10 and 17, 2011)

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: Notice is hereby given that on 04/01/2011 at 9:00 am the following vehicle(s) will be sold at public auction for monies owed on vehicle repairs and for storage costs pursuant to Florida Statutes, Section 713.585. The lienors name, address and telephone number and auction location are: FISHER'S AUTO REPAIR, INC 311 NE 33rd AVE GAINESVILLE, FL 32609, 352-376-7201 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              352-376-7201      end_of_the_skype_highlighting. Please note, parties claiming interest have a right to a hearing prior to the date of sale with the Clerk of the Court as reflected in the notice. The owner has the right to recover possession of the vehicle without judicial proceedings as pursuant to Florida Statute Section 559.917. Any proceeds recovered from the sale of the vehicle over the amount of the lien will be deposited with the Clerk of the Court for disposition upon court order. 4T1SK12E9RU859574 1994 TOYOTA (Published: Alachua County Today - March 10, 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 A.M. on Tuesday, March 29, 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 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (352) 371-0852      end_of_the_skype_highlighting. UNIT C21 Nicole Leacock-Auxter UNIT G05 Marquita Williams UNIT H31 Kenneth Traylor UNIT I23 Willie Crumpler UNIT J09 David Arbogast UNIT K03 Cassandra Kwarteng UNIT L12 Ruta Victoria Chumbook UNIT 174A Ebony Jenkins UNIT 259B Klarika Taylor UNIT 359 Cecil Valentine UNIT 548 Thomas Oil Company UNIT 654A Billy Beard (Published: Alachua County Today - March 10 and 17, 2011)

 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No. 2010-CA-5323 PERKINS STATE BANK, A Florida Banking Corporation, Plaintiff, vs. MARILYN M. MARSON AND RODERICK T. MARSON, Defendants. __________/ CLERK'S NOTICE OF SALE UNDER F.S. CHAPTER 45

 NOTICE IS GIVEN that, in accordance with the Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated January 31, 2011, in the above-styled cause, I will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, in the lobby of the Alachua County Courthouse, Gainesville, Florida at 11:00 a.m. on March 29, 2011 the following described property:

 Condominium Units A and B, SHEMA PLAZA CONDOMINIUM, together with an undivided interest in the common elements, according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Record Book 1567, Page 205, as amended from time to time, of the Public Records of ALACHUA County, Florida.

 Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale.

 Dated: February 9th, 2011 J.K. Irby Clerk of Court By: /s/ Erika Powell Deputy Clerk

ANNOUNCEMENTS

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

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SPECIAL EVENTS

 

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 Call us at (352)317-7340 or (352)317-0846

SCHOOLS/INSTRUCTION

 

ALABAMA WATERFRONT GRAND OPENING-4/2 only-2 for 1 SALE! Buy $39,900 Riverfront lot, get RV lot ABSOLUTELY FREE! Direct Gulf access; Limited supply.(888)392-9944

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

EMPLOYMENT

 

Help Wanted

 

Certified welder needed with own equipment! Pickup or trailer and have home shop. Email info to gainesvillecages@yahoo. com

Between High School and College? Over 18? Drop that entry level position. Earn what you're worth!!!. Travel w/Successful Young Business Group. Paid Training. Transportation, Lodging Provided. (877)646-5050 .

Drivers - FOOD TANKER DRIVERS NEEDED OTR positions available NOW! CDL-A w/ Tanker REQ'D. Outstanding pay & Benefits! Call a recruiter TODAY! (877)882-6537 www.oakleytransport.com

ACT NOW! New Pay Increase! 37-46 cpm New Trucks in 2011. Need CDL-A & 3 mos recent OTR. (877)258-8782 www.meltontruck.com

Drivers - FOOD TANKER DRIVERS NEEDED OTR positions available NOW! CDL-A w/ Tanker REQ'D. Outstanding pay & Benefits! Call a recruiter TODAY! (877)882-6537 www.oakleytransport.com

Driver - Dry or Refrigerated positions. Single source dispatch. No tractor older than 3 years. Safety bonuses paid quarterly. CDL-A, 3 months current OTR experience. (800)414-9569 www.driveknight.com

Drivers Earn Up to 39¢/mi HOME SEVERAL NIGHTS & WEEKENDS 1 yr OTR Flatbed exp. Call: (800)572-5489 Susan ext. 227 Pam ext. 238 SUNBELT TRANSPORT, LLC

FARM WORKERS AND CROP LABORERS

 

Springfield, Vermont area. 7 temporary positions at Blais Produce. Workers needed to do field work, hand weeding, hoeing and planting, etc. for diversified ground crops. Will also harvest crops. To start approx. 03/21/11 to 11/01/11. A great deal of heavy lifting, standing, bending and kneeling for long periods of time. Guaranteed wage is $10.16 per hr. One month experience and Prod. Standards required. Work is guaranteed for 3/4 of contract period. Tools are provided without cost. Housing provided at no cost to workers who reside outside of the normal commuting distance. Transportation cost reimbursed after 15 days or 50% of contract period, whichever comes first. Contact the nearest Department of Labor Office for application and referral.

 Job order number: 86064.

DRIVERS-OTR Experienced? $1000 Sign On-O/O's & CO. Need New Career / Guaranteed Job? Offering Sponsored Training at FFE Driver Academy, Fort Worth, TX. (800)569-9232 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

 

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

 

DO YOU EARN $800.00 IN A DAY? Your Own Local Candy Route 25 Machines and Candy All for $9995.00 All Major Credit Cards Accepted (877)915-8222 AINB02653

DO YOU EARN $800.00 IN A DAY? Your Own Local Candy Route 25 Machines and Candy All for $9995.00 All Major Credit Cards Accepted (877)915-8222 AINB02653

Be Your Own Boss! In your Area! Great Opportunity for Exp Salespeople! WAITING GAME Publications Home Based Low Cost Great Income! WAITINGGAMEPUBLICATIONS.COM (877)444-WAIT

SERVICES OFFERED

 

ADOPTIONS

 

PREGNANT? CONSIDERING ADOPTION? A childless energetic, spiritual, committed couple seeks to adopt. Financially secure. Healthcare professionals. Expenses paid. Gil & Dave (888)580-ADOPT (2367). FL Bar#0150789

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

 

Lots For Sale

 

LEYLAND CYPRESS- Fast-growing evergreen hedges. 100 trees, 8-12 inches, $88.94. 50 trees, 8-12 inches, $59.94. 12-18 inches, $82.94 per 50. Includes shipping. www.auckersnursery.com (352)528-3889

Acreage & Farms

 

BY OWNER: 12 acres for sale in Newnansville on CR 235 about one mile from Alachua. Paved roads. 386-462-0506

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

 

Business & Office Rentals

 

Office for lease. Downtown High Springs - 1400 sq ft - in historic brick building. Great window space for retail sales or professional office in addition to a large private office, porch and fenced back yard area. 1st / last plus, security deposit and references required. Contact 386-243-0825

MERCHANDISE

 

Miscellaneous For Sale

 

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

RUG LIQUIDATION SALE! 75% Off Every Rug. FREE SHIPPING/BUY NOW. 200,000 Rugs Must Go www.eSaleRugs.com (866)647-3965

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

BoukariBenJr Alachua residents can skip their trips to the polls April 12.  It was confirmed during a city commission meeting Monday that Commissioner Ben Boukari, Jr. will continue to serve in Seat 3.  Because no opponent filed papers to qualify during the week-long qualifying period, Deputy City Clerk Alan Henderson announced that Boukari will automatically serve the next term.

The city will save some $9,000 that it would have cost to run the election.  Boukari will be re-sworn into office at the expiration of his current one-year term in April.

“I'd like to think I ran unopposed because the citizens of Alachua think I'm doing a great job,” said Boukari.

Originally elected at 26 years of age last spring, Boukari is believed to be the youngest commissioner in Alachua history.

Boukari pointed out town hall meetings and battles with Alachua County over fire service contracts as successes he will try to build on during his next term. He was particularly pleased with being able to “save the citizens of Alachua $200,000” on fire service contracts. Boukari said that having gone through the budget process this past year, he believes that over the next three years he will be able to offer insight into budgetary issues leading to continued improvement in the city’s financial condition.

Boukari, who holds Seat 3 in the city commission, thanked his supporters and the citizens of Alachua. He also serves as Alachua's delegate to the Florida League of Cities and the North Central Florida Planning Council and has previously served on the city’s Planning and Zoning Board.

Boukari was elected last year to fill a one year vacancy when then Commissioner Gib Coerper resigned from Seat 3 to seek the Mayoral position.  Coerper ran unopposed in that race.  Boukari faced off against Michael Canney in the 2010 election.  Boukari won with 71.85 percent of the 881 votes cast.

In addition to his municipal duties, Boukari is an assistant basketball coach at Santa Fe High School where he also teaches part time.

Authorities investigate stolen property, pawn receipts

Mugshot_-_helenleo After finding a car full of stolen goods, drug paraphernalia, pawn receipts and a woman with a hefty rap sheet behind the wheel, local law enforcement is delving deeper.

On Feb. 24, the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) responded to a call about a suspicious vehicle parked on a public street in High Springs, and discovered that the car’s Indiana license plate was expired.

After 44-year-old Helen S. Leo of High Springs denied the responding officer’s request for permission to search her car, he called in a K-9 unit.  Once the dog responded positively to narcotics after an exterior sniff of the car, officers proceeded to search the vehicle. The search revealed three hypodermic needles and a brillow pad, all items associated with consuming illegal narcotics.

Leo was then arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia. According to arrest records, Leo was the driver, and her boyfriend was in the passenger seat.

Reports show that Leo has an extensive criminal history.

ACSO spokesman Art Forgey later confirmed that his office is conducting an ongoing investigation regarding stolen property found in Leo’s car, as well as a multitude of pawnshop receipts.

Forgey said Wednesday that there aren’t any new developments in the case that could be released.

Forgey added, “I anticipate there will be, but not at this time.”

The Alachua County Commission approved an agreement Feb. 22 with Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) that will put an end to the application of biosolids at the Whistling Pines property in five years.

Located on the outskirts of Archer, the farm has been a point of contention for surrounding residents who object to the spreading of wastewater sludge.  Some concerned residents fear chemicals, medications, metals and other contaminates in the sludge have accumulated over the life of the operation and will have lasting effects on water supplies well beyond the next five years.

The City of Gainesville, which operates GRU, and the county have disputed in the past over the terms under which the city can use the land. This agreement allows the county and Gainesville to avoid potentially expensive and lengthy litigation to solve the disputes over the terms and conditions for land application of biosolids at the site.

Biosolids are a product of the wastewater treatment process and can be recycled as soil for growing crops. Since 1981, the City of Gainesville has been applying biosolids to the farm, located in the southwest portion of the county and surrounded by the City of Archer and Levy County.

David Richardson, from GRU, said that the city was going to start looking for an immediate alternative for when the five years expire. “We do believe that five years provides adequate time to do that,” he said.  The most likely future for the sludge is in some sort of a biofuel use according to GRU representatives.

The agreement set a 75- foot wide setback along the property within which the land application of biosolids will be forbidden. It also included several legal terms to avoid the city and the county suing each other over existing or past disagreement regarding the property.

The existing operation is regulated by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The operation at the site is legal and until now had an indefinite end date as long as the city applied for and received a special exception from the county.

One resident of the nearby area thought that some of the terms of the agreements weren’t strict enough. A couple of residents also worried that once the operation ceases in the area, the county would stop testing the nearby wells for harmful substances that could have leaked through the soil during the many years of the biosolids application.

Anthony Dennis, with the Alachua County Health Department, said the wells have been surveyed in the past and residents who have any concerns should contact the health department.

The City of Gainesville approved the agreement Feb. 17.  With the Alachua County’s unanimous approval, the agreement calls for the end of the application of biosolids at the site in 2016.

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

Town of LaCrosse

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the proposed Ordinance Number 2011-01, which title hereinafter appears, will be considered for enactment on Monday the 14th of March, 2011 at the Town Council meeting starting at 7:30 p.m. in the Town Hall at 20613 N SR 121, LaCrosse, Florida. A copy of said Ordinance may be inspected by any member of the public at the Office of the Clerk of the Council in the Town Hall, LaCrosse, Florida. On the date first above mentioned, all interested parties may appear and be heard with respect to the proposed Ordinance.

ORDINANCE NO. 2011-01

AN ORDINANCE PROHIBITING OPEN CONTAINERS OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES IN PUBLIC AREAS, PROVIDING DEFINITIONS, PROVIDING PENALTY FOR VIOLATION, PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. IF A PERSON OR ENTITY DECIDES TO APPEAL ANY DECISION MADE BY THE TOWN OF LACROSSE COUNCIL WITH RESPECT TO ANY MATTER CONSIDERED AT SUCH MEETING OR HEARING SAID INDIVIDUAL OR ENTITY WILL NEED A RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS, AND THAT FOR SUCH PURPOSE THE INDIVIDUAL OR ENTITY MAY NEED TO ENSURE THAT A VERBATIM RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS IS MADE, WHICH RECORD INCLUDES THE TESTIMONY AND EVIDENCE UPON WHICH THE APPEAL IS TO BE BASED. A COPY OF THIS ORDINANCE IS AVAILABLE AT THE LACROSSE TOWN HALL.

Shirley Pruitt Town Clerk LaCrosse, Florida

(Published: Alachua County Today - March 3 and March 10, 2011)

CITY OF HAWTHORNE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

On Tuesday, March 15th, 2011 at 6:30 pm at 6700 SE 221st St. Hawthorne, FL, the City Commission will hold a public hearing regarding the following resolution:

RESOLUTION

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA ADOPTING AN EVALUATION AND APPRAISAL REPORT OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN IN COMPLIANCE WITH CHAPTER 163.3191 F.S.

Copies of the proposed actions may be inspected by the public at City Hall on SE 221st St. The hearing will be open to the public and interested parties may appear at the hearing to be heard regarding the proposed action.

(Published: Alachua County Today March 03, 2011)

Town of LaCrosse

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the proposed Ordinance Number 2011-01, which title hereinafter appears, will be considered for enactment on Monday the 14th of March, 2011 at the Town Council meeting starting at 7:30 p.m. in the Town Hall at 20613 N SR 121, LaCrosse, Florida. A copy of said Ordinance may be inspected by any member of the public at the Office of the Clerk of the Council in the Town Hall, LaCrosse, Florida. On the date first above mentioned, all interested parties may appear and be heard with respect to the proposed Ordinance.

ORDINANCE 2011-02

AN ORDINANCE RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, DEFINING TERMS, REGULATING HOURS OF SALE, PROHIBITING SALES WITHIN CERTAIN DISTANCE OF SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES, PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION HEREOF, PROVIDING FOR AN ANNUAL REPORTING REQUIREMENT, PROCEDURES FOR REVOCATION AND REINSTATEMENT, PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT, AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

IF A PERSON OR ENTITY DECIDES TO APPEAL ANY DECISION MADE BY THE TOWN OF LACROSSE COUNCIL WITH RESPECT TO ANY MATTER CONSIDERED AT SUCH MEETING OR HEARING SAID INDIVIDUAL OR ENTITY WILL NEED A RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS, AND THAT FOR SUCH PURPOSE THE INDIVIDUAL OR ENTITY MAY NEED TO ENSURE THAT A VERBATIM RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS IS MADE, WHICH RECORD INCLUDES THE TESTIMONY AND EVIDENCE UPON WHICH THE APPEAL IS TO BE BASED. A COPY OF

THIS ORDINANCE IS AVAILABLE AT THE LACROSSE TOWN HALL. Shirley Pruitt Town Clerk LaCrosse, Florida

(Published: Alachua County Today - March 03 and 10, 2011)

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 03/21/2011, 10:00 a.m. at 14515 NW PEGGY RD, ALACHUA, FL 32615-5449, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids. 1G2HX54K424130953 2002 PONTIAC 1G8ZG5597RZ185917 1994 SATURN HOMES 1YVGE22C1S5397317 1995 MAZDA JT3VN29V0S0067819 1995 TOYOTA

(Published: Alachua County Today - March 03, 2011)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA IN RE: ESTATE OF MELVIN GREER, M.D. PROBATE DIVISION File Number: 01-2010-CP-001474 Deceased Division: Probate Division

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE NOTIFIED THAT: All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is served within three months after the date of the first publication of this notice must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

All other creditors of the decedent and persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent must file their claims with the Court WITHIN THREE MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS AND DEMANDS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

The date of the first publication of this Notice is February 24, 2011.

Personal Representative Arline E. Greer 2058 NW 14th Ave. Gainesville, FL 32605 Attorney for Personal Representative Steven M. Chamberlain 520 SE Fort King Street Suite B3 Ocala, FL 34471

(Published: Alachua County Today - February 24 and March 03, 2011)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Advertise in Over 100 Papers throughout Florida for One Low Rate. Advertising Networks of Florida, Put us to work for You! (866)742-1373  www.florida-classifieds.com.

SPECIAL EVENTS

 

Make your wedding special at a budget price!

 

Don’t let these tough times keep you from having your dream wedding. Weddings performed anywhere. Non-denominational , non judgmental, any and all marriages. Your choice of wedding vows, candle ceremonies, and sand ceremonies. Starting at $69. Many upgrades and wedding planner services available for an additional fee.

Call us at (352)317-7340 or (352)317-0846

SCHOOLS/INSTRUCTION

 

Approved for VA education benefits. Learn to Operate a Crane or Bulldozer. Heavy Equipment Training. National Certification. Georgia School of Construction. www.Heavy5.com Use code "FLCNH" (866)218-2763

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

EMPLOYMENT

 

Help Wanted

 

CITY OF HIGH SPRINGS EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Apply at High Springs City Hall, 110 NW 1st Avenue, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Applications accepted until 4:00, Thursday, March 17, 2011. Public Works Clerk Provides routine clerical duties involving typing, preparing reports, file and calendar maintenance. Answers routine public inquiries for information. Provides other various administrative support duties. (Salary: $9.95- $12.95, DOQ, plus benefits) THE CITY OF HIGH SPRINGS IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

FARM WORKERS AND CROP LABORERS Colchester, Vermont Area 10 temporary positions at S. Mazza Farm Stand & Greenhouses, Inc. / S. Mazza Farm. Workers needed to do field work, hand weeding, hoeing, planting, etc. for diversified crops. Will also harvest crops. To start approx. 04-04-11 to 10-30-11. A great deal of heavy lifting, standing, bending and kneeling for long periods of time. Wage is $10.20 per hr. Prod. Standards required. Work is guaranteed for 3/4 of contract period. Tools are provided without cost. Housing provided at no cost to workers who reside outside of the normal commuting distance. Transportation cost reimbursed after 15 days or 50% of contract period, whichever comes first. Contact The Nearest Department of Labor Office for application and referral. Job order number: 86316.

LOVE TRAVEL? Expedia CruiseShipCenters is now hiring "Mobile" Travel Agents. Work from home, flexible schedule, no experience required. Full training. Call (800)527-8666 Ext 665

Drivers - FOOD TANKER DRIVERS NEEDED OTR positions available NOW! CDL-A w/ Tanker REQ'D. Outstanding pay & Benefits! Call a recruiter TODAY! (877)882-6537 www.oakleytransport.com

Drivers Earn Up to 39¢/mi HOME SEVERAL NIGHTS & WEEKENDS 1 yr OTR Flatbed exp. Call: (800)572-5489 Susan ext. 227 Pam ext. 238 SUNBELT TRANSPORT, LLC

Between High School and College? Over 18? Drop that entry level position. Earn what you're worth!!!. Travel w/Successful Young Business Group. Paid Training. Transportation, Lodging Provided. (877)646-5050

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

Regional Opportunity 100% Owner Operator Reefer Company. $1,000 SIGN-ON BONUS! Home Weekly. Call (800)237-8288 or visit www.suncocarriers.com

CALL NOW! Top 5% Pay! Excellent Benefits. 300 New T660's. Need CDL-A & 3 mos recent OTR. (877)258-8782 www.meltontruck.com

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

 

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

 

DO YOU EARN $800.00 IN A DAY? Your Own Local Candy Route 25 Machines and Candy All for $9995.00 All Major Credit Cards Accepted (877)915-8222 AINB02653

SERVICES OFFERED

MONEY TO LOAN

Have a fixed annuity? GET YOUR MONEY TODAY! Cash out All or a Portion -avoid surrender charges. Learn more: (904)2067303 www.freemancommerciallending.com/annuityFinancial

CASH NOW! Cash for your structured settlement or annuity payments. Call J.G. Wentworth. 1-866-494-9115 . Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau.

ADOPTIONS

PREGNANT? CONSIDERING ADOPTION? A childless energetic, spiritual, committed couple seeks to adopt. Financially secure. Healthcare professionals. Expenses paid. Gil & Dave (888)580-ADOPT (2367). FL Bar#0150789

FARM & LIVESTOCK

Hay For Sale

Fertilized Coastal Bermuda, barn stored, large round rolls, excellent quality. $45 per roll. Cow hay $35 per roll. 352-215-1018

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

Acreage & Farms

BY OWNER: 12 acres for sale in Newnansville on CR 235 about one mile from Alachua. Paved roads. 386-462-0506

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 High Springs area. Well, septic and power already installed. NO IMPACT FEE. Owner financing. No down payment. $34,900. $359/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. $69,900. $613/mo. NO IMPACT FEES. 352-215-1018 , www.LandOwnerFinancing .com.

MERCHANDISE

Furniture

2 "Stress Less" style leather recliners & ottomans in great condition. Burgandy color. $650 for all. Also a Brown leather recliner/rocker, like new $200 and matching love seat $150. 386-462-4103

Garage Sales

Merging two households Saturday 3/5 and Sunday 3/6, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lots of items and living room furniture.Pilot Forest Subdivision 16312 NW 120 Place, Alachua.

16017 NW 120 Place, Alachua, Saturday 3/5 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pilot Forest Subdivision.

Miscellaneous

ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE from Home. *Medical, *Business, *Paralegal, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV certified. Call (877)206-5165 , www.Centura.us.com

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

Miscellaneous For Sale

RUG LIQUIDATION SALE! 75% Off Every Rug. FREE SHIPPING/BUY NOW. 200,000 Rugs Must Go www.eSaleRugs.com (866)647-3965

WANTED TO BUY

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

WANTED-COMIC BOOKS, sports & bubble gum cards. Mags, toys, movies & music, rock and roll stuff anything pre 1975. Please call Mike: (800)723-5572  $pd


To Place a Classified Call 386-462-3355.

Nations Park baseball complex underway

NewberryNations

As the City of Newberry officially kicked off the construction of Nations Baseball Park, Lou Presutti, the director the organization backing the project, thanked the many contributors.  Presutti told the gathering of several hundred area residents and officials about how the 16 plus ballpark project would impact the lives of youngsters who would come from across the nation.

Newberry has officially begun its ambitious project of creating a major baseball park expected to gain national recognition.

Over 500 people attended the groundbreaking ceremony for Newberry’s Nations Park baseball complex on Friday.

“It was absolutely marvelous,” City manager Keith Ashby said. “We’re still on cloud nine about it.”

Ashby said he thought the staff did a “fantastic job” of setting up the event. Balloons lined the mile-long route to the onsite ceremony at the corner of U.S. Highway 27/41 and SW 30th Avenue in Newberry.

There was a baseball diamond theme and plenty of food courtesy of the event’s 20 sponsors from all over the county.

“It was just unreal,” Ashby said. “There was so much food, yet the public ate it all.”

Officials from the city, county and state attended the ceremony for the park, which has gained attention due to its intended size, 16 fields, and new design, turf in-fields. Alachua County and Newberry City Commissioners were present, as well as Newberry Mayor Harry Nichols, State Senator Steve Oelrich, and State Representatives Elizabeth Porter and Keith Perry.  Delivering congratulatory remarks on behalf of United State Representative Cliff Stearns was his legislative aide, Jean Clough.

After Nichols made opening remarks at 2 p.m., the Newberry High School Band of Pride performed the national anthem.

Another notable moment was when Lou Persutti, one of the directors of Nations Baseball Park, LLC, gave what Ashby referred to as a “heart-rending” speech.

“It all comes from the passion of the game, the traditional values that baseball has in the very marrow of this country,” Persutti said in an interview later. “To be part of the beginning, the genesis of it all, is a very heart-warming thing.”

Persutti said the groundbreaking ceremony “exceeded all expectations.”

“It was certainly a great day for youth baseball in the country,” he said.

Ashby made a few final remarks about the process of beginning this project called “How we got here” before the actual groundbreaking. About 30 people had shovels in hand to turn the soil in the official groundbreaking.

The entire groundbreaking ceremony lasted about two hours, but the baseball complex’s “journey” has just begun. Ashby said construction will start April 1 and the anticipated completion date is the second week of December.

“This was great, marvelous,” he said. “But the grand opening ceremony, probably next spring, is going to be huge…fireworks and everything.”

Amador "Mike" Salazar, Jr., 82, passed away Tuesday, March 1, 2011at his home in Alachua, Florida.  He had been a resident of Alachua since 1972, when he moved from Punta Gorda, Fla.  He was born in Edinberg, Texas on September 13, 1928, the son of the late Amador Salazar, Sr. and Estaffana Serda.

Mr. Salazar was of the Baptist faith and a manager at MoBo Vegetable Produce Shed at Santa Fe for 39 years.

Survivors include his wife, Flossie Maynor Salazar of Alachua; sons, Reggie Salazar of Gainesville, Robert (Kathleen) Salazar of Plano, Texas, and Michael (Peggy) Salazar of Durham, N.C.; brothers, Roberto Salazar of Edinberg, Texas, Esteban Salazar of Edenberg, Texas and Adolo Salazar of San Jose, Calif., Modesto Salazar; and nine grandchildren.

Visitation will be Sunday, March 6 from 2 to 3 p.m. at Evans-Carter Funeral Home, followed by a funeral service at 3 p.m. with Rev. Morris Beck officiating.  Burial will be in High Springs Cemetery.

BairdAlachua County Commissioner Susan Baird is the first republican elected to the Board of County Commissioners in some 20 years.  In the interest of saving county resources, Baird says she hopes to refocus the county's efforts into what she views as necessary services.

Alachua County Commissioner Susan Baird says it all comes down to philosophy.

“I think I’m right, they think they’re right,” she said. “We can both justify our positions.”

Elected to the commission last November, Baird is not only the most recent addition to the county commission, but she is the first Republican candidate to be elected in about 20 years. The Tea Party favorite won the election with 54 percent of the vote, defeating the incumbent candidate Cynthia Chestnut.

Being the underdog during the election, Baird is still surprised she won. “I was surprised when someone called me commissioner today,” she said. “I looked around and said, ‘Oh yeah, that’s me.’

“My big concern was being the lone, dissenting vote,” she said.

Looking back on her short time on the commission, Baird believes she has accomplished some of her goals despite having a different political philosophy from her fellow commissioners.

Baird thinks political philosophy is what’s stopping the county from managing its budget effectively. “My belief is that the role of the government is to provide core services which are public safety, fire and police, infrastructure, roads, water,” she said. She added that the county spreads itself too thin and focuses on issues that shouldn’t be priorities.

“The philosophy that has dominated the county for the past couple of years has not taken us to a good place,” she said. “Things changed in the country, and people in Alachua County are also ready to make that change.”

Over the past 10 years Baird says the county hasn’t been spending money wisely. She points out the gas tax that has been used mostly for RTS should have been spent on repairing roads. Now the county is at a point where the road problem can no longer be ignored, and is considering a pavement program that would require a sales surtax – the Penny for Pavement proposal. While Baird supports the plan, she thinks the county needs to win the trust of residents before it can expect them to support the program.

Baird says the county should demonstrate fiscal responsibility and stop enhancing the budget with what she calls nonessential services such as CHOICES. She takes issue with plans to build a new fairground as too costly.

Her foremost concern is making the county business friendly, saying if the county worked on reducing business regulation and high costs associated with starting a new business, it would result in jobs, increase the tax base and reduce the pressure of government to provide community services.

“It’s a very difficult process to start a business here in Alachua County,” she said. “Our tax rate is so high that it doesn’t encourage businesses to choose Alachua County as a location.”

Baird, who’s been in real estate for about 10 years, has seen firsthand the impact of local tax rates. “In the last five years I’ve seen a lot of people not move to Alachua County or move out of the county because of high taxes and few job opportunities,” she said.

Baird first came on the political scene last year when she began attending charter review board meetings. “I saw how entrenched politicians could be in Gainesville,” she said. Regardless, she thinks that prosperity is possible. She points to the City of Alachua as an example of how leaders can make a community flourish.

The single mother wants to see Alachua County become a “thriving, healthy community with a symbiotic relationship with UF and Shands.” While her ideas about how to reach that goal often clash with those of her colleagues on the commission, she says civility on the board is strong.

Originally from Michigan, Baird moved to Gainesville after living in New York for several years, saying she is not a “big city kind of girl.”

Baird’s term as county commissioner ends November 2014.  Her hope is that by then the county will be financially stable in terms of core services and residents can enjoy a lower tax rate

A public records lawsuit against the City of Alachua first filed in 2006 still lingers on as the two sides argue as to how much, and if, attorney’s fees and costs should be awarded.

Representing Charles Grapski and Michael Canney, in a hearing Tuesday, University of Florida professor and attorney Joseph Little presented his case as to why his clients were entitled to fees and costs amounting to $198,683.07.

Attorney Rod Smith, on behalf of the City of Alachua, argued that Little and his clients were entitled, at most, to a fraction of that requested by the plaintiffs.

Grapski, Canney and several other plaintiffs claimed some 109 public record and 39 public meeting violations by the City of Alachua.  But of the 148 counts alleged against the City, Florida’s First District Court of Appeal (DCA) ruled that Grapski and Canney were correct on just two.

The court ruled the City violated public records laws in 2006 when it refused to turn over requested minutes from an election Board of Canvassers meeting.  The court also found that the City violated public meeting laws because it had refused to make those same minutes available to the public before the commission voted to approve them in another 2006 meeting.

While the case ultimately made it to the First DCA, it is possible the case could have been resolved much earlier, as the City has long admitted that an employee mistakenly withheld those requested minutes.  But the City did not admit to the scores of other alleged violations.  The requested minutes were provided before the lawsuit was filed by Grapski and Canney and in fact were included with the original filing documents as proof of their existence.

In reviewing Grapski’s and Canney’s entitlement to attorney’s fees and costs, the First DCA ordered that they were entitled to recover “…the amount of attorney’s fees and costs appellants incurred in pursuing their successful claims only.”

In the hearing Tuesday, both the City of Alachua and Little brought along outside attorneys to serve as expert witnesses as to what was “reasonable” attorney’s fees and costs given the circumstances of the case.

The City’s expert witness stated that based on his review of how much time the case should have taken, if Grapski and Canney were entitled to anything, it would be no more than $4,500.

Little also provided tables demonstrating where time had been spent in the case and where costs were generated.

In the end, Circuit Court Judge Victor Hulslander asked both sides to submit by April 1 their arguments along with proposals for reconciling the matter.  He said a ruling would come at some point thereafter.

The Easton Newberry Sports Complex will have solar panels installed as a result of an Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) from the Department of Energy.

The 10 kilowatt system of solar panels, part of the “Solar Photovoltaic Demonstration Project,” will be installed to supplement the power requirements for the complex. The project will also include installation of a real-time monitor in the lobby that will display data from the system’s energy savings and historical information.

“We chose this building due to the large number of people going in and out of the building,” Utility director Blaine Suggs said. “We want a good educational component for people to see so the monitor will do that.”

The installation of solar panels is just one of four components of the grant. The grant also calls for energy efficiency evaluations and an overall study to determine the city’s carbon footprint, according to information provided by Wendy Kinser, planner and grants coordinator.

Also, within the next 60 to 90 days, the LED streetlight retrofit program will begin. The streetlights will be placed on NW 5th Avenue, NW 8th Avenue and HW 27/41. The lights will be replaced with energy efficient outdoor lighting, Suggs said.

The grant covers all four components so there will be no out-of-pocket expense for the city. The installation of solar panels will begin once a contract is made with the vendor, Solar Source.

“We are trying to be more responsible with green energy and decrease our carbon footprint across the board,” Suggs said.

Charles “Charlie” Morris, the man that helped lead the City of Alachua into some of its most prosperous years died Friday.  He was 77 years old.

Morris was first hired by the city in 1989 and was selected as City Manager in October 1992.  He retired from the city in September 2000.  It was during Morris’ later years as city manager that economic development in Alachua began to skyrocket, most notably with the building of a massive Dollar General distribution center.

The more than one-million square-foot warehouse and distribution facility would become Morris’ and other city leaders’ legacy.  It also paved the way for other similar projects in the city, which in total brought over 1,000 new jobs to Alachua.

After retiring from the city manager position, Morris stayed close to home, becoming an Alachua area realtor.

Alachua City Manager Traci Cain fondly remembers Morris as the man who had faith in her and promoted her to the Assistant City Manager position.

“He was a great guy who was laid back, family oriented and really cared a lot about the people in the city of Alachua,” she said.

Cain also remembers him as a manager who wanted to avoid over complication, often repeating the phrase, “Keep it simple.”

“Charlie didn’t care much for being behind the desk, but liked to be out around people and checking things out around the city,” said Cain.

One of the most memorable things about Morris, Cain said, was his humor.

“He always had a joke or a story for every situation, and I was always amazed at how Charlie could remember these elaborate tales and retell them at the perfect time,” she said.

Morris was active in the Alachua Lion’s Club of which he served as President for a term.

He is survived by his wife, Jane Morris, four children and 12 grandchildren.

Event will be Saturday noon – 3 p.m.

In an effort to increase communication between community organizations and groups, residents of Hawthorne will be attending the Hope for Hawthorne Project on Saturday, Feb. 26, from noon to 3 p.m. at Chester Shell Elementary School.

Organizations such as the sheriff’s office, the K-9 unit and the SWAT team, workforce, division of forestry, various local sports clubs and teams as well as the seniors in Hawthorne will be handing out information and informing residents of things that are happening in the community.

“Basically, it’s an event that we put together so that people can learn about other groups in the community so we can have more diversity and interaction among the residents,” Vice Mayor Matthew Surrency said.

Surrency and three of his classmates Greg Bouie, Al Brown and Raymond Cue, came up with the idea in order to bring people together. “There’s a huge disconnect in the community and we want to bridge that gap,” he said. Teaming up with the City of Hawthorne, the Communication Integration (C.I.) Foundation and the Hawthorne Area Community Foundation, they were able to make it happen.

The event will feature free food and drinks, as well as several activities for children including face painting and games free of charge. “It’s a family event,” Surrency said. “We just want to get people together and talk to each other.”

To finish off the evening, Hawthorne’s own Philadelphia Eagles tight end Cornelius Ingram will be hosting the Hope for Hawthorne Community Bowl at Alley Katz Corner Bowling Center, 3705 S.W. 42nd Avenue, in Gainesville from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. following the event at Shell Elementary. For $10 residents can bowl for two hours.

This event is hopefully the first in a series of events that will be organized as part of the Hope for Hawthorne Project, Surrency said.

For more information, visit the Hope for Hawthorne Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=138072666260309&ref=ts or send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

CITY OF HIGH SPRINGS INVITATION TO BID TREE REMOVAL

 

The City of High Springs is now accepting bids for the removal of approximately nineteen (19) trees, located at various locations throughout the City. Specifications and a list of tree locations are available by contacting Public Works Secretary Donna Smith at (386) 454-2134. Licensed and insured tree removal companies are invited to submit prices for the removal of the trees, to include: cutting down and prompt removal of logs, limbs, debris, and grinding the stumps to grade. Interested bidders should submit sealed bids, marked, “Tree Bids,” along with proof of licensing and worker’s compensation insurance to: City Manager, City of High Springs, 110 NW 1st Avenue, High Springs, Florida 32643, no later than 3:00 p.m., Friday, March 11, 2011. THE CITY OF HIGH SPRINGS RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY OR ALL BIDS. THE CITY ALSO RESERVES THE RIGHT TO ACCEPT THE BID WHICH IS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE CITY, WHICH MAY BE, OR MAY NOT BE, THE LOWEST BID.

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - February 24, 2011)

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA IN RE: ESTATE OF MELVIN GREER, M.D. PROBATE DIVISION File Number: 01-2010-CP-001474 Deceased Division: Probate Division A

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE NOTIFIED THAT: All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is served within three months after the date of the first publication of this notice must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

 

All other creditors of the decedent and persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent must file their claims with the Court WITHIN THREE MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS AND DEMANDS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

 

The date of the first publication of this Notice is February 24, 2011.

 

Personal Representative Arline E. Greer 2058 NW 14th Ave. Gainesville, FL 32605 Attorney for Personal Representative Steven M. Chamberlain 520 SE Fort King Street Suite B3 Ocala, FL 34471

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - February 24 and March 03, 2011)

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No. 2010-CA-5323 PERKINS STATE BANK, A Florida Banking Corporation Plaintiff, vs. MARILYN M. MARSON AND RODERICK T. MARSON, Defendants. _________/

CLERK'S NOTICE OF SALE UNDER F.S. CHAPTER 45

 

NOTICE IS GIVEN that, in accordance with the Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated January 31, 2011, in the above-styled cause, I will sell to the, highest and best bidder for cash in the lobby of the Alachua County Courthouse, Gainesville, Florida at 11:00 a.m. On March 29, 2011 the following described property:

 

Condominium Units A and B, SHEMA PLAZA CONDOMINIUM, together with an undivided interest in the common elements, according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Record Book 1567, Page 205, as amended from time to time, of the Public Records of ALACHUA County. Florida. Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale.

 

Dated: February 9th, 2011. J.K.lrby Clerk of the Court By: /s/ Erika Powell Deputy Clerk (Court Seal) (Published: Alachua County Today – February 17 and 24, 2011)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Advertise in Over 100 Papers throughout Florida for One Low Rate. Advertising Networks of Florida, Put us to work for You! (866)742-1373  www.florida-classifieds.com.

SPECIAL EVENTS

 

Make your wedding special at a budget price!

 Don’t let these tough times keep you from having your dream wedding. Weddings performed anywhere. Non-denominational , non judgmental, any and all marriages. Your choice of wedding vows, candle ceremonies, and sand ceremonies. Starting at $69. Many upgrades and wedding planner services available for an additional fee.

 Call us at (352)317-7340 or (352)317-0846

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

Approved for VA Educations benefits. Learn to Operate a Crane or Bulldozer. Heavy Equipment Training. National Certification. Georgia School of Construction. www.Heavy5.com Use code "FLCNH" (866)218-2763

EMPLOYMENT

 

Help Wanted

 

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

Drivers - FOOD TANKER DRIVERS NEEDED OTR positions available NOW! CDL-A w/ Tanker REQ'D. Outstanding pay & Benefits! Call a recruiter TODAY! (877)882-6537 www.oakleytransport.com

Regional Opportunity 100% Owner Operator Reefer Company. $1,000 SIGN-ON BONUS! Home Weekly. Call (800)237-8288 or visit www.suncocarriers.com

ESTABLISHED PRINT ADVERTISING Co. Hiring Reps and Territory Managers: Verified Leads Provided, Up to 50% Comm., Gas and Car Maintenance Program. Call Mike (419)704-7675

CITY OF HIGH SPRINGS EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

 

Apply at High Springs City Hall, 110 NW 1st Avenue, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Applications accepted until 4:00, Thursday, March 17, 2011. Public Works Clerk Provides routine clerical duties involving typing, preparing reports, file and calendar maintenance. Answers routine public inquiries for information. Provides other various administrative support duties. (Salary: $9.95- $12.95, DOQ, plus benefits) THE CITY OF HIGH SPRINGS IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

Driver - Daily or weekly pay. Single source dispatch. No tractor older than 3 years. Safety bonuses paid quarterly. CDL-A, 3 months recent OTR experience. (800)414-9569 www.driveknight.com

ASAP! New Pay Increase! 34-46 cpm. Excellent Benefits. Need CDL-A & 3 mos recent OTR. (877)258-8782 www.meltontruck.com

Drivers Earn Up to 39¢/mi HOME SEVERAL NIGHTS & WEEKENDS 1 yr OTR Flatbed exp. Call: (800)572-5489 Susan ext. 227 SUNBELT TRANSPORT, LLC

Between High School and College? Over 18? Drop that entry level position. Earn what you're worth!!!. Travel w/Successful Young Business Group. Paid Training. Transportation, Lodging Provided. (877)646-5050

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

 

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

 

DO YOU EARN $800.00 IN A DAY? Your Own Local Candy Route 25 Machines and Candy All for $9995.00 All Major Credit Cards Accepted (877)915-8222  AINB02653

SERVICES OFFERED

 

SERVICES, GENERAL

 

Have a fixed annuity? GET YOUR MONEY TODAY! Cash out All or a Portion avoid surrender charges. Learn more: (904)206-7303  www.freemancommerciallending.com/annuity

FINANCIAL

 

$500 Cash Loan, No Credit Check, 6 months to Repay, Payments $55 biweekly. $1000/month income and active checking account required. Call 24 hrs (760)569-6474

CASH NOW! Cash for your structured settlement or annuity payments. Call J.G. Wentworth. 1-866-494-9115 . Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau

ADOPTIONS

 

PREGNANT? CONSIDERING ADOPTION? A childless energetic, spiritual, committed couple seeks to adopt. Financially secure. Healthcare professionals. Expenses paid. Gil & Dave (888)580-ADOPT (2367). FL Bar#0150789

FARM & LIVESTOCK

 

Hay For Sale

 

Fertilized Coastal Bermuda, barn stored, large round rolls, excellent quality. $45 per roll. Cow hay $35 per roll. 352-215-1018

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

 

Acreage & Farms

 

5 acres High Springs area. Gorgeous country setting with cleared oak-shaded homesite. Owner financing. No down payment. $69,900. $613/mo. NO IMPACT FEES. 352-215-1018 www.LandOwnerFinancing .com.

1 acre High Springs area. Well, septic and power already installed. NO IMPACT FEE. Owner financing. No down payment. $34,900. $359/mo. 352-215-1018  www.LandOwnerFinancing .com.

Land for sale by owner. Approximately 12 acres. In Newnansville, FL. 386-462-0506

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.

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

 

Apartments For Rent

 

Alachua Villas Apartments AVAILABLE FEB. 1 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

 

Office for lease. Downtown High Springs - 1400 sq ft - in historic brick building. Great window space for retail sales or professional office in addition to a large private office, porch and fenced back yard area. 1st / last plus, security deposit and references required. Contact 386-243-0825

MERCHANDISE

 

Garage Sales

 

 

Christ Central Alachua is hosting a Free Yard Sale (Yes, we are giving away all the items!) for our community Saturday, February 26th at the Epicenter (14906 Main Street, Alachua) from 8 a.m. until noon. Come out for free coffee, free baked goods and a host of great FREE yard sale finds. Call 386-418-8185 b or go to for more information.

Miscellaneous

 

ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE from Home. *Medical, *Business, *Paralegal, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV certified. Call (877)206-5165, www.Centura.us.com

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

Miscellaneous For Sale

 

Drivers - FOOD TANKER DRIVERS NEEDED OTR positions available NOW! CDL-A w/ Tanker REQ'D. Outstanding pay & Benefits! Call a recruiter TODAY! (877)882-6537 www.oakleytransport.com

WANTED TO BUY

 

WANTED-COMIC BOOKS, sports & bubble gum cards. Mags, toys, movies & music, rock and roll stuff anything pre 1975. Please call Mike: (800)723-5572 $pd

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

Auctions

 

ART AUCTION TO BENEFIT CHILDREN'S CHARITY - NO BUYER'S PREMIUM and several artworks with no reserve! Chagall, Picasso, Dali, Miro, Max, Neiman, Pino, Maimon, Florida Highwaymen and more! FREE food and drinks and raffle prizes BATERBYS ART AUCTION GALLERY- ORLANDO, Saturday, February 26 - 4pm Preview, 5pm Auction - 9101 International Dr., Unit 1008, Orlando, FL 32819. RSVP at www.baterbys.com or call (866)537-1004  or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. AB#2746 AU#3750


To Place a Classified Call 386-462-3355.

ACT_obituariesCharles McFarlin Morris, 77, of Alachua, Fla. passed away at E.T. York Hospice Care Center in Gainesville, Fla. on Friday, February 18, 2011.

Mr. Morris graduated from Gainesville High School, and the University of Florida, where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He also served in the United States Air Force. He was an active member of the Alachua Lions Club, Eastside Garden Club, Flying Gator R/C Club, and Gator Hunt Club. He served as City Manager of Alachua from 1989 until 2000. He was a realtor with Alachua Properties.

Survivors include his wife, Jane Morris; children, Pat Fearing (Mitch), Mary Newsome (Harvey), Glenn Rowell (Elicia), and Bob Hawkins (Janette); and 12 grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held Saturday, February 26, 2011 at 11 a.m. at Evergreen Cemetery, Gainesville, Fla.

In lieu of flowers, memorial should be made to E.T. York Hospice Care Center, 4200 NW 90th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32606.

Arrangements under the care of Milam Funeral and Cremation Services, Gainesville, Florida.

The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) is appealing its 2010-11 fiscal year budget to the Office of Policy and Budget in Tallahassee.

If the State does not side with the ACSO, seven school resource deputies will be removed from their positions and the Sheriff’s School Crossing Guard program will be eliminated at the start of the new fiscal year, announced Sheriff Sadie Darnell.

“We are obviously worried about this,” said Jackie Johnson, Alachua County School Board public information officer. “These are two programs that are vital to the safety of our students.”

Darnell reduced the ACSO budget by $1.14 million last May. The County Commission then reduced the budget by an additional $500,000 in July without Darnell’s input.

This additional amount was taken to help pay for increases in legislative mandated employer contribution rates for special risk retirement and a county mandated employer contribution for health insurance for the positions funded out of the law enforcement budget.

In an attempt to solve the discrepancy, several alternatives were presented to the County Commission such as finding a middle ground, and using reserves for contingency funding, among others. Ultimately, three County Commissioners voted to maintain the additional budget cut.

In the past four years, the ACSO has encountered budget cuts of almost $6 million. In the sheriff’s office appeal to the State, Darnell says the agency cannot incur extra budget cuts without reducing services.

If the appeal doesn’t prevail, Johnson doubts the school district would find the money to pay for the programs itself. “It would be very difficult in a year where the governor is proposing cutting the budget by $13 million.” The school district already pays $418,000 to help fund the school resource deputies.

School resource deputies serve as a law enforcement presence in schools around the county, monitoring criminal activity. They also serve as mentors to students in middle and high schools.

There is no word on how long the Office of Policy and Budget will take to answer the appeal.

The votes came in last November and High Springs residents have spoken: They voted in favor of offering industry a little something extra to locate in their city, paving the way for local tax breaks.

On Feb. 10, the City Commission finalized the requirements and procedures for granting ad-valorem tax exemptions to new and expanding businesses.

The referendum authorizing the commission to offer these tax exemptions was passed by a majority vote in the last election, and last week commissioners took the final step in a unanimous vote to make the referendum official city policy. Its purpose is to be used as a tool to encourage economic development in the area.

For a business to be considered for an exemption, it must submit an application to the city, including a $500 fee to be paid only upon approval. Factors that determine whether the business will be granted an exemption, and for how much, include business type, how many local jobs it will offer initially and over time, as well as the pay rates for those positions.

David Ramsey, senior director of economic development for the Council for Economic Outreach at the Greater Gainesville-Area Chamber of Commerce, has been helping the city plan and implement the tax incentive program.

A wide variety of businesses can qualify, Ramsey explained. The only type that generally wouldn’t be considered is retail, because initially, retailers won’t benefit the goal of the tax breaks, which is to encourage economic growth and sustainability in the community as a whole. Retail stores won’t flourish without a customer base of individuals with stable incomes who can afford to shop, Ramsey said.

Jobs have to come first, which is why industry and service-based businesses are better suited to receive the tax breaks. The city has to bring in employers, and then retail will want to come in and will naturally thrive if there are people with extra money to spend, he explained.

Ramsey called the tax-exemption program an “aggressive, up-front incentive,” and he said it’s the only one in Alachua County and one of few in the state.

It should help the whole area, he added, not just High Springs, in attracting new business, as an economic upturn in one city can have a ripple effect on surrounding municipalities.

City manager targets mid-March

If all goes well, the City of Hawthorne’s budget should be balanced and ready by mid-March, recently hired Interim City Manager Ellen Vause said.

“I have had an opportunity to edit the revenues and am currently working on the expenditures,” she said. “What I bring forward, I want to be accurate.”

Currently, the City of Hawthorne is about one-third of the way through its fiscal year without an approved balanced budget.

After meeting with Suzanne Gable and John Brower from the Alachua County Office of Management and Budget, Vause announced that the plan to replenish the Wild Spaces and Public Places money is to pay $5,000 monthly until the account has been fully funded. The city’s Wild Spaces and Public Places funds, which have restricted uses, had been co-mingled with the city’s general funds and apparently had been spent on unauthorized expenditures.

At the previous Hawthorne City Commission meeting on Feb. 1, the commission made a motion to create a separate bank account designated for the Wild Spaces program to ensure that the money is where it should be.

Vause quoted Gable and Brower saying, “We have our game plan and we have to adhere to our game plan.”

Morris lends voice to deaf through his art, which will be on display Friday at the Firehouse Art Gallery

Newberry_MorrisNewberry's Doug Morris, an American Sign Language Interpreter, also communicates thWhen Doug Morris was little, he was put in special education classes to improve his reading.

As it turned out, those classes introduced him to the field he has been working in for 18 years.

Morris is an American Sign Language interpreter for the deaf and the Center for Independent Living.

He was asked to start working as an interpreter after his close friend Sidney Arnold, who was an interpreter, passed away. While on a boat off the coast of Maine, Gayle Muller asked him to consider the profession.

Morris explained, “My friend knew I could sign and she sat down next to me and asked, ‘How would you like to make a lot less money?’.”

Morris had been a part of the corporate world as a display manager for Filenes, a department store which has since gone out of business. He said there is one big difference between the corporate and non-profit world.

“When you serve your community you know that what you do really matters at the end of the day,” Morris said.

Because it is a fairly recent language, his deaf grandmother, school friends with developmental disabilities, cerebral palsy, and hearing impairments were not taught the language when Morris was growing up.

“Now you can study it, just like French or German or any other language,” Morris said.

Instead, they had to rely on gestures and get across what they could verbally.

“When I heard about the signing I got interested in it,” he said. “I felt like they missed out.”

Morris remembers two Vietnamese students he taught while in San Francisco. They had no verbal skills, but he was able to help them and they were able to gain American citizenship.

One day Morris passed the male Vietnamese student on the stairs and signed to him, asking what he was doing. The boy signed “coat,” his first word after six months, Morris said.

“I call it my spiritual paycheck,” he said.

Being an interpreter has brought Morrris many opportunities. He was recently on National Public Radio, interpreting the phone calls for deaf children’s writer Ann LaZotte.

“You didn’t hear me, but I was in the room signing the listeners’ questions for her to answer,” he said.

He admits his friend was right when she offered a job for less money, but he still enjoys what he does.

“I’ll never be a rich man, but I really like that feeling of serving your community,” he said.

In addition to his work as an interpreter, Morris is a professional artist. He is an art consultant for Newberry’s Firehouse Art Gallery, which will hold an art show on Friday. His work will be featured along with other local artists.

“It’s going to be great,” he said.

Barbara Hendrix, Main Street Organization manager, agreed and added that she cannot wait for the art studio that will complement the gallery and see Morris as an art instructor there.

“We’re really excited about that,” she said. “He has owned art galleries and taught art along with all his work with disabled people. It’s great to have him working with us.”

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION CASE NO.: 01 2010 CA 005890 RBC BANK (USA), Plaintiff, vs.

HIGHLAND LAKES, LLC, a Florida limited liability company, JOHN M. PLA, an individual, and ERIC PARKER, an individual,

 

Defendants. __________/

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to the Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered by this Court on January 24, 2011, in Case No.: 01 2010 CA 005890 in the Circuit Court of for the Eighth Circuit in and for Alachua County, Florida, in which RBC Bank (USA), is Plaintiff, and HIGHLAND LAKES, LLC, a Florida limited liability company, JOHN M. PLA, an individual, and ERIC PARKER, an individual, are Defendants, I will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash in the lobby of the Alachua County Family/Civil Justice Center, 201 E. University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32601, at 11:00 a.m. on February 25, 2011, the following described property as set forth in the Final Judgment of Foreclosure, to wit:

 

REAL PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: SEE ATTACHED EXHIBIT "A"

 

except as herein before set forth, in accordance with Fla.Stat. §45.031. Said sale will be made pursuant to and in order to satisfy the terms of the Final Judgment of Foreclosure. The "highest bidder" for purposes of this Notice of Sale, is defined as the party who bids the largest amount of money to purchase the Property and who completes the sale in a timely fashion, as hereinafter set out. The one who bids the largest amount of money to purchase the Property shall be permitted to complete the sale by delivering to the Clerk, the balance of such bid, over and above the deposit, by 5:00 p.m. the following business day. IF YOU ARE A PERSON CLAIMING A RIGHT TO FUNDS REMAINING AFTER THE SALE, YOU MUST FILE A CLAIM WITH THE CLERK NO LATER THAN 60 DAYS AFTER THE SALE. IF YOU FAIL TO FILE A CLAIM, YOU WILL NOT BE ENTITLED TO ANY REMAINING FUNDS. AFTER 60 DAYS, ONLY THE OWNER OF RECORD AS THE DATE OF THE LIS PENDENS MAY CLAIM THE SURPLUS. DATED on January 26, 2011. J.K. Irby Clerk of the Circuit Court Alachua County By: /s/ Erika Powell Deputy Clerk Published in: Alachua Today on February 03 and 10, 2011.

 

Exhibit "A" Legal Description

 

The Southwest 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 (SW 1/4 of SW 1/4) and the East One-half of the Southwest 1/4 (E 1/2 of SW 1/4) of Section 18, Township 9 South, Range 18 East, except that portion lying within the right-of-way of County Road NW 36. All lying and being in Alachua County, Florida. Parcel Identification Number: 04144-001-000 and 04145-000-000

 

(Published: Alachua County Today – February 10 and 17, 2011)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION CASE NO.: 01 2010 CA 005889 RBC BANK (USA), Plaintiff, vs. BILTMORE CORPORATION OF GAINESVILLE, a Florida limited liability company, and JOHN M. PLA, an individual, Defendants. ___________/

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to the Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered by this Court on January 24, 2011, in Case No.: 01 2010 CA 005889 in the Circuit Court of for the Eighth Circuit in and for Alachua County, Florida, in which RBC Bank (USA), is Plaintiff, and BILTMORE CORPORATION OF GAINESVILLE, a Florida limited liability company, and JOHN M. PLA, an individual, are Defendants, I will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash in the lobby of the Alachua County Family/Civil Justice Center, 201 E. University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32601, at 11:00 a.m. on February 25, 2011, the following described property as set forth in the Final Judgment of Foreclosure, to wit:

 

REAL PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: SEE ATTACHED EXHIBIT "A"

 

except as herein before set forth, in accordance with Fla.Stat. §45.031. Said sale will be made pursuant to and in order to satisfy the terms of the Final Judgment of Foreclosure. The "highest bidder" for purposes of this Notice of Sale, is defined as the party who bids the largest amount of money to purchase the Property and who completes the sale in a timely fashion, as hereinafter set out. The one who bids the largest amount of money to purchase the Property shall be permitted to complete the sale by delivering to the Clerk, the balance of such bid, over and above the deposit, by 5:00 p.m. the following business day. IF YOU ARE A PERSON CLAIMING A RIGHT TO FUNDS REMAINING AFTER THE SALE, YOU MUST FILE A CLAIM WITH THE CLERK NO LATER THAN 60 DAYS AFTER THE SALE. IF YOU FAIL TO FILE A CLAIM, YOU WILL NOT BE ENTITLED TO ANY REMAINING FUNDS. AFTER 60 DAYS, ONLY THE OWNER OF RECORD AS THE DATE OF THE LIS PENDENS MAY CLAIM THE SURPLUS. DATED on January 26, 2011. J.K. Irby Clerk of the Circuit Court Alachua County By: /s/ Erika Powell Deputy Clerk Published in: Alachua Today on February 03 and 10, 2011

 

Exhibit "A"

 

That part of Fractional Section 3, Township 10 South, Range 18 East, within the Arredondo Grant in Alachua County, Florida, more particularly described as follows: Commence at the Southwest corner of said Fractional Section 3 within the Arredondo grant for a point of reference, thence run North 00° 15 Minutes 12 Seconds West, on the West line of said Fractional Section 3, a distance of 1319.69 feet to the Southwest corner of the North Three-Quarters of said Fractional Section 3; thence run South 89° 18 Minutes 51 Seconds East, on the South line of the North Three-Quarters of said Fractional Section 3, a distance of 30.00 feet to a point on the Easterly right-of-way line of County Road SW 19C and the POINT OF BEGINNING; thence continue South 89° 18 Minutes 51 Seconds East, on said South line of the North Three-Quarters of said Fractional Section 3, a distance of 490.54 feet to a found 1/2" iron rod and cap (LB 021); thence departing said South line, run South 00° 10 minutes 56 seconds West, a distance of 75.00 feet to a 1/2" iron rod and cap (LB 021); thence run South 89° 18 Minutes 51 Seconds East, a distance of 147.49 feet to a 5/8" iron rod and cap (LB 6578); thence run South 00° 00 Minutes 44 Seconds West, a distance of 261.24 feet to a 5/8" iron rod and cap (LB 6578); thence run North 88° 48 Minutes 25 Seconds East, a distance of 177.04 feet to a 5/8" iron rod and cap (LB 6578); thence run South 63° 13 Minutes 30 Seconds East, a distance of 199.07 feet to a 5/8" iron rod and cap (LB 6578); thence run South 87° 13 Minutes 46 Seconds East, a distance of 404.48 feet to a 5/8" iron rod and cap (LB 6578); thence run North 00° 57 Minutes 28 Seconds West, a distance of 135.02 feet to a 5/8" iron rod and cap (LB 6578); thence run south 89° 54 Minutes 17 Seconds East, a distance of 419.79 feet to a 5/8" iron rod and cap (LB 6578); thence run North 00° 07 Minutes 50 Seconds East, a distance of 218.41 feet to a 5/8" iron rod and cap (LB 6578); thence run South 89° 18 Minutes 51 Seconds East, a distance of 349.42 feet to a 1/2" iron rod and cap (LB 021); thence run South 00° 10 Minutes 56 Seconds West, a distance of 919.48 feet to a concrete monument (PLS 2115); thence run North 89° 18 Minutes 51 Seconds West, a distance of 1753.02 feet to a concrete monument (PLS 2115); thence run North 00° 14 Minutes 09 Seconds East, a distance of 894.47 feet to a concrete monument (PLS 2115); thence run North 89° 18 Minutes 51 Seconds West, a distance of 411.30 feet to a concrete monument (PLS 2115) located on the Easterly right-of-way line of County Road SW 19C; thence run North 00° 15 minutes 12 Seconds West, a distance of 100.00 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING.

 

(Published: Alachua County Today – February 10 and 17, 2011)

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No. 2010-CA-5323 PERKINS STATE BANK, A Florida Banking Corporation Plaintiff, vs. MARILYN M. MARSON AND RODERICK T. MARSON, Defendants. _________/

CLERK'S NOTICE OF SALE UNDER F.S. CHAPTER 45

 

NOTICE IS GIVEN that, in accordance with the Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated January 31, 2011, in the above-styled cause, I will sell to the, highest and best bidder for cash in the lobby of the Alachua County Courthouse, Gainesville, Florida at 11:00 a.m. On March 29, 2011 the following described property:

 

Condominium Units A and B, SHEMA PLAZA CONDOMINIUM, together with an undivided interest in the common elements, according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Record Book 1567, Page 205, as amended from time to time, of the Public Records of ALACHUA County. Florida. Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale.

 

Dated: February 9th, 2011. J.K.lrby Clerk of the Court By: /s/ Erika Powell Deputy Clerk (Court Seal) (Published: Alachua County Today – February 17 and 24, 2011)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Advertise in Over 100 Papers throughout Florida for One Low Rate. Advertising Networks of Florida, Put us to work for You! (866)742-1373 www.florida-classifieds.com.

SPECIAL EVENTS

 

Make your wedding special at a budget price!

 

Don’t let these tough times keep you from having your dream wedding. Weddings performed anywhere. Non-denominational , non judgmental, any and all marriages. Your choice of wedding vows, candle ceremonies, and sand ceremonies. Starting at $69. Many upgrades and wedding planner services available for an additional fee.

 

Call us at (352)317-7340  or (352)317-0846

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

EMPLOYMENT

 

Help Wanted

 

Drivers - FOOD TANKER DRIVERS NEEDED OTR positions available NOW! CDL-A w/ Tanker REQ'D. Outstanding pay & Benefits! Call a recruiter TODAY! (877)882-6537  www.oakleytransport.com

ESTABLISHED PRINT ADVERTISING Co. Hiring Reps and Territory Managers: Verified Leads Provided, Up to 50% Comm., Gas and Car Maintenance Program. Call Mike (419)704-7675

Drivers / Teams $1,000.00 SIGN ON BONUS! 100% O/Op - Contractor Co. Dedicated Reefer Fleet Run California, Midwest, East. Call (800)237-8288 or visit www.suncocarriers.com

17 DRIVERS NEEDED! Top 5% Pay! Excellent Benefits New Trucks Ordered! Need CDL-A & 3 mos recent OTR. (877)258-8782 www.meltontruck.com

VINEYARD LABORER to help with weeding, training, and care of grapevines and surrounding areas, as well as grape harvest. Wage rate: $9.94 per hour. This is a temporary position. Contract dates: 3-1-11 to 11-30-11, with 75% of the contract period guaranteed. Six (6) positions available. All tools, supplies and equipment are provided. Free housing is provided. Cost of transportation to and from our location will be paid, in addition to subsistence expenses for travel days upon completion of 50% of the contract period. Employer is Black Ankle Vineyards, 14463 Black Ankle Road, Mt. Airy, MD. Apply for this job at the nearest State Workforce Agency, or MD Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulations office using job order number MD0696131.

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

Nail tech needed (part time) in Archer area. If interested, please call 352-225-7034

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

 

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

 

DO YOU EARN $800.00 IN A DAY? Your Own Local Candy Route 25 Machines and Candy All for $9995.00 All Major Credit Cards Accepted (877)915-8222  AINB02653

SERVICES OFFERED

 

INTERIOR PAINTING

 

Affordable, quality interior painter. Call today for free estimates. 352-281-7708

FINANCIAL

 

$500 Cash Loan, No Credit Check, 6 months to Repay, Payments $55 biweekly. $1000/month income and active checking account required. Call 24 hrs (760)569-6474

CASH NOW! Cash for your structured settlement or annuity payments. Call J.G. Wentworth. 1-866-494-9115  Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau.

FARM & LIVESTOCK

 

Hay For Sale

 

Fertilized Coastal Bermuda, barn stored, large round rolls, excellent quality. $45 per roll. Cow hay $35 per roll. 352-215-1018

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

 

Lots For Sale

 

Own 20 Acres Only $129/mo. $13,900 near growing El Paso, Texas (safest city in America!) Low down, no credit checks, owner financing. Free map/pictures (866)485-4364  www.sunsetranches.com

Acreage & Farms

 

1 acre High Springs area. Well, septic and power already installed. NO IMPACT FEE. Owner financing. No down payment. $34,900. $359/mo. 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 acres High Springs area. Gorgeous country setting with cleared oak-shaded homesite. Owner financing. No down payment. $69,900. $613/mo. NO IMPACT FEES. 352-215-1018, www.LandOwnerFinancing .com.

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

 

Apartments For Rent

 

Alachua Villas Apartments AVAILABLE FEB. 1 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

 

Office for lease. Downtown High Springs - 1400 sq ft - in historic brick building. Great window space for retail sales or professional office in addition to a large private office, porch and fenced back yard area. 1st / last plus, security deposit and references required. Contact 386-243-0825.

MERCHANDISE

 

Miscellaneous

 

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

ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE from Home. *Medical, *Business, *Paralegal, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV certified. Call (877)206-5165, www.Centura.us.com

Miscellaneous For Sale

 

RUG LIQUIDATION SALE! 75% Off Every Rug. FREE SHIPPING/BUY NOW. 200,000 Rugs Must Go www.eSaleRugs.com (866)647-3965

WANTED TO BUY

 

Own 20 Acres Only $129/mo. $13,900 near growing El Paso, Texas (safest city in America!) Low down, no credit checks, owner financing. Free map/pictures (866)485-4364  www.sunsetranches.com

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

Auctions

 

ART AUCTIONS TO BENEFIT CHILDREN'S CHARITY - NO BUYER'S PREMIUM and several artworks with no reserve! Chagall, Picasso, Dali, Miro, Max, Neiman, Pino, Maimon, Florida Highwaymen and more! FREE food and drinks and raffle prizes. BATERBYS - PALM BEACH, Saturday, February 19th - 4pm Preview, 5pm Auction - 13900 Jog Road Delray Beach, FL 33446. BATERBYS - ORLANDO, Saturday, February 26 - 4pm Preview, 5pm Auction - 9101 International Dr., Unit 1008, Orlando, FL 32819. RSVP at www.baterbys.com or call (866)537-1004 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. AB#2746 AU#3750


To Place a Classified Call 386-462-3355.

Williston_Road_I75The westbound lanes on Williston Road (State Road 121/331) at the Interstate 75 overpass are expected to reopen to traffic early Wednesday morning.

The westbound roadway has been closed since Monday morning after an overheight vehicle struck the underside of the overpass causing damage to five of the 12 support beams.

 The northbound outside lane on Interstate 75 and the northbound exit ramp to Williston Road (Exit 382) will continue to be closed until the repairs to the overpass are made.

 Demolition of the damaged beams on the overpass began at noon today and should be completed before rush hour traffic begins Wednesday.

 Once the debris is removed from the roadway, the westbound lanes will be fully reopened to traffic until work begins to install new beams. During the installation, the westbound lanes may be reduced to one lane and closed entirely for up to five nights between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. These total closures will be advertised in advance.

 FDOT hired Superior Construction Company of Jacksonville to repair the damaged overpass in 21 days at a cost of $475,000. Superior bid the lowest of six companies on the repairs in an emergency contract which was activated by the FDOT Monday evening.

 The detour for westbound traffic on Williston Road during the complete closures will continue to be I-75 northbound to Archer Road (State Road 24), re-entering I-75 southbound and exiting at the Williston Road southbound ramp.

ACT_obituariesMr. Willie B. Bryant, 84, of Fort White, Florida passed on Friday, February 11, 2011 at his residence.  4.

Funeral services for Mr. Bryant will be held on Saturday, February 19, 2011 at 11 a.m. at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, Fort White, Rev. Donnell Sanders, Pastor.  Burial will follow in Philadelphia Cemetery, Lake City, Florida.

Visitation will be Friday 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home.

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

Damage to the Interstate 75 overpass has caused the westbound lanes of Williston Road to be closed indefinitely at the interchange.

 All Williston Road westbound traffic will be detoured to I-75 northbound to the Archer Road (State Road 24) exit, then re-enter I-75 southbound and exit at Williston Road (Exit 382). The detour is 4 miles.

 The interstate overpass was damaged Mondays morning and repairs will take several weeks to complete.

 I-75 northbound is reduced to two lanes at the Williston Road interchange and the Williston Road exit is closed.

Motorists heading westbound on Williston Road will experience traffic congestion and backups over the next several days.

A chemist was seriously injured during a chemical explosion at SynQuest Labs in Alachua Tuesday afternoon.  The company is located in the Copeland Industrial Park on Rachel Boulevard.

The explosion reportedly occurred when the chemist was working with the chemical hexafluorobutane.  The compound remains a liquid until about 77 degrees Fahrenheit or roughly room temperature before it begins changing into a gaseous state, SynQuest Labs President Adam Alty said.

Alty, who was not at the facility when the explosion occurred, said the injured chemist was working with about 1.2 gallons of the chemical and that the explosion was enough to break the flask in which it was contained.  The chemist was wearing protective eyewear and a lab coat at the time of the incident, Alty said.  Although the injuries were serious, he said they were not life threatening and the injured man remains in Shands Hospital.

Following the incident, Alty said his company engaged its emergency response team and contacted rescue services.  A hazardous material team responded to the scene as well as an ambulance which transported the injured man.

No one else was in the lab when the explosion occurred.  The SynQuest facility includes four labs, but only one of them was believed to be affected by the blast.  As of Wednesday afternoon, manufacturing at the site remained shut down as the company conducted an incident review.  Alty said he expects some manufacturing to resume Thursday.

No one else was injured as a result of the explosion and an investigation into the incident is continuing.  Alty said the facility doesn’t pose a threat to the public and people shouldn’t be concerned.

“We follow all OSHA guidelines and have permits for everything,” he said.

SynQuest Labs specializes in fluorine chemistry and produces compounds using fluorine.  The products are typically sold in small amounts to laboratories around the world for research and development purposes, Alty said.

The company occupies about 55,000 square feet, most of which is office and warehouse space.  It has been in the Copeland Industrial Park since 1995 and employs about 35 people.

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, Owner, Gatorscaping Services, LLC, doing business under the firm name of Gainesville Granite, 17271 NW 240th Terrace, in the County of Alachua, in the City of High Springs, Florida 32643, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated this 10th day of February, 2011.

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - February 10, 2011)

PUBLIC NOTICE

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION CASE NO.: 01 2010 CA 005889 RBC BANK (USA), Plaintiff, vs. BILTMORE CORPORATION OF GAINESVILLE, a Florida limited liability company, and JOHN M. PLA, an individual, Defendants. ___________/

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to the Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered by this Court on January 24, 2011, in Case No.: 01 2010 CA 005889 in the Circuit Court of for the Eighth Circuit in and for Alachua County, Florida, in which RBC Bank (USA), is Plaintiff, and BILTMORE CORPORATION OF GAINESVILLE, a Florida limited liability company, and JOHN M. PLA, an individual, are Defendants, I will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash in the lobby of the Alachua County Family/Civil Justice Center, 201 E. University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32601, at 11:00 a.m. on February 25, 2011, the following described property as set forth in the Final Judgment of Foreclosure, to wit:

 

REAL PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: SEE ATTACHED EXHIBIT "A"

 

except as herein before set forth, in accordance with Fla.Stat. §45.031. Said sale will be made pursuant to and in order to satisfy the terms of the Final Judgment of Foreclosure. The "highest bidder" for purposes of this Notice of Sale, is defined as the party who bids the largest amount of money to purchase the Property and who completes the sale in a timely fashion, as hereinafter set out. The one who bids the largest amount of money to purchase the Property shall be permitted to complete the sale by delivering to the Clerk, the balance of such bid, over and above the deposit, by 5:00 p.m. the following business day. IF YOU ARE A PERSON CLAIMING A RIGHT TO FUNDS REMAINING AFTER THE SALE, YOU MUST FILE A CLAIM WITH THE CLERK NO LATER THAN 60 DAYS AFTER THE SALE. IF YOU FAIL TO FILE A CLAIM, YOU WILL NOT BE ENTITLED TO ANY REMAINING FUNDS. AFTER 60 DAYS, ONLY THE OWNER OF RECORD AS THE DATE OF THE LIS PENDENS MAY CLAIM THE SURPLUS. DATED on January 26, 2011. J.K. Irby Clerk of the Circuit Court Alachua County By: /s/ Erika Powell Deputy Clerk Published in: Alachua Today on February 03 and 10, 2011

 

Exhibit "A"

 

That part of Fractional Section 3, Township 10 South, Range 18 East, within the Arredondo Grant in Alachua County, Florida, more particularly described as follows: Commence at the Southwest corner of said Fractional Section 3 within the Arredondo grant for a point of reference, thence run North 00° 15 Minutes 12 Seconds West, on the West line of said Fractional Section 3, a distance of 1319.69 feet to the Southwest corner of the North Three-Quarters of said Fractional Section 3; thence run South 89° 18 Minutes 51 Seconds East, on the South line of the North Three-Quarters of said Fractional Section 3, a distance of 30.00 feet to a point on the Easterly right-of-way line of County Road SW 19C and the POINT OF BEGINNING; thence continue South 89° 18 Minutes 51 Seconds East, on said South line of the North Three-Quarters of said Fractional Section 3, a distance of 490.54 feet to a found 1/2" iron rod and cap (LB 021); thence departing said South line, run South 00° 10 minutes 56 seconds West, a distance of 75.00 feet to a 1/2" iron rod and cap (LB 021); thence run South 89° 18 Minutes 51 Seconds East, a distance of 147.49 feet to a 5/8" iron rod and cap (LB 6578); thence run South 00° 00 Minutes 44 Seconds West, a distance of 261.24 feet to a 5/8" iron rod and cap (LB 6578); thence run North 88° 48 Minutes 25 Seconds East, a distance of 177.04 feet to a 5/8" iron rod and cap (LB 6578); thence run South 63° 13 Minutes 30 Seconds East, a distance of 199.07 feet to a 5/8" iron rod and cap (LB 6578); thence run South 87° 13 Minutes 46 Seconds East, a distance of 404.48 feet to a 5/8" iron rod and cap (LB 6578); thence run North 00° 57 Minutes 28 Seconds West, a distance of 135.02 feet to a 5/8" iron rod and cap (LB 6578); thence run south 89° 54 Minutes 17 Seconds East, a distance of 419.79 feet to a 5/8" iron rod and cap (LB 6578); thence run North 00° 07 Minutes 50 Seconds East, a distance of 218.41 feet to a 5/8" iron rod and cap (LB 6578); thence run South 89° 18 Minutes 51 Seconds East, a distance of 349.42 feet to a 1/2" iron rod and cap (LB 021); thence run South 00° 10 Minutes 56 Seconds West, a distance of 919.48 feet to a concrete monument (PLS 2115); thence run North 89° 18 Minutes 51 Seconds West, a distance of 1753.02 feet to a concrete monument (PLS 2115); thence run North 00° 14 Minutes 09 Seconds East, a distance of 894.47 feet to a concrete monument (PLS 2115); thence run North 89° 18 Minutes 51 Seconds West, a distance of 411.30 feet to a concrete monument (PLS 2115) located on the Easterly right-of-way line of County Road SW 19C; thence run North 00° 15 minutes 12 Seconds West, a distance of 100.00 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING.

 

(Published: Alachua County Today – February 10 and 17, 2011)

CITY OF HAWTHORNE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

 

On Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011 at 6:00pm at 6700 SE 221st St. Hawthorne, FL, the Planning and Zoning Board will hold a public hearing regarding the following ordinances:

 

ORDINANCE

 

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA ADOPTING AN EVALUATION AND APPRAISAL REPORT OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN IN COMPLIANCE WITH CHAPTER 163.3191 F.S. Copies of the proposed actions may be inspected by the public at City Hall on SE 221st St. The hearing will be open to the public and interested parties may appear at the hearing to be heard regarding the proposed action.

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - February 10, 2011)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION CASE NO.: 01 2010 CA 005890 RBC BANK (USA), Plaintiff, vs.

HIGHLAND LAKES, LLC, a Florida limited liability company, JOHN M. PLA, an individual, and ERIC PARKER, an individual,

 

Defendants. __________/

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to the Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered by this Court on January 24, 2011, in Case No.: 01 2010 CA 005890 in the Circuit Court of for the Eighth Circuit in and for Alachua County, Florida, in which RBC Bank (USA), is Plaintiff, and HIGHLAND LAKES, LLC, a Florida limited liability company, JOHN M. PLA, an individual, and ERIC PARKER, an individual, are Defendants, I will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash in the lobby of the Alachua County Family/Civil Justice Center, 201 E. University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32601, at 11:00 a.m. on February 25, 2011, the following described property as set forth in the Final Judgment of Foreclosure, to wit:

 

REAL PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: SEE ATTACHED EXHIBIT "A"

 

except as herein before set forth, in accordance with Fla.Stat. §45.031. Said sale will be made pursuant to and in order to satisfy the terms of the Final Judgment of Foreclosure. The "highest bidder" for purposes of this Notice of Sale, is defined as the party who bids the largest amount of money to purchase the Property and who completes the sale in a timely fashion, as hereinafter set out. The one who bids the largest amount of money to purchase the Property shall be permitted to complete the sale by delivering to the Clerk, the balance of such bid, over and above the deposit, by 5:00 p.m. the following business day. IF YOU ARE A PERSON CLAIMING A RIGHT TO FUNDS REMAINING AFTER THE SALE, YOU MUST FILE A CLAIM WITH THE CLERK NO LATER THAN 60 DAYS AFTER THE SALE. IF YOU FAIL TO FILE A CLAIM, YOU WILL NOT BE ENTITLED TO ANY REMAINING FUNDS. AFTER 60 DAYS, ONLY THE OWNER OF RECORD AS THE DATE OF THE LIS PENDENS MAY CLAIM THE SURPLUS. DATED on January 26, 2011. J.K. Irby Clerk of the Circuit Court Alachua County By: /s/ Erika Powell Deputy Clerk Published in: Alachua Today on February 03 and 10, 2011.

 

Exhibit "A" Legal Description

 

The Southwest 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 (SW 1/4 of SW 1/4) and the East One-half of the Southwest 1/4 (E 1/2 of SW 1/4) of Section 18, Township 9 South, Range 18 East, except that portion lying within the right-of-way of County Road NW 36. All lying and being in Alachua County, Florida. Parcel Identification Number: 04144-001-000 and 04145-000-000

 

(Published: Alachua County Today – February 10 and 17, 2011)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Advertise in Over 100 Papers throughout Florida for One Low Rate. Advertising Networks of Florida, Put us to work for You! (866)742-1373 www.florida-classifieds.com.

SPECIAL EVENTS

 

Make your wedding special at a budget price!

 

Don’t let these tough times keep you from having your dream wedding. Weddings performed anywhere. Non-denominational , non judgmental, any and all marriages. Your choice of wedding vows, candle ceremonies, and sand ceremonies. Starting at $69. Many upgrades and wedding planner services available for an additional fee.

 

Call us at (352)317-7340 or (352)317-0846

SCHOOLS/INSTRUCTION

 

Approved for VA education benefits. Learn to Operate a Crane or Bulldozer. Heavy Equipment Training. National Certification. Georgia School of Construction. www.Heavy5.com Use code "FLCNH" (866)218-2763

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

EMPLOYMENT

 

Help Wanted

 

Drivers / Teams $1,000.00 SIGN ON BONUS! 100% O/Op - Contractor Co. Dedicated Reefer Fleet Run California, Midwest, East. Call (800)237-8288 or visit www.suncocarriers.com

17 DRIVERS NEEDED! Top 5% Pay! Excellent Benefits New Trucks Ordered! Need CDL-A & 3 mos recent OTR. (877)258-8782 www.meltontruck.com

Drivers - FOOD TANKER DRIVERS NEEDED OTR positions available NOW! CDL-A w/ Tanker REQ'D. Outstanding pay & Benefits! Call a recruiter TODAY! (877)882-6537  www.oakleytransport.com

Nail tech needed (part time) in Archer area. If interested, please call 352-225-7034

Driver - $.33/mile to $.42/mile based on length of haul, PLUS $.02/mile safety bonus paid quarterly. Van & Refrigerated. CDL-A w/3 mos current OTR experience. (800)414-9569 www.driveknight.com

Drivers Earn Up to 39¢/mi HOME SEVERAL NIGHTS & WEEKENDS 1 yr OTR Flatbed exp. Call: (800)572-5489 Susan ext. 227 SUNBELT TRANSPORT, LLC

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

Engineering

 

Philips Medical Systems MR, Inc. has the following job opportunity in Gainesville, FL:

Electrical Design Engineer (EDE-FL) - Perform engineering work and apply research towards the development and design of new products.

Submit resume by mail to HR Shared Services NA, Philips North America, 3000 Minuteman Road, MS/0032, Andover, MA 01810. Must reference job title and job code (EDE-FL).

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

 

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

 

DO YOU EARN $800.00 IN A DAY? Your Own Local Candy Route 25 Machines and Candy All for $9995.00 All Major Credit Cards Accepted (877)915-8222 AINB02653

SERVICES OFFERED

 

INTERIOR PAINTING

 

Affordable, quality interior painter. Call today for free estimates. 352-281-7708

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

FARM & LIVESTOCK

 

Hay For Sale

 

Fertilized Coastal Bermuda, barn stored, large round rolls, excellent quality. $45 per roll. Cow hay $35 per roll. 352-215-1018

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

 

Acreage & Farms

 

Own 20 Acres Only $129/mo. $13,900 near growing El Paso, Texas (safest city in America!) Low down, no credit checks, owner financing. Free map/pictures (866)485-4364  www.sunsetranches.com

5 acres High Springs area. Gorgeous country setting with cleared oak-shaded homesite. Owner financing. No down payment. $69,900. $613/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.

1 acre High Springs area. Well, septic and power already installed. NO IMPACT FEE. Owner financing. No down payment. $34,900. $359/mo. 352-215-1018 www.LandOwnerFinancing .com.

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

 

Apartments For Rent

 

Alachua Villas Apartments AVAILABLE FEB. 1 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

 

Office for lease. Downtown High Springs - 1400 sq ft - in historic brick building. Great window space for retail sales or professional office in addition to a large private office, porch and fenced back yard area. 1st / last plus, security deposit and references required. Contact 386-243-0825

MERCHANDISE

 

Miscellaneous

 

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

ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE from Home. *Medical, *Business, *Paralegal, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV certified. Call (877)206-5165 www.Centura.us.com

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.

Over 35 years later, flea market continues to attract crowds

Waldo_Flea_Market

Joan Mate polishes jewelry Sunday afternoon as shoppers browse the Waldo Farmers and Flea Market, the largest such establishment in North Central Florida.

Along U.S. Highway 301, just north of Waldo, Fla. is a red and white colored sign in the shape of an arrow that reads “Waldo Farmer’s & Flea Market” in bright blue letters. A statue of a big white horse with a black mane rests above the sign, beckoning cars as they pass by.

The 50 acres of land that lie beyond this famous sign are home to North Central Florida’s largest farmers and flea market, a popular weekend attraction for avid shoppers and families alike.

Each weekend, about 30,000 people from all over North Central Florida come to the flea market to buy produce, bargain shop or just to browse around, chat and enjoy the weather.

“It’s kind of like your old city streets, where people would walk around and were actually interested in each other,” owner Sally Blakewood said. “We call ourselves the old fashioned flea market.”

With over 900 dealers throughout the year, the flea market offers a large variety of products. From kitchen utensils and wooden swings to sunglasses and toys for children, according to Blakewood, there’s something for everyone. Not to mention, the farmers market offers a wide array of fresh fruits and vegetables that are locally grown. For the hungry shoppers, the market also has a small café that serves breakfast until 11 a.m. as well as sandwiches and a variety of snacks.

“I find everything I’m looking for every time I come,” said Jane Bishop, a frequent visitor of the flea market. At least once a month for the past 12 years, Bishop has driven from her home in High Springs, Fla., to the flea market to buy produce and other essentials.

Aside from being a good place to find items for low prices, the flea market also provides a venue for local residents to walk around, grab a snack and enjoy the weather, Blakewood said.

According to Bishop, the market has more “character and flavor” than a mall or supermarket, which is what makes it such a great place to spend the day. “When the weather’s nice, you can easily make half a day of it,” she said.

But it’s not just a place for visitors to enjoy; the dealers have a good time, too.

“It’s a lot of fun,” said Carol Melvin, who has been selling jewelry, t-shirts, dolls and other items at the flea market for the past four years. “You get to meet a lot of nice people.”

Kimberly Brooks, who sells lawn and patio furniture a few spaces down said she just likes to “watch the people go by.”

“You get a lot more traffic at flea markets, with people buying a bunch of different things.”

Dealers can rent out a space that comes with two tables to display their items for $15 each time they come.  Some are year-round dealers, others are seasonal and many just come once or twice to get rid of items they don’t need anymore.

The flea market first opened in 1975 after Blakewood’s parents, Al and Anne Killian, came across one while traveling cross-country in their motor home. “My dad was a true entrepreneur,” Blakewood said. “He really liked the idea and decided to open one in Waldo.”

According to Blakewood, it was the perfect location for a flea market. “We’re kind of in the middle of nowhere, but it works because we draw people from everywhere,” she said. She recalls the first day the market opened, “It was a typical rainy day in August, and because my dad was good at advertising, people came from all over,” she said. “Unfortunately, they didn’t anticipate all the mud from the rain, and they had to call tow trucks to get all the cars out.”

Now the parking lot is fully paved.

But that’s not the only change the market has seen since its opening. In 1980, Blakewood and her husband purchased the flea market from her parents and expanded it to 50 acres from the original 40. They also added a 20,000-square-foot antique mall, which has become a popular spot for antique collectors as well as other visitors.  Moreover, a traffic light was also installed in order to control the traffic going to and from the market.

There have been a lot of changes throughout the years, said Jim Faltz, a permanent dealer for the past 20 years and owner of “The Knife Shack,” one of the oldest stores in the market. “I’ve been around here for a long time and I’ve seen a lot of people come and go,” he said. But the one thing that has stayed consistent is the personal contact with each visitor.

“I like dealing face-to-face with people,” Faltz said. “I can have an exchange with them, it’s more hands-on and the customers really appreciate it, which means a lot to me.”

For Faltz, that one-on-one contact is the one thing he hopes will never change.

Blakewood said the “face-to-face contact” is one of the flea market’s biggest appeals, adding, “Where else can you go where people will actually take the time to talk to you and help you?”

#     #     #

Money and water.  Society demands one to survive and biology demands the other, and High Springs is running low on both. In a special commission meeting Monday evening, city staff and commissioners, water and wastewater experts, and residents mulled over how to compensate for revenue shortages and what direction the city sewer project should take.

The city’s water utility has been running on a mounting deficit for the past three year, losing revenue in the face of foreclosures and vacant buildings, and budget transfers continue to be made to other city accounts.

As an “enterprise fund,” money from the city water account is transferred as payments to the general fund.  As explained by the city’s finance director Helen McIver, activities performed in the licensing and billing department are budgeted under general funds, but the activities are associated with the water utility, so the water account must reimburse the general fund.

This practice is standard among most comparable local municipalities. However, when the city began experiencing losses in water revenues, it didn’t adjust the transfers proportionately.

Adding to the city’s financial woes is the expense of the community’s ongoing sewer project.

City Commissioner Dean Davis said many residents thought it was a bad idea from the start, but the city entered into an agreement with the USDA’s Rural Development agency for financing of a municipal wastewater treatment system.

The project has been conducted in phases, and the next scheduled phase of the project is on hold pending the validation of an approximately $4 million federal bond to fund it.

Included in the next phase is an expansion of the existing wastewater treatment plant.

Due to the city’s cash shortage, created in part by declining water revenues, there is concern that the city’s bond issuance will not be approved. Without it, construction will be at a standstill until an alternative source of funding can be secured.

Regardless of public opinion on whether expansion of the waste water treatment system is popular, the plant is fast approaching capacity.

If the plant isn’t expanded, the city is at risk of regulation violations and could incur “severe fines” or “the possibility” of the system being shut down, explained city utilities superintendent Don Deadwyler.

If the city can’t produce evidence of financial stability, the bond to fund the sewer plant expansion won’t be issued. City Manager Jenny Parham has yet to hear back on whether the bond has been approved, but for now the waste water treatment plant depends on those funds for the next phase.

Commissioners discussed the possibility of raising water billing rates to bridge the gap of lost revenue. City planner Christian Popoli reviewed the city’s rate history and billing structure, proposing an increase on the base rate, from the current $6 for the first 3,000 gallons used to $14.

Commissioner Eric May estimated the increase would impact about 27 percent of water utility users. Those with higher usage would also see an increase in their bills, he explained, but it would not be as extreme.

“It’s almost like a regressive tax,” he said, “because it hits the minimal users the hardest.”

May said he was against raising rates, and suggested that the city review the general fund and cut costs where possible. This should be done, he said, before passing the financial burden on to the taxpayers.

One resident suggested looking at increasing solid waste rates instead, saying there is a broader customer base and would result in a smaller burden spread over more people.

Parham said it would hypothetically be allowed within city policy.

While the meeting focused on the debate over raising water rates, Jon Dinges of the Suwannee River Water Management District made a presentation about declining groundwater supply in North Florida and the issue of demand surpassing supply. His message was that the entire district, including High Springs, must start looking at alternative water sources and be acutely conscious of water conservation.

Dinges said the city’s sewer system could prove to be a great asset in the future, as reclaimed water can offer multiple uses as an alternative to what’s left in the ground.

No official action was taken during the meeting, and discussion concerning water rates and the city’s financial condition is scheduled to resume at the Feb. 10 commission meeting.

Residents of Alachua County voiced their concerns Tuesday during a special county commission meeting over a proposed plan to include a referendum in the 2012 ballot that would create a one-cent sales surtax to support road improvement.

Overall, there was little support from county residents for the referendum during the two-hour-long meeting.

The Penny for Pavement, as the proposed pavement management program is being called, is supposed to make fixing and resurfacing roads manageable in 20 years. The county commission heard a Public Works report on the need of taking action to combat the road problems in the county and listened to the opinions of community residents.

“This gives us a good chance to start some of the dialogue that we need to start having sooner than later,” said Commissioner Susan Baird.

According to a report by Alachua County Public Works, 85 percent of roads in the county need some kind of repair. Public Works’ 2010 pavement condition analysis showed that if the roads aren’t fixed, they will continue to rapidly get worse. Currently, 49 percent of roads need major repair and 8 percent of roads need structural repair.

“We feel like this is the effective way to fix a problem of this magnitude,” said David Cerlanek, county engineer.

The Public Works report said that the gas tax revenue is not sufficient to solve the county’s road problem. The proposed sales tax is supposed to generate enough revenues to fix the problem.

During the public comments portion of the meeting, several attacks were made on the commission and how it has handled the budget in the past.

“We’ve been spending on our wishes and ignoring our needs,” said one county resident. This ending statement to his comments was received with a soft ripple of applause from the public.

Several residents criticized the county acquiring land and narrowing of Main Street in Gainesville instead of spending the money on roads. Others suggested the county tighten its budget and look for funds for the road management program elsewhere.

If the commission decides to support the referendum, the decision of whether to implement the one-cent tax would go to the voters in the 2012 election.

Commission Chair Lee Pinkoson said, “I would stay tuned, and we’ll see where this conversation goes.”

Suspect found hiding in cow feeder

ProseASO11JBN001051

Alachua Police Department (APD) officers apprehended a robbery suspect Saturday night following a robbery at Pizza Vito.

According to police, Matthew Prose, 22, pulled into the drive-thru at Pizza Vito in a maroon Dodge truck at about 4:15 p.m. and handed the clerk a handwritten note. The note said that Prose had a gun and instructed the clerk to hand him the money in the register. After taking the money, Prose fled.

Police responded and received a tip that the suspect's vehicle had been seen heading toward Traveler’s Campground. After finding the vehicle abandoned in the parking lot, police spotted Prose fleeing toward the rear of the campground. With assistance from High Springs Police Department and Alachua County Sheriff's K9 unit, officers established a perimeter and found Prose hiding inside a cow feeder. He was arrested and charged with armed robbery and resisting arrest. A search yielded about $100 in cash.

Although officers believe Prose never had a weapon, he could still be charged with armed robbery, said APD Officer Jesse Sandusky.

Armed robbery, a first-degree felony, carries a penalty of up to 30 years in prison. Prose, who has several felonies on his record and was arrested in late November on charges of simple battery, faces a lengthy sentence if charged with and convicted of armed robbery.

Alachua_NW_142_Ter_PLAN-080312-NW_150th_Avenue-Rendering_with_Baseball_and_Underground_Storm_copy

The City of Alachua is moving forward with plans that would redesign the intersection of NW 142nd Terrace and NW 150th Avenue.  The project also includes the installation of an underground storm water management system, sidewalks, street side parking and intersection realignment.

A major road and drainage project in the downtown area of Alachua is being moved closer to reality.  City of Alachua commissioners recently gave the okay to begin the process of obtaining land and land rights, paving the way for a complete overhaul of the intersection of NW 142nd Terrace and NW 150th Avenue.

The price tag for the project is estimated at $2.1 million, but city officials seemed hopeful that bids would come in lower given current economic conditions, especially in the construction sector.

In addition to paving, current plans also call for replacing the existing four-way stop with a roundabout at the intersection, one of the busiest in the downtown area.  The project’s scope also entails an entirely new underground storm water management system using crates or cages that would be installed underneath the Skinner Park baseball field.  Engineers working on the plan expect the underground system to provide a significant improvement in reducing flooding during heavy rains.

In keeping with the design theme of the Main Street and downtown area, both NW 142nd Terrace and NW 150th Avenue will also have curbs, storm gutters, sidewalks, red brick crosswalks and paved side-street parking.  The project would constitute the first major aesthetic connection between the Main Street and Alachua Towne Centre areas.

Although not depicted in the latest renderings, a portion of NW 142nd Terrace is slated to be shifted eight feet westward.  The move would not only pull the sidewalks further away from the scout hut located along the road, but it would also allow for a realignment of NW 142nd Terrace at U.S. Highway 441 to make the intersection more perpendicular.  The two roads meet at an angle that often impedes driver visibility.

The costs of the improvements are being funded through the city’s Downtown Redevelopment Trust Board (DRTB), a community redevelopment agency.  A portion of ad valorem taxes paid by property owners in the downtown district to the City of Alachua and Alachua County are set aside for projects of the DRTB each year.

Just last year, NW 150th Avenue east of Main Street was repaved and updated through the DRTB.  The agency was also responsible for reconstructing Main Street to include its distinctive curve and red brick crosswalks decades ago.

Engineering plans for the NW 142nd Terrace and NW 150th Avenue project are about 90 percent complete, city officials say.  The acquisition of land and land rights necessary for the overhaul is expected to take a few months.

ACT_obituariesJean Patricia Sullivan Jenkins of High Springs, Fla. passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 1, 2011.  She was 84 years old.

Jean was born September 12, 1926 in Brooklyn, New York. She worked for Publix Supermarket for 28 years as a cashier. Jean was a long-time member of St. Madeleine Catholic Church in High Springs for 29 years.

Jean married the love of her life, John Daniel Jenkins, on June 8, 1959 in Miami Beach, Fla. She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, John Daniel Jenkins; her parents, Arthur and Beatrice Mills Sullivan; and a brother.

Her gentleness and sense of humor will be missed.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 05, 2011 at St. Madeleine Catholic Church in High Springs, Fla. with a visitation at 10 a.m. and funeral service to follow at 10:30 a.m., reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Madeleine Catholic Church, 17155 NW US Highway 441, High Springs, FL 32643 or Catholic Charities of High Springs, 15 Southeast 1st Avenue, High Springs, FL 32643.

Virgil “Tiny” Smith, 62 of Fort White passed at his residence on Tuesday, February 1, 2011. Mr. Smith was the son of the late Lacy Smith and Sally Smith. He was a member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, and was employed with Cooper Sales Organization and Diversified Sales.

Mr. Smith is survived by his daughters, Angela Smith (Mario) Coppock and Regina Kirksey; son, Robert Phillips; six grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and sorrowing friends.

Funeral services for Mr. Smith will be held Saturday, February 5, 2011 at 11 a.m. at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, Fort White, Fla., Rev. Donnell Sanders, Pastor. Burial will follow in Heavenly Rest Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday, February 4, 2011 from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Arrangements entrusted to A. Jerome Brown Funeral Home, 1560 NW 1st Avenue, High Springs, FL, 32655.

Commissioners quickly reversed a move Monday that would have dropped one polling precinct from the City of Alachua’s annual elections in April.

Only minutes after approving a proclamation that didn’t include a provision for the fire station voting precinct, Vice Mayor Gary Hardacre said he wasn’t sure it was the right decision and wanted to review the matter again.  Commissioner Ben Boukari, Jr. agreed.

Commissioners had first approved a proclamation listing only the Hal Brady Recreation Center and Turkey Creek voting precincts after staff cited safety concerns and about $2,400 in additional costs to run the third, the fire station precinct.  The Alachua County Supervisor of Elections Office does not use the fire station precinct during countywide, state and federal elections.  However, in the past the city has opted to utilize the three polling precincts in local elections.

Initially, commissioners voted 4-1 for the proclamation.  Commissioner Orien Hills opposed the move and cast the dissenting vote.

Shortly after the decision, one-time commissioner and Alachua resident Patrick Murphy said he was concerned about the elimination of fire station precinct.

Murphy said, “$2,400 might seem like a lot of money, but there is no price on a vote.”

Referring to dropping the precinct, resident Jeannette Hinsdale agreed with Murphy saying, “Even if it’s 100 votes, it hurts a lot of people.”

Nearly two hours after first voting to cut the fire station precinct from city elections, commissioners overturned their decision.

Hills, who was opposed to the move all along said, “These problems have come up before.  I don’t see making it difficult for people to vote.”

City Manager Traci Cain said, “It was never staff’s intention to make it more difficult or try to not have people vote.

“The fire station has been, over the last few years, a safety concern,” she added.

Hardacre said the proclamation eliminating the fire station was “sprung” on commissioners, adding, “I’m having second thoughts about it.”

Boukari said, “There was a little knot in my stomach after the vote. This was never a way to tell people they can’t vote.”

After rescinding the initial approval, commissioners unanimously agreed to adopt an alternative proclamation that did include provisions for a fire station precinct.

The election is scheduled for April 12.  Commission Seat 3, currently held by Boukari, is the only seat up for grabs in the 2011 election.

Boukari successfully ran last year to fill the remaining one year of a three-year term.  He said Monday that he intends to seek re-election.

Anyone wishing to run for the seat must submit qualifying papers between noon on Feb. 17 and noon on Feb. 24.

A proposal to change the firearm restrictions in the city was sent back to the drawing board for revision at the Newberry City Commission meeting Monday.

City attorney Scott Walker proposed amendments to Ordinance No. 01-11 of the city charter to update the 34-year-old limitations on discharging a firearm in the city.

“We want to make sure safety is there, but at the same time we acknowledge that there are hunting clubs and skeet shooters, and we don’t want to unintentionally do something against those groups,” Walker said in an interview.

The subject was brought to the attention of the commission when citizens considering voluntary annexation noticed the law would not allow them to shoot even BB guns on their property, Walker said.

The ordinance currently states “it shall be unlawful for any person to discharge any firearms in the city.” With the suggested amendments, it would be illegal to shoot a firearm within a half-mile radius of the limits of any residential, commercial or industrial area.

The law was written when Newberry was a much smaller city. But now there are agricultural lands and hunting clubs, and in some areas it would be acceptable to fire a gun, Walker said.

Committee members and a few residents in attendance voiced concerns toward the amendment’s proposed radius. For Commissioner Bill Conrad the distance was too specific.

At the meeting, he said using a firearm if necessary is “part of the nature of farming” and the law should allow for that on agricultural lands.

Residents in the audience mentioned hunting clubs and the need to discharge firearms for their business. Commissioner Joe Hoffman clarified the overall opinion at the meeting.

“We need to adjust the limitations but don’t get rid of them. Tweak who can use them and for what purpose,” he said. “The city’s growing and the law needs to adjust.”

If adopted, the amendments to the ordinance would go into effect immediately. The commission will take up the issue again when the proposed amendment has been revised.

The next Newberry City Commission meeting is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 7.

Use of Wild Spaces & Public Places revenues raises questions

Sales tax revenues designated for Alachua County Wild Spaces & Public Places Program may have been spent on things other than recreation after it was deposited into Hawthorne’s general fund.

In a letter sent to county and city officials on Thursday, Jan. 20, identifying the issue, Parks & Recreation Manager Samuel Wynkoop said as of Dec. 31, 2010, the City of Hawthorne received $142,898.65, and spent $27,800.73 on recreation, leaving a current balance of $115,472.92.

“These funds,” Wynkoop wrote, “were deposited directly into the general fund, which I surmise, due to lack of appropriate tracking, were spent elsewhere on other expenditures.”

According to his letter, Wynkoop found “vast discrepancies” in the revenue and expenditure reports that were compiled by his predecessors before he was hired.

John Brower, management analyst for the Alachua County Office for Management and Budget, confirmed Wynkoop’s calculations in an e-mail after reviewing the Wild Spaces revenue and expenditure history.

The money, which has not yet been accounted for, was raised after voters approved the initiative in November 2008 to raise the local sales tax by one-half cent to improve recreation facilities and conserve land. The county-wide sales tax expired in December 2010.

Now it’s up to the city to find out if and how the money was spent.

In an e-mail sent to County Manager Randall Reid, Hawthorne Mayor Eleanor Randall wrote that she plans to review the matter with the new interim city manager once he or she is hired.

“The City appreciates the importance of this matter and will take the necessary steps to resolve it,” she wrote.

In an effort to help expedite the process, Reid offered the county budget staff’s assistance in examining the Wild Spaces cash flow, which Randall seemed to accept in her e-mail, writing “it will be helpful to have your staff assisting with this process.”

This financial discrepancy only furthers the budget issues that the City of Hawthorne has faced this year. After months without a balanced budget, Hawthorne officials continue to struggle while trying to find an interim city manager to fill former city manager Ed Smyth’s position.

Declining city revenues over the past three years have landed local government officials in an uncomfortable position and facing a decision that most politicians hope to avoid.

Upon review by an independent auditing firm, the City of High Springs has learned it may have an emergency on its hands.  Potential rate hikes aren’t anyone’s preference, but they may be inevitable according to city officials.

City Commissioner Eric May explained that the city’s water utility fund has been shrinking since 2008, and according to the audit, it has reached the point that if action isn’t taken immediately to correct the deficit, High Springs will be obligated to declare a state of financial emergency to the state auditor.

The deficit was created when the city began seeing losses in water utility revenue as homes were foreclosed and its customer base shrank. With fewer households and businesses using city water, the fund ceased to replenish itself.

Simultaneously, May said, the city had been making routine transfers from the water account for other budgetary needs, as had been done when the water fund was showing a profit. Because these transfers continued even when revenues dropped, the city is now facing a negative balance.

The issue was raised last summer as the city prepared to approve the budget for the current fiscal year, and the base rate for water was increased by about $3.  The current rate is $6.

A special commission meeting will be held Jan. 31 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall to discuss possible changes in water rates as well as issues concerning the city’s ongoing sewer project. The meeting is open to the public.

City Manager Jenny Parham confirmed that a rate increase is possible, but nothing has been decided yet.

Commissioner May said the absolute worst case scenario the city would be looking at is raising the base rate by $8, taking the current $6 rate to as high as $14. However, May is hopeful that it won’t come to that.

He hinted at a plan he’s working on that may offer an alternative solution so that the commission won’t have to institute a higher bill for taxpayers, but he wouldn’t elaborate.

While the commission has made it clear they do not want to raise rates, May acknowledged that past commissions refused to raise rates even as the current problem was growing.

The meeting Monday will shed further light on the direction the commission will take.

Niko worked in the Patrol Division for nine years

Q_-_APD_Niko_Bryan_DSF3080Alachua Police Department Officer David Floyd's four-footed compansion, eleven year old Niko, served as a working K9 for the Alachua Police Department for nine years prior to his recent retirement.

Retiring after nine years on the job would be an unusually brief career by most standards.

Then again, most standards only measure in human years.

K9 Niko, who served the Alachua Police Department (APD) for 49 dog years, was recognized at Monday night’s City Commission meeting for his work in the Patrol Division of the APD.

“This is the good part of my job,” said Chief of Police Joel DeCoursey.

Niko, an 11-year-old German Shepherd, and his handler, Officer David Floyd, were also congratulated by Patrol Sergeant Carl Newsome, who spoke for a few minutes about the contributions made to the Alachua community by police dogs.

“This dog makes an impression on our community as a fighter of crime and a teacher,” said Newsome, who emphasized the popularity of police dogs with young children during demonstrations at schools.

“We get there with motorcycles and cars and flashing lights and what do they want to see? ‘Where’s the dog?’” said Newsome.

Floyd, who served as Niko's handler for the entire nine years, said his favorite part of working with Niko was doing demonstrations for kids.

“What they really want to see is the dog bite someone,” said Floyd.

Niko's duties as a police dog included detecting narcotics, apprehending suspects and initiating building searches. Niko made building searches safer for his two-legged coworkers by alerting them to the presence of people who might be hidden behind doors or around corners.

Also present at the meeting were four of Niko’s canine colleagues from APD and the Gainesville Police Department. The dogs were so enthusiastic in congratulating Niko on his retirement that the commission moved to alter the agenda just prior to the meeting, so that Niko’s recognition could be the first item.

Niko, who was donated to APD by a citizen in 2001, will live at home with Officer Floyd. Floyd said that retirement will be a difficult adjustment for Niko.

“For him, what he loves most, going to work, he doesn't get to do anymore,” said Floyd.

LEGAL NOTICE

 

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE TO BID

The City of High Springs is currently seeking bids for cleaning services for the Civic Center building located at 330 NW Santa Fe Blvd. The bid should include cost of cleaning the restrooms, kitchen, floors, carpet and all horizontal and vertical services once a month. The stripping and waxing of the tile floor should be quoted separately as it is done annually. Sealed bids must be submitted to the City Manager's office at City Hall, 110 NW 1st Avenue, High Springs Florida 32643, by 4:30 p.m., Friday, February 18, 2011. THE CITY OF HIGH SPRINGS RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY OR ALL BIDS.

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - January 27 and February 03, 2011)

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE:

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to Florida Statutes Section 715.109, of the public sale of personal property located at 918 NE 16th Avenue, Gainesville, Florida and abandoned by former tenant CHUNKY T'S OLD FLA BBQ, INC., a Florida corporation.  Such personal property includes a ceramic pig, wood dining chairs (4), metal tubular kitchen chairs with vinyl upholstery (2), aluminum step ladder, stacking sling chairs (4), wood bar stool, metal bar stool, wood high chair, 8’ stainless steel counter, Budweiser sign, Bud Light sign, open sign, wood dining tables (3), wood magazine rack, partial box of portion cups/lids, stainless steel baker racks (2), aluminum door frame, plastic lawn chairs (8), stainless steel tables (4), round wood dining table, framed needlepoint (6), framed print of Willie Nelson, framed print of Tom Petty, hand dolly, wood table (7’ approx), beverage cooler (box), mop/bucket, stainless steel cooler (2-door), beer tap, mini refrigerators (2), small ice machine, tea brewer, desk, dry erase board, chalk board, flashlight, Sharp 1/2 pint microwave, Toshiba laptop computer, hand tools, and outdoor carport.  The sale will occur at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 8, 2011 at 918 NE 16th Avenue, Gainesville, Florida.

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - January 20 and 27, 2011)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

DIVORCE with or without Children $125.00. With FREE name change documents and marital settlement agreement. Fast and easy. Call us 24hrs./7days: (888)789-0198 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (888)789-0198      end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Advertise in Over 100 Papers throughout Florida. Advertising Networks of Florida, Put us to work for You! (866)742-1373  www.florida-classifieds.com.

SPECIAL EVENTS

 

Make your wedding special at a budget price!

 

Don’t let these tough times keep you from having your dream wedding. Weddings performed anywhere. Non-denominational , non judgmental, any and all marriages. Your choice of wedding vows, candle ceremonies, and sand ceremonies. Starting at $69. Many upgrades and wedding planner services available for an additional fee.

 

Call us at (352)317-7340 or (352)317-0846 .

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

EMPLOYMENT

 

Help Wanted

 

ABLE TO TRAVEL Hiring 8 People. No Experience Necessary. Transportation & Lodging Furnished. Paid Training. Work & Travel Entire USA. Start Today! www.protekchemical.com (386)299-2833

Regional Opportunity 100% Owner Operator Reefer Company $1,000.00 SIGN ON BONUS! Home weekly. Call (800)237-8288 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (800)237-8288    

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

CALL NOW! Top 5% Pay! Excellent Benefits. 300 New T660's. Need CDL-A & 3 mos recent OTR. (877)258-8782 www.meltontruck.com

Colonial Life is seeking business-to-business sales representatives & managers to market voluntary benefits to employees. Commissions average $56K+/yr. Training & leads. Call Kathryn, (813)207-2673 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Drivers - FOOD TANKER DRIVERS NEEDED OTR positions available NOW! CDL-A w/ Tanker REQ'D. Outstanding pay & Benefits! Call a recruiter TODAY! (877)882-6537 www.oakleytransport.com

Nail tech needed (part time) in Archer area. If interested, please call 352-225-7034

Office & Administrative Support

 Alachua area. Part time starting at $9/hr. Excellent communication/computer skills required. Good organization. Ability to handle multi-faceted duties. 386-418-0103 or 352-316-3683

Medical Help Wanted

 

Care giver positions in Alachua County. Part-time/Full Time. Must be dependable, CPR/First Aid certified. Ability to lift, FDLE check required. Starting $8.00+ 386-418-0103 or 352-316-3683

Professional Help Wanted

 

 

CITY OF HIGH SPRINGS EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Firefighter – Full-time. Responds to emergency calls including fire and medical emergencies. Station duties including general maintenance of facility and firefighting/medical trucks and equipment. Current State of Florida Firefighter II certification, Emergency Medical Technician certification, State of Florida Drivers license and CPR certification required. (Approximate salary $28,885 plus benefits)

 

Apply at City Hall, 110 NW 1st Avenue, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm. Applications accepted until February 15, 2011.

 

THE CITY OF HIGH SPRINGS IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYER /DRUG FREE WORKPLACE

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - January 27 and February 3, 2011)

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

 

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

 

DO YOU EARN $800.00 IN A DAY? Your Own Local Candy Route 25 Machines and Candy All for $9995.00 All Major Credit Cards Accepted (877)915-8222 AINB02653

SERVICES OFFERED

 

FINANCIAL

 

CASH NOW! Cash for your structured settlement or annuity payments. Call J.G. Wentworth. 1-866-494-9115  Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau.

$$$ ACCESS LAWSUIT CASH NOW!!! $$$ 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

FARM & LIVESTOCK

 

Hay For Sale

 

Large round bales of Coastal-Bahia cow hay. $20 per bale. After 5 p.m. evenings or weekends anytime. 386-454-8591

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

 

Apartments For Rent

 

Alachua Villas Apartments AVAILABLE FEB. 1 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.”

Houses For Rent

 

Poe Springs Estates. 5 Bedroom 3 Bath. 5 acres. 22x34 metal garage. Three marble baths. Granite counters and gas fireplace. Vaulted ceilings. Energy Star newer home. High Springs schools. Long or short-term. $1,550 per month. 352-213-2089

Vacations/Getaways

 

Bring the family! Warm up with our Winter and Spring specials at Florida's Best Beach, New Smyrna Beach. See it all at www.NSBFLA.com/Specials or Call (800)541-9621

MERCHANDISE

 

Guns & Rifles

 

GUN SHOW

 

Newberry American Legion Sat. Jan. 29 9a.m.-5p.m., Sun. Jan. 30 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. GunTraders is now buying GOLD. Concealed Weapons Classes Daily. Bring your GUNS and GOLD to sell or trade. Located 26821 W. Newberry Rd.

 www.GunTraderGunShows .com. 352-339-4780

Health/Beauty

 

GAIN MALE SIZE FDA Medical Vacuum Pumps Gain 1-3 Inches Permanently. Testosterone, Viagra, Cialis FREE PILLS! (619)294-7777 Code FL www.drjoelkaplan.com (Discounts Available)

Miscellaneous

 

ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE from Home. *Medical, *Business, *Paralegal, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV certified. Call (877)206-5165 , www.Centura.us.com

AIRLINES ARE HIRING - Train for high paying Aviation Maintenance 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.

Martin Luther King remembered

HS_MLK_HS_DSC_0045

Saturday morning’s commemorative march was one of several events held around town in celebration of Martin Luther King Day. Participants gathered at High Springs City Hall and set out around 11 a.m., led by a police escort.

Forget walking a mile in someone else’s shoes. Try walking a mile in their honor – in memory of them.

Some toddled and some marched. Some strained while some peddled bikes, and some depended on their motorized wheelchairs. But together, about 50 to 60 pairs of feet joined in procession from High Springs City Hall downtown to Catherine Taylor Park, in the Douglass neighborhood, just under a mile away.

The Saturday-morning commemorative march was one of several events held around town in celebration of Martin Luther King Day. Participants gathered at City Hall and set out around 11 a.m., led by a High Springs police escort.

Mayor Larry Travis and city commissioners Byran Williams and Sue Weller followed at the head of the crowd as it snaked down the street. Behind them, singing and clapping would break out intermittently along the way.

“This little light of mine” echoed through town as the procession passed.

Upon arriving at Catherine Taylor Park, where grills would soon be lit and piled with food for a celebration to ensue, grown-ups gathered under the pavilion while children suddenly scattered.

Most relocated to the adjacent jungle gym, or the basketball court across the field, as if knowing to escape now or else remain at whatever serious activity was about to take place.

But in their absence they were talked about as community leaders took turns with a microphone, sharing their thoughts on King’s legacy and how he changed history.

Afterward they would go to work preparing a feast to be sold to raise money for the daycare center at the park.

“We need to let our young people know that what they have cost a price,” Commissioner Williams said, referring to the ultimate sacrifice King made for his cause.

Mayor Travis acknowledged that many young people don’t understand what went on leading up to and culminating in the civil rights movement in this country. On the other hand, there are people here, he said, who were there for it. And for them, he said, he has the utmost respect.

Others, like Ronald Wilson, president of the High Springs Community Development Association, explained that King made it possible for them to get where they are today. Wilson ended his career in the U.S. Army as an officer.

“That never would’ve happened if it weren’t for what Dr. King did,” he said.

The oldest marcher on Saturday was Esther H. Thomas. She’s 80, and she remembers going to the movies at the Priest Theater in High Springs with her brothers and friends and not being allowed to sit with the white audience. She had to go upstairs to watch movies, because of the color of her skin.

“I’m thankful to have been able to live to see change,” she said.

She went on to say, “Freedom is a two-way street.”

“I can’t go around hating you because of what your parents or grandparents might have done.”

She echoed sentiments shared earlier by former city commissioner and community activist, Freddie L. Hickmon.

He said, “We’ve marched 10 or 12 consecutive years, and during those years did not have one Caucasian marching with us.”

Hickmon was happy, he said, to see that was not true this year. In closing his remarks, he said, “I would suggest to all of us that we learn to live together.”

King was a man who loved people, Commissioner Williams later declared.

“Not just black people – everybody.”

Commissioners unanimously approved an extension to Alachua City Manager Traci Cain’s employment contract during a meeting Jan. 10.  Cain’s previous contract began March 1, 2010 and was set to expire on Feb. 28, 2011.

The new contract extends Cain’s employment to Sept. 30, 2014.  City Attorney Marian Rush said the new timetable coincides with the city’s budget cycle and falls just after a performance evaluation of the city manager.

In addition to the extension, other changes, mostly minor, were made to the terms of Cain’s employment.  Her current salary of $111,500 annually does not increase as a result of the extension.  The commission imposed a general freeze on raises last year.

Stricken from the new contract is a provision that allowed Cain to return to her prior position as Assistant City Manager.  Instead, a section allowing for a severance package was included.  If the commission fires Cain before the contract expires, she would be entitled to a lump sum cash payment equal to six months of her salary, plus all accrued annual leave and up to 200 hours of sick leave.

Commissioner Robert Wilford noted that the originally proposed language did not cap the sick leave payout.  He recommended the cap to be consistent with an existing ordinance that caps sick leave payout at 200 hours for the city’s general employees.

In the absence of a morals clause, the commission included a provision that states Cain could be fired without severance pay if she were convicted of an illegal act involving a personal gain to her or convicted of any felony.

Broad language that allowed the city to pay for educational expenses virtually anywhere and for any purpose was restricted to allow for up to $8,000 per fiscal year, only at an accredited college or university.  The expenses may only be paid by the city if the budgeted funds are available.

Commissioner Orien Hills inquired of Cain if she intended to utilize the educational expense opportunity and was pleased when Cain said she planned on it.

Mayor Gib Coerper said he appreciated Cain’s work so far, adding, “I’ve known [Cain] for over 10 years and she’s always done an excellent job no matter what position she’s been in and I know she’ll continue to do an excellent job as city manager.”

In 1988, 22 explorers were trapped underwater in Pannikin Plains, a dangerous cave system in the remote Nullarbor plain in south-central Australia.  An unexpected rainstorm caused parts of the cave system they were diving in to collapse.

Among the 22 explorers was the late Wes Skiles— recognized as one of the world's foremost underwater explorers as well as a renowned photographer, diver and environmentalist from High Springs, Fla.  Skiles survived the ordeal, continuing to explore and document dive sites across the globe, until his untimely death last year.

Now, his 1988 adventure will come to life in 3-D on the big screen, and before it premiers nationwide on Feb. 4, “Sanctum” will be shown for one advance screening at the Regal Royal Park Stadium 16 in Gainesville. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 2, and only 238 tickets are being sold.

In July, Skiles was found motionless on the ocean floor by other divers during a shoot about three miles offshore South Florida.   Autopsy reports failed to pinpoint a cause of death.

The film, co-written and produced by Australian explorer Andrew Wight, with Academy Award- winning executive producer James Cameron, was already in the works before Skiles’ death, and he had worked on the project as well.

Now, according to a press release issued by Florida’s Eden, the advance screening is being held in honor of Skiles and to benefit the cause he dedicated his life’s work to: Florida’s natural springs.

All proceeds from the screening will go to the non-profit organization, Florida’s Eden, specifically to benefit two of its projects; the Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute and The Blue Path Campaign.

For more information on how to help Florida’s springs, or to buy tickets, visit http://floridaspringsinstitute.org.

An area business owner contacted the High Springs Police Department (HSPD) Monday to report a burglary that included two vehicles and an assortment of mechanic hand tools.

According to police reports, the owner of Southern Specialty Equipment, Inc., told officers that sometime between 5 p.m. on Saturday and Monday morning around 8:30, someone had cut the lock on the fence surrounding his business, located at 26003 West Highway 27, and then entered the building through a window.

In addition to the theft of two vehicles and nearly $30,000 worth of power tools, battery chargers, and mechanic grade hand tools, most of which are Craftsman, it appeared some food was taken from the refrigerator in the building, too.

The stolen vehicles include a blue, 1999 four-door Chevrolet Tahoe with a Florida license plate and a black, 2004 C5500 Chevrolet four-door diesel truck with a Georgia license plate.

HSPD is asking that anyone with information contact Lieutenant Bill Benck at 386-454-7535 or Officer Dustyn Shenk at 386-454-1415. Callers can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest by calling Crime Stoppers at 352-372-7867.

After signing a legal complaint against Alachua County, the City of Waldo is at a standstill in its attempt to sue the county.

The disagreement between Waldo and Alachua County comes out of the city’s complaint that the county misused money from the “$12.50 fund,” formally known as the Florida Statute, section 318.21.

The fund calls for $12.50 from every moving traffic ticket violation written in Waldo to go to the county. This money is supposed to go to the Intergovernmental Radio Communication Program (IRCP).

Waldo has made a public records request to the State of Florida for copies of documents relating to the IRCP and Alachua County.  The city is currently waiting for those documents in order to move on.

“We are going to hold off serving papers until we get this information,” said Waldo City Manager Kim Worley.

The county has been collecting money for the IRCP since 1993 to help pay for law enforcement radios and communications systems. In 1999, when the county switched to a different radio system, money from the IRCP agreement was supposed to pay for it. However, Waldo officials say that the city never received any financial help for the new radio system.

Waldo could possibly recover up to $616,007 if a court rules in favor of the city.

Residents of Alachua County have started to embrace two smart phone applications that help the Alachua County’s Environmental Protection Department save money and time locating environmental concerns.

The two free applications were launched about a month ago. Alachua County Environmental Protection Director Chris Bird said that the county is starting to see activity with the programs and hopes there will be considerably more participation as residents become aware of the technology and update their phones.

The county encourages residents to use the smart phone applications because, when citizens call to complain about an environmental violation, it is often difficult for county workers to determine the precise location of the concern. Street addresses aren’t good enough when trying to pinpoint an environmental issue. The apps use a smart phones’ GPS capabilities to report an exact location, making it easier for the county to address the concerns.

The “What’s Invasive?” application allows residents to report exotic plants that harm the local environment. It has a key that shows what invasive plants are in the area so users can easily identify invasive plants and then use the app to report it.

“In our area, invasive plants are a threat to the environment and agriculture,” Bird said. The agriculture community is realizing that some invasive plants can hurt farming, and in result, the economy.

The other application is called “Creek Watch” which is set up to help identify trash and pollution in creeks. This app not only helps the government, but local volunteer organizations or even individuals that want to do a cleanup. Anyone can access the map which shows where trash has been reported.

Both programs are functionally fairly similar in usability.  The user snaps a picture using their phone and the application takes care of GPS mapping and recording the data.

“What’s Invasive?” is available for both the iPhone and Android-based smart phones.  “Creek Watch” is currently only available for the iPhone platform.

It is much cheaper and effective to gather information through a smart phone report than through a phone call, e-mail or walk-in, Bird said.

He said that data shows that within a couple of years the majority of cell phone users will have a smart phone device. The county is looking at other free smart phone applications that it might want to adopt in the future.

Bird said, “I think that this whole idea of using smart phones to report community problems is going to be the future.”

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE:

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to Florida Statutes Section 715.109, of the public sale of personal property located at 918 NE 16th Avenue, Gainesville, Florida and abandoned by former tenant CHUNKY T'S OLD FLA BBQ, INC., a Florida corporation.  Such personal property includes a ceramic pig, wood dining chairs (4), metal tubular kitchen chairs with vinyl upholstery (2), aluminum step ladder, stacking sling chairs (4), wood bar stool, metal bar stool, wood high chair, 8’ stainless steel counter, Budweiser sign, Bud Light sign, open sign, wood dining tables (3), wood magazine rack, partial box of portion cups/lids, stainless steel baker racks (2), aluminum door frame, plastic lawn chairs (8), stainless steel tables (4), round wood dining table, framed needlepoint (6), framed print of Willie Nelson, framed print of Tom Petty, hand dolly, wood table (7’ approx), beverage cooler (box), mop/bucket, stainless steel cooler (2-door), beer tap, mini refrigerators (2), small ice machine, tea brewer, desk, dry erase board, chalk board, flashlight, Sharp 1/2 pint microwave, Toshiba laptop computer, hand tools, and outdoor carport.  The sale will occur at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 8, 2011 at 918 NE 16th Avenue, Gainesville, Florida.

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - January 20 and 27, 2011)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

DIVORCE with or without Children $125.00. With FREE name change documents and marital settlement agreement. Fast and easy. Call us 24hrs./7days: (888)789-0198  www.CourtDivorceService.com.

Advertise in Over 100 Papers throughout Florida. Advertising Networks of Florida, Put us to work for You! (866)742-1373 www.florida-classifieds.com.

SPECIAL EVENTS

 

Make your wedding special at a budget price!

 

Don’t let these tough times keep you from having your dream wedding. Weddings performed anywhere. Non-denominational , non judgmental, any and all marriages. Your choice of wedding vows, candle ceremonies, and sand ceremonies. Starting at $69. Many upgrades and wedding planner services available for an additional fee.  Call us at (352)317-7340 or (352)317-0846

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

EMPLOYMENT

 

Help Wanted

 

ASAP! New Pay Increase! 34-46 cpm. Excellent Benefits. Need CDL-A & 3 mos recent OTR. (877)258-8782 www.meltontruck.com

Between High School and College? Over 18? Drop that entry level position. Earn what you're worth!!!. Travel w/Successful Young Business Group. Paid Training. Transportation, Lodging Provided. (877)646-5050

Drivers - FOOD TANKER DRIVERS NEEDED OTR positions available NOW! CDL-A w/ Tanker REQ'D. Outstanding pay & Benefits! Call a recruiter TODAY! (877)882-6537 www.oakleytransport.com

Colonial Life is expanding and looking to fill 2 positions by January 17- an account manager and sales manager. Submit resume to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (904)424-5697

Customer service, print and copy production. Cheerful personality, dependability and computer savvy a must. Full or part time. Starting salary $8-10/hr. with opportunity for substantial increases. Send resume to designprinting@ windstream.net.

Cash paid for junk cars. $150 and up. Running or not. Free pick up. 352-771-6191

Regional Opportunity 100% Owner Operator Reefer Company $1,000.00 SIGN ON BONUS! Home weekly. Call (800)237-8288  or visit www.suncocarriers.com

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

 

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

 

DO YOU EARN $800.00 IN A DAY? Your Own Local Candy Route 25 Machines and Candy All for $9995.00 All Major Credit Cards Accepted (877)915-8222  AINB02653

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

CASH NOW! Cash for your structured settlement or annuity payments. Call J.G. Wentworth. 1-866-494-9115  Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau.

FARM & LIVESTOCK

 

Hay For Sale

 

Large round bales of Coastal-Bahia cow hay. $20 per bale. After 5 p.m. evenings or weekends anytime. 386-454-8591

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

 

Apartments For Rent

 

Alachua Villas Apartments AVAILABLE FEB. 1 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.”

Houses For Rent

 

Poe Springs Estates. 5 Bedroom 3 Bath. 5 acres. 22x34 metal garage. Three marble baths. Granite counters and gas fireplace. Vaulted ceilings. Energy Star newer home. High Springs schools. Long or short-term. $1,550 per month. 352-213-2089

Vacations/Getaways

 

Bring the family! Warm up with our Winter and Spring specials at Florida's Best Beach, New Smyrna Beach. See it all at www.NSBFLA.com/Specials or Call (800)541-9621

MERCHANDISE

 

Miscellaneous

 

ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE from Home. *Medical, *Business, *Paralegal, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV certified. Call (877)206-5165  www.Centura.us.com

AIRLINES ARE HIRING - Train for high paying Aviation Maintenance 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. $150 and up. Running or not. Free pick up. 352-771-6191


To Place a Classified Call 386-462-3355.

PurvisDaisy Elizabeth (Bettye) Purvis, 77, of Alachua, Fla., passed away January 14, 2011 at Haven Hospice in Gainesville, Fla. after a prolonged battle with cancer.

Bettye was born in High Springs, Fla. on May 20, 1933, to James Thomas and Alice Juwett Harrington.

In 1956, she married Wallace Ray Purvis. They lived their lives together in Alachua, and were happily married for 54 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Horace Lester Harrington.

Survivors include her sons, Wallace Ray “Butch” (Jennie) Purvis, Jr., of Hong Kong, and Charles Glenn (Margarita) Purvis, of Alachua; her "favorite" granddaughter, Elizabeth Kay “Beth” Purvis and her “favorite” grandson, Hunter Alexander Purvis, both of Hong Kong; her siblings, J.T. Harrington and Harvey E. (Mary) Harrington, both of Miami, John Robert (Shirley) Harrington of Gainesville, Mary Francis McFarland and Bobbie Jean (Harold) Owens both of Alachua.

She was “Aunt Bettye” to the Tom Spencer family. She was a devoted phone-pal to many. She was an avid sports fan, especially of the Florida Gators and the Atlanta Braves. She was passionate about cooking and spending time with her family.

Bettye loved flowers, or in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her name to Haven Hospice of Gainesville, 4200 NW 90th Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32606-3809.

Graveside services will be held on Thursday, January 20, 2011 at 11 a.m. at Newnansville Cemetery. Interment to follow service.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at Evans-Carter Funeral Home at 6 p.m.

Mazie Lee Haynes Williams, 94, passed away Thursday, January 13, 2011 at Haven Hospice- E T York Care Center, Gainesville, Fla.

She was born September 27, 1916 in McAlpin, Fla. to the late Shelton and Lula Haynes.

She was educated in Suwannee County Schools, married to the late Simon Williams, and was a seamstress and housewife.

Sister Mazie Williams was converted at an early age at New Mt. Zion Baptist Church in O’Brien, Fla.  She served as Church Clerk and a member of the Choir and Deaconess Board.  She later moved to High Springs in 1986 and joined Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church where she served in the Choir and Deaconess Board.  Sister Williams was a faithful and dedicated member.  The Lord closed her eyes and sealed her lips so she could now take her rest.

Survivors include two daughters, Lula Davis of High Springs and Mae Helen Thomas of Tampa, Fla.; six grandchildren, Jerone (Cassandra) Davis, James Davis, and Vicki Davis, all of High Springs; Michelle (Reggie) Thomas, Cynthia Thomas, and Paris Ford, all of Tampa; two granddaughters preceded her in death, Clara Davis Jerkins and Bernita Thomas Encinosa; 16 great grandchildren and one great granddaughter who she raised, Shana Thomas; one great granddaughter, Maya Rentz, preceded her in death; 26 great great grandchildren; a special cousin, Nellie Demps, of Orlando; many nieces, nephews, cousins and sorrowing friends.

We shall miss her, for we all loved her, but heaven loved her best.

Funeral services for Sister Williams will be Saturday, January 22, 2011 at 11 a.m. at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, Rev. W.F. Cunningham, Pastor/Eulogist.  Burial will follow in Cedar Grove Cemetery, O’Brien, Fla.  Visitation will be Friday 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Arrangements Entrusted to A. Jerome Brown Funeral Home, 1560 NW 1st Avenue, High Springs, Fla.

Henry Richardson Thomson, 85, of High Springs, Fla. passed away Monday, January 17, 2011 in Trenton, Fla.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Warner A. Thomson and Susie Richardson Thomson; two brothers and one sister.

He was a member of the First Methodist Church of High Springs, Gainesville Amateur Radio Society, The Flying Gators and the Southern Bell Pioneers.

He was a retired engineer from Southern Bell Telephone Company and had served in the U.S. Army.

Survivors include one sister-in-law, Madeline Thomson of High Springs; one nephew, Gary Swilley of High Springs; four nieces; Yvonne Thompson of Brooker, Fla., Susie McDuffie of McRae, Ga., Becky Bergman of High Springs and Bonnie Vann of Jacksonville, Fla.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, January 18, 2011 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Evans-Carter Funeral Home.

Graveside services will be held Wednesday, January, 19, 2011 at the High Springs Cemetery at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Morris C. Beck officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Haven Hospice, 4200 NW 90th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32606.

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

columnColumn by ELLEN BOUKARI

It’s that time of year…again.

And that song keeps playing in my mind.

“And so this is Christmas, and what have you done?

Another year older, a new one just begun.”

Thanks, John (Lennon).

Thanks, a lot.

Yes, it is a new year, and yes everyone is another year older.

But, for those of us with January birthdays, Lennon’s words ring ominously clear.

It’s time for another one!

And January birthdays aren’t for sissies.

Christmas is still a recent memory, people are heading back to work, money’s tight, nobody really wants to think about another party; it’s cold outside, and everything is dead…or dying.

Of course, birthdays are a matter of perspective.  At age 5 having a birthday is great; around age 39 it just isn’t that appealing.

We know we’re getting old when the only thing we want for our birthday is not to be reminded of it.

That’s why when my birthday comes around each year, as it does annually the first week of January, I try and put life in perspective.

Each year brings with it more experience, a greater body of knowledge, and after so many years we can start cashing in on the “w” word – wisdom – gained from our rich life experiences.

I’m not sure if I’m quite there yet, but it does give me something to look forward to.

So that’s why this year, when it was time to add another candle to the cake, I did so with great aplomb.

And to those folks who are silently snickering that there is no cake large enough, or that such a cake would surely ignite quite a fire, the joke’s on you because I was just kidding.

I’m not crazy…just older…than I was this time last year.

After a deep breath, gut sucked in, and with chin held high, I resolved to celebrate proudly.

At some point the realization sets in that there are obvious benefits to getting older (other than the obvious alternative of not having a birthday, which is something most people do not celebrate).

Or to put it another way:  Better to be over the hill than buried under it.

Some people say to count your blessings, not your wrinkles.

So much for what “some people” say.

These dire warnings about tell-tale wrinkles are of no concern – can’t see them.

Amazing how God plans these things.

Just when those facial crags and valleys should start appearing, the eyesight compensates.

Close up vision today is as fleeting as was distance vision about 20 years ago.

So, as far as I am concerned, no wrinkles yet.

And that goes for dust balls under the bed, dog hairs on clothing and crumbs on the kitchen counter. Which reminds me, why did I come into the kitchen anyway?

Oh well, guess I’ll remember that later.

Imagine my excitement this year with the new athletic shoes my husband gave me for my birthday.  I envisioned myself youthfully jogging down the street fulfilling my annual New Year’s resolution to get fit.

That was last week.

Now I’m just as excited that when I stoop to tie the laces I wonder what else I can do while I’m down there.

Remember, we are not getting older, we are just getting better – and smarter.

But honestly, just how much better can we get?

Whether your birthday falls in January or December, or somewhere in between, happy birthday, and thanks to those who wished me the same.

And remember, while growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional.

Campus_USA_Credit_Union

The Campus USA Credit Union Alachua branch will be similar to the Hunter's Walk Service Center in Gainesville pictured above.

Campus USA Credit Union officials has confirmed reports that the financial institution is planning to build its next branch in the City of Alachua.

Larry Scott, chief executive officer of Campus USA, said the credit union has been eyeing a location on U.S. Highway 441 in front of Lowe’s Home Improvement store for several months.

Paving the way for the new branch, Alachua commissioners voted unanimously on Monday to approve both a preliminary and final plat to the site, which is currently owned by Alachua Development Co., LLC.  Developed under the name Baywood Centre, the approved plat designates four lots and a storm water basin for the 11.27-acre parcel of land.

Scott said Campus USA has a contract to purchase one of the roughly one-acre lots on which it will build a branch similar to the one at Hunter’s Walk on NW 43rd Street in Gainesville.  The building itself will carry a footprint of about 4,500 square feet and have three drive through lanes as well as a formal lobby.

After it has established its presence in the community, the credit union will employ about six tellers and five others in management and loan officer positions, Scott said.

Campus USA reportedly has just under 30 days to finalize the purchase.  The developer must make physical site adjustments to accommodate the retention basin accompanying the newly approved plat.

The credit union appears to be moving full speed ahead with the project.  Scott estimates that if the entire process proceeds smoothly, construction could begin around September or October 2011 and open about 90 to 120 days after that.  An Alachua branch of Campus USA would mark the credit union’s ninth in Alachua County.  The financial institution has a reported 65,000 members.

After the Alachua City Commission’s approval of the plat, Mayor Gib Coerper said of the credit union, “It will be a quality addition to the city of Alachua.”

ExerciseBenefitWhen treating an eating disorder, exercise is rarely considered therapeutic; it’s more likely to be viewed as dangerous for patients already obsessed with their weight. But a new University of Florida study shows that the psychological benefits of exercise could be used as an intervention for — or even a way to prevent — eating disorders.

Despite the documented mental and physical benefits of exercise, health care practitioners have long assumed that people with eating disorders shouldn’t be encouraged to burn calories through physical activity. While it’s true that compulsive exercisers risk further harm, healthy exercise that’s not compulsive could help people with eating disorders or people who are at risk for eating disorders, said Heather Hausenblas, a UF exercise psychologist who co-authored the study, published in the January issue of European Eating Disorders Review.

“When it comes to eating disorders, exercise has always been seen as a negative because people use it as a way to control their weight. But for most people, exercise is a very positive thing,” Hausenblas said. “Our results show it’s not necessarily bad for people with disordered eating to engage in exercise. The effects on self-esteem, depression, mood and body image can reduce the risk of eating pathologies.”

In the study, co-authored by Brian Cook, an exercise psychologist at the University of Kentucky, Peter Giacobbi, an assistant professor at the University of Arizona, and former UF doctoral student Daniel Tuccitto, Hausenblas and her colleagues surveyed 539 normal-weight students, most of whom were not at risk for eating disorders. They evaluated the students’ drive to be thin, along with their exercise habits and risk for exercise dependence, and used statistical models to find potential relationships. She found that, more than its physical benefits, the psychological effects of exercise could help prevent and treat eating disorders.

The study’s findings could have far-reaching impact, said Danielle Symons Downs, director of the Exercise Psychology Laboratory at The Pennsylvania State University.

“The public health implications of this study are important,” she said. “This research is important for understanding the complex interactions between exercise behavior and eating pathology, and it can assist clinicians with better understanding how to intervene with and treat eating pathology.”

Beyond offering an affordable treatment to address the needs of people with eating disorders, exercise therapies also could help relieve the burden of such diseases on the health-care system, Hausenblas said. “If a patient is extremely underweight, you’re not going to have them exercising two or three hours a day. But once they’re at a stable level, exercise could have a big positive effect,” she said. Hausenblas hopes to launch another study that would follow at-risk individuals over a period of several months to see if exercise impacts their symptoms.

“We’d like to assess them over time, and we hope to see their risk factors go down,” she said.

The City Commission of Archer has undergone its annual power shift, as the commission elected its new mayor and vice mayor Monday.

Frank Ogborn will replace Roberta Lopez as mayor, and Marjorie Zander will replace Blanch Parker as vice mayor. Their appointments go into effect immediately.

Ogborn, who is also a licensed commercial pilot, became a member of the commission August of last year when he replaced former commissioner Ken Green. Green had stepped down for health issues. Ogborn was then elected to the seat in November of last year.

He is also a Recreation Committee chair and a member of the North Central Florida Regional Planning Council.

Outgoing mayor Lopez, who will remain a city commission member, was the first African American female to hold the position of mayor. She first joined the city commission in 2002 and was elected as mayor in January of last year. One of her notable accomplishments as a commission member has been pushing for the restoration of the Archer Civic Auditorium.

New vice mayor Zander is a Florida history, English and piano instructor. She was first elected as a commissioner in a special election in 2009. She is a member of several community committees including the School Planning Advisory, Archer Community Crime Watch and Cemetery committees.

Former vice mayor Parker, who was recently awarded a community service award, will also remain a commission member.

 

Cont: Lopez, Parker to remain on commission

 

 

Ronnie_Ganley-MugshotA Hawthorne man was arrested Tuesday morning for stabbing his mother and stepfather after they cut off power to his camper, according to a police report from Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO).

Ronnie Ganley, 30, who lives behind his parents’ house on their property at 24214 SE 41st Lane, used a kitchen knife to stab his mother, Lorraine Meyer, in the hand and his stepfather, Harry Meyer, in the head, side and arm, said Art Forgey, public information officer for ACSO. Forgey said that the injuries were not life-threatening and that Ganley ran into the woods immediately after the stabbings took place.

Deputies arrived at the scene around 8:55 p.m. Monday evening. Gainesville police officer Harry Young and his K-9 partner, Argos, were called in to help search for Ganley. Forgey said that Argos located Ganley within 45 minutes. When he resisted arrest, Argos bit Ganley in the right thigh while trying to apprehend him.

Ganley received stitches for his bite wounds at Shands at the University of Florida. He was booked at the Alachua County Jail at 6:46 a.m. on Tuesday and was charged with aggravated battery and resisting arrest.

Forgey said that he was unsure why the power to Ganley’s camper was shut off, but deputies reported the action was what triggered the stabbings. He added that deputies smelled a strong odor of alcohol on Ganley.

The Meyers declined medical assistance at the scene and drove to North Florida Regional Medical center for care, Forgey said.

Alachua_Welcome_Center

Volunteers removed an assortment of miscellaneous and abandoned furniture, including this glass room divider, as the first step in renovating Alachua’s old police station into a community welcome center.

Originally a post office and once a police station, one building downtown will soon experience another life as a community welcome center.

14801 Main Street in downtown Alachua is a shell of a building. It has sat dormant since 2007, when the City of Alachua Police Department relocated to a bigger, better facility.

It has since sat empty, save some dusty, abandoned furniture and other relics of past occupants.

By the end of the year, the Alachua Chamber of Commerce hopes to reopen its doors as a community welcome center.

The renovated and refurbished space will hold a chamber office, museum-like displays done by the local historical society, as well as public bathrooms, said Jim Brandenburg, principal of Alachua Elementary and member of the chamber’s board of directors.

Built in 1961, the 1,800 sq. ft. space originally housed the Alachua Post Office, remnants of which were discovered upon gutting the building last weekend in preparation to start renovations.

Among desks and chairs left from the police department days, a full-sized, official U.S. postal service blue mailbox emerged from the dust.

Specially qualified volunteers from the non-profit organization Rebuilding Together went in last week to remove lead-painted doorframes and asbestos-filled panels.

Brandenburg said the building needs a lot more updates to meet current codes before it is ready for use. The ductwork for the heating and air system needs to be redone, the plumbing and electric systems need some tweaks, and entrances and exists must be improved to current American Disabilities Act standards.

But, he added, “Fortunately, the building’s structure is very good,” so there is no need for any major rebuilding.

Local architect Paul Stressing has donated his time as an advisor on the project, and volunteers from Rebuilding Together and the Walmart distribution center are involved in the project too.

Brandenburg explained that the funding is coming in part from the chamber and will be supplemented by grants, in-kind donations from the community and a lot of fundraising.

Last year, a general contractor estimated the cost of the entire project would be between $70,000 and $80,000. Brandenburg said the chamber hopes to get it done for about half as much.

The chamber’s goal is to have the welcome center up and running by the end of the year, but much of the cosmetic work, both interior and exterior, will be ongoing, dependant on funds.

Once it’s open, the center will have information and literature available on community activities and city history.

Referring to the volunteer efforts he saw last weekend in gutting the place, Brandenburg said this is an example of how things get done in Alachua.

“No one here has a lot of money,” he said, “But that doesn’t keep us from getting something done.”

On Saturday, local businesses donated food for the volunteers, who, in turn, were donating their services.

“If something needs to get done, people pitch in and contribute what they can,” he said.

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE CIRCUIT CIVIL COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL ClRCUIT OF FLORIDA, IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY CIVIL DIVISION Case No. 01-2010-CA-001716 Division MG MlDFlRST BANK Plaintiff, vs. LINDA L. LITZA, and WALTER BRICKMEYER, PALISADES COLLECTION LLC, AND UNKNOWN TENANTS/OWNERS, Defendants. ______/

NOTICE OF SALE

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to Final Judgment for Plaintiff entered in this cause on December 17, 2010, in the Circuit Court of Alachua County, Florida, I will sell the property situated in Alachua County, Florida described as:

LOT 83, OF SPRINGSTEEN III, AS PER PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK "J", PAGE 75, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA.

and commonly known as: 4319 NW 26TH DR, GAINSVILLE, FL 32605; including the building, appurtenances, and fixtures located therein, at public sale, to the highest and best bidder, for cash. in the lobby of the Alachua County Courthouse, 201 E. University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida, on January 19, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. IF YOU ARE A PERSON CLAIMING A RIGHT TO FUNDS REMAINING AFTER THE SALE, YOU MUST FILE A CLAIM WITH THE CLERK NO LATER THAN 60 DAYS AFTER THE SALE. IF YOU FAIL TO FILE A CLAIM, YOU WILL NOT BE ENTITLED TO ANY REMAINING FUNDS. AFTER 60 DAYS, ONLY THE OWNER OF RECORD AS OF THE DATE OF THE LIS PENDENS MAY CLAIM THE SURPLUS. Dated this 21st day of December, 2010.

J.K. Irby Clerk of the Circuit Court By: /s/ Julia Rogers Deputy Clerk

(Published: Alachua County Today – January 06 and 13, 2011)

City of Alachua Request for Qualifications, RFQ 2011-02 Rev Administrator for Alachua Cares Program

The City of Alachua is requesting statements of qualifications from local not-for-profit social service agencies to function as Administrator of the “Alachua Cares” Program. “Alachua Cares” is a volunteer program in which the City of Alachua will collect voluntary contributions to be used to assist City of Alachua residential utility customers in need of emergency assistance to pay their utility bills associated with energy-related expenses such as lighting, heating, cooling and water. All contributions collected will be disbursed at the end of each month to the independent not-for-profit social service agency who will administer the program. The City does not intend to allocate any funds for the administration of this program. All contributions received are to be used for utility assistance payments. Preference for financial assistance will be given to those citizens who are at least 60 years of age and/or to those who are disabled and unable to be self-sufficient. RFQ documents may be obtained from the City’s website (cityofalachua.org) or by contacting Frank Sodek at 386-418-6105 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              386-418-6105      end_of_the_skype_highlighting. Statements of qualifications must be clearly marked “RFQ 2011-02 Rev, Administrator for Alachua Cares Program”, sealed and submitted by 6:00PM, on or before 27 Jan 2011, to: Frank Sodek, III – Administrative Services Director City of Alachua 15100 NW 142 Terrace

Alachua FL 32615

(Published: January 13, 2011)

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicle on 02/05/2011, 10:00 a.m. at 14515 NW PEGGY RD, ALACHUA, FL 32615-5449, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids. 1G1JC124917404076 2001 CHEVROLET 1G4HP52L3RH514048 1994 BUICK 1G8ZG5597RZ185917 1994 SATURN 1YVGE22C1S5397317 1995 MAZDA 2FMDA5144TBC21855 1996 FORD

(Published: Alachua County Today - January 13, 2011)

NOTICE OF INTENT TO APPLY

The City of Archer, Alachua County, FL, intends to apply for financial assistance to USDA Rural Utilities Service to implement the City of Archer Wastewater System Project. This project consists of construction of a wastewater treatment plant, pumping station(s), force main(s), collection system, effluent disposal, customer connection, septic tank abandonment, and related work. Any person interested in additional information or with comments regarding this notice should submit the request in writing to the City of Archer, c/o John Glanzer, 16870 SW 134th Avenue, Archer, FL 32618 by 02/21/2011.

(Published: Alachua County Today - January 13, 2011)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2010-CP-1767 IN RE: ESTATE OF ROBERT B. ROCKEFELLER Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of ROBERT B. ROCKEFELLER, deceased, whose date of death was September 17, 2010, and whose social security number is XXX-XX-9503 is pending in the Circuit Court for Alachua County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 201 East University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32601. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the 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 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 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 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 FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD 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 January 06, 2011.

 

Attorney for Personal Representative: William C. Carroll Florida Bar No. 957471 Mettler Shelton Randolph Carroll & Sterlacci, P.L. 340 Royal Palm Way, Suite 100 Palm Beach, FL 33480 Phone: 561-833-9631 Fax: 561-655-2835 Personal Representative: ARLENE M. RIEDL a/k/a ARLENE M. ROCKEFELLER 34 Waterston Road Newton Corner, MA 02458 (Published: Alachua County Today – January 06 and 13, 2011)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

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SPECIAL EVENTS

 

Make your wedding special at a budget price!

 

Don’t let these tough times keep you from having your dream wedding. Weddings performed anywhere. Non-denominational , non judgmental, any and all marriages. Your choice of wedding vows, candle ceremonies, and sand ceremonies. Starting at $69. Many upgrades and wedding planner services available for an additional fee.

 

Call us at (352)317-7340 or (352)317-0846 .

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

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

Regional Opportunity 100% Owner Operator Reefer Company $1,000.00 SIGN ON BONUS! Home weekly. Call (800)237-8288 or visit www.suncocarriers.com

Colonial Life is expanding and looking to fill 2 positions by January 17- an account manager and sales manager. Submit resume to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (904)424-5697

Drivers - FOOD TANKER DRIVERS NEEDED OTR positions available NOW! CDL-A w/ Tanker REQ'D. Outstanding pay & Benefits! Call a recruiter TODAY! (877)882-6537  www.oakleytransport.com

Cash paid for junk cars. $150 and up. Running or not. Free pick up. 352-771-6191 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              352-771-6191      end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

Driver- Drive KNIGHT in 2011! Daily or Weekly Pay, Top Equipment, 27 Service Centers, Van and Refrigerated. CDL-A with 3 mos OTR experience. (800)414-9569 . www.driveknight.com

Customer service, print and copy production. Cheerful personality, dependability and computer savvy a must. Full or part time. Starting salary $8-10/hr. with opportunity for substantial increases. Send resume to designprinting@ windstream.net.

17 DRIVERS NEEDED! Top 5% Pay! Excellent Benefits New Trucks Ordered! Need CDL-A & 3 mos recent OTR. (877)258-8782  www.meltontruck.com

Part time cleaner/floor tech needed for commercial office building on US 441. Must have floor experience, ability to lift over 40 lbs and pass background check. $7.50/hour. Call Pat at 352-870-0363

Experienced Nail Tech Wanted. 386-454-4422

Between High School and College? Over 18? Drop that entry level position. Earn what you're worth!!!. Travel w/Successful Young Business Group. Paid Training. Transportation, Lodging Provided. (877)646-5050 .

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

 

DIVORCE with or without Children $125.00. With FREE name change documents and marital settlement agreement. Fast and easy. Call us 24hrs./7days: (888)789-0198 ; www.CourtDivorceService.com

SERVICES OFFERED

 

FINANCIAL

 

$500 CASH LOAN, No Credit Check, 6 Months Repay, Payments $55 Biweekly. Active checking account and $1,000/month min income required. Call 24 hrs (760)569-6474

CASH NOW! Cash for your structured settlement or annuity payments. Call J.G. Wentworth. 1-866-SETTLEMENT (1-866-738-8536) . Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau.

$$$ ACCESS LAWSUIT CASH NOW!!! $$$ 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

ADOPTIONS

 

Are you pregnant? A childless, successful, single woman seeks to adopt. Will be HANDS-ON mom w/flexible work schedule. Financially secure. Ellen. (888)868-8778 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. FL Bar#0150789

FARM & LIVESTOCK

 

Hay For Sale

 

Fertilized Coastal Bermuda, barn stored, large round rolls, excellent quality. $45 per roll. Cow hay $30 per roll. 352-215-1018

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

 

LAND & HOME PACKAGES

 

NC MOUNTAINS CLOSEOUT SALE! Cabin Shell, 2+ acres with great view, very private, big trees, waterfalls & large public lake nearby, $99,500 Bank financing (866)275-0442 .

Acreage & Farms

 

5 acres High Springs area. Gorgeous country setting with cleared oak-shaded homesite. Owner financing. No down payment. $69,900. $613/mo. 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.

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

 

Apartments For Rent

 

Alachua Villas Apartments AVAILABLE FEB. 1 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

 

Health/Beauty

 

GAIN MALE SIZE FDA Medical Vacuum Pumps Gain 1-3 Inches Permanently. Testosterone, Viagra, Cialis FREE PILLS! (619)294-7777 Code FL www.drjoelkaplan.com (Discounts Available)

Garage Sales

 

MOVING SALE - Saturday January 15th 8:00-2:00 Furniture, Household Items, Books, Clothes and more. 19928 NW 78th Avenue, Off CR 235 Between Alachua and Newberry

 

Alachua Estate Sale Multi-Family and many other items. Furniture, jewelry, china, clothes. Sat. ONLY 8-12 Jan. 15 14407 NW 146 Terr Across from Alachua Rec Center

Miscellaneous

 

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

ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE from Home. *Medical, *Business, *Paralegal, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV certified. Call (877)206-5165 www.Centura.us.com

WANTED TO BUY

 

Cash paid for junk cars. $150 and up. Running or not. Free pick up. 352-771-6191

Auctions

 

 

IRS Auction January 19, 2011 Gainesville, FL For pictures & sale information go to www.irsauctions.gov or call (602) 501-2146


To Place a Classified Call 386-462-3355

lettersI want to report another successful Alachua Christmas Parade and thank my committee for their hard work. Also, a big thank you to the 55 parade participants and all the residents who lined Main Street and applauded their efforts.

Once again we awarded plaques and cash prizes for the entrants. This year’s awards for non-profit groups went to River of Life Assembly of God (First Place), Tacachale (Second Place) and Pop Warner Raider Football (Third Place). Plaques for businesses went to Lees Preschool (First Place), Hitchcock (Second Place) and Alarion Bank (Third Place).

We hope that everyone had a great time and next year should be even better.

Bud Calderwood

Alachua Chamber of Commerce Parade Chairman

Alachua, Fla.

columnColumn by ELLEN BOUKARI

Holidays are good and vacations are great.  But the combination can lead to unintended…and unwelcome… consequences.

Each provides an opportunity for our minds and our bodies to become rejuvenated; a time to stop watching the clock and counting the minutes.

But as with all good things, excess is bad and moderation is good.

If a glance at the calendar, or a gentle nudge from a spouse isn’t reminder enough that it’s time to head back to the grindstone, there are a few additional indicators that might tip one off that it’s time to get out of the house and back to reality before the holiday time warp takes hold for good.

The Time Slippage indicator is the gradual, but ever so real loss of time perception, and is a sure sign that vacation time should be drawing to a close.  The first day of vacation is marked by the alarm sounding at the usual hour, bright and early.  The freshly awakened vacationer is out of bed and completely dressed in 10 minutes, in time to watch the sun rise.

By day two, sleeping in for a few minutes can surely be harmless and there is certainly no damage in staying up a bit later than usual…because there is really no reason to get up so early anyway.

And by day five the new pattern is becoming firmly entrenched.  Except now, the alarm clock is nowhere to be found, and neither are the house slippers that were discarded sometime between 2 and 4 a.m. as the late, late show was moving into hour three.

Or as the DVD drones on and on playing the same nonsensical clip of theme music over and over and over again.  What, did the film end?

When did that happen?

Somewhere between midnight nap two and twilight nap three.

The sun is high in the sky and the television is blaring something about the midday news break.  The bathrobe is still stained with last night’s spaghetti sauce which now joins a drop of maple syrup from breakfast the day before.

As surreal as Time Slippage is, Houseclean Fever is just as bizarre as the persona of Mr. Clean on speed, stealthily surveying each room, armed with Formula 409 in one hand and a spray bottle of chlorine bleach and a cleaning rag in the other.  Children and pets run when this manifestation of sanitary meets insanity enters the room.  No room, no nook, no cranny is safe from this cleaning crazed homebody.  And this can happen at any hour, day or night, midnight or twilight.

That’s when the omnipresent Television Terminus kicks in.  A condition marked by bleary eyes, loss of verbal communication skills and couch potato positioning, these telltale signs of this vacation related malady results from watching endless reruns of the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, C.S.I. and The Golden Girls.

Boredom spawns Betty Crocker Cracked — If it can be baked, basted, boiled, broiled or braised, it is now crammed in the refrigerator.  The pantry is empty, save the two cans of Fancy Feast Seafood Gourmet cat food, and given one more day of mindless vacation, there’s no guarantee that won’t end up in the crockpot with the carrot that slipped behind the refrigerator’s vegetable crisper.  All the Tupperware containers, Glad disposable food savers and Cool-Whip tubs are stacked neatly in the freezer, filled with newly tried recipes resulting from the cooking frenzy that has practically depleted the entire state’s supply of milk, eggs and chocolate chips

The real hint that vacation time is no longer fulfilling its intended purpose is when one just can't slip into that mindfully relaxed state for which one is searching. There is a battle of wills raging between cleaning the cracks in the driveway, sautéing the dill pickles in Fancy Feast Seafood Gourmet and wondering if Leave it to Beaver will ever be regarded as a literary work of art.

It’s time to call it a day; buck that time warp and head back to work — and that includes dealing with the pressing issues of life, such as where in the heck is that alarm clock anyway?

GreatOutdoorsThe Great Outdoors General Manager Carol Doherty credits excellence in food, atmosphere and service as the three ingredients earning the restaurant a 2010 Golden Spoon award from Florida Trend Magazine.

Fresh meat.

Wet-aged for no less than 28 days, then grilled to order— dripping, juicy and oozing with flavor.

General manager Carol Doherty said if she had to name the absolute best thing on the menu at the Great Outdoors Restaurant, it would have to be the steaks. The 14-ounce New York Strip or the 22-ounce T-Bone would be her top picks.

They are just two examples of what earned the restaurant a 2010 Golden Spoon award from Florida Trend Magazine. The accolade recognizes excellence in food, atmosphere and service— the three things, Doherty explained, that make or break a restaurant.

“It’s a triangle. If one piece is missing, the whole thing falls apart.”

Another Great Outdoors manager, Sandy Flaitz, agreed that it’s the restaurant’s mastery of all three components that earned it this award.

“In the culinary world,” Doherty said, “it’s extremely prestigious.”

Though she holds that the steaks are the absolute best of the diverse menu options, she admitted they’re not what she usually has.

“Every day I eat the same thing— the Chop Chop salad with Ahi Tuna.”

That selection, she explained, is because she tries to eat healthy.

“It’s delicious,” she said, which makes eating healthy fairly easy. And the reason it’s so good is the fresh fish is brought in daily, and the dressing is homemade, meaning less sodium and preservatives, she explained.

She said that she, as well as the owners, Bob and Karen Bentz, and the executive chef, Tara McDermott, have worked long and hard throughout their careers to get to this point, and to receive the Golden Spoon is truly gratifying.

On Florida Trend Magazine’s Web site listing Golden Spoon recipients, is an article discussing the adjustments and adaptations occurring in the dining industry since the recession hit.

Restaurant editor Chris Sherman writes, “No question that the market in Florida cannot afford as many $100 dinners and gilt-edged settings as it did in the boom times.”

He goes on to praise those restaurants that have found a way to continue serving quality food, whether to a market of working-class diners eating out on a budget, or the rich and famous who can still afford to eat out nightly and indulge in entrees upward of $20 a plate.

Eating at the Great Outdoors can go both ways. Order a $4 hamburger on half-price burger Monday nights, or the 20-ounce bone-in Porterhouse; the most expensive item on the menu at $26. Either way, it’s the same historic ambience of original brick walls and windows in the dining room and intimately lit aura on the patio. It’s the same full table service and the same quality standards for all the ingredients and preparation.

Doherty credits that versatility and reliability with the restaurant’s continued success.

What makes it stand out, she said, is “We offer the perfect guest experience.”

Everyone, no matter what they order, she said, is treated like family.

According to Doherty, while many restaurants think frozen and pre-made equals cheaper and fresh is unaffordable these days, that’s not true.

As America tightened its belt, eateries have gone under left and right. Now in its third year, the Great Outdoors hasn’t so much as felt a strain. Without sacrificing ingredients or labor— which adds up quickly in a kitchen where every sauce, dressing and dessert is made from scratch, the restaurant is thriving.

Doherty said the numbers from Dec. 2010 were up 32 percent from Dec. 2009, and the entire year was up 24 percent.

It’s undeniable that whatever the Great Outdoors is doing, it works.

Doherty made it clear they don’t believe in, as she put it, “freezer to fryer” cooking.

“The bottom line is the guest knows the difference.”

Look at other places in the area as proof, she said. Beef O’ Brady’s in Alachua just closed, and what was once Floyd’s Diner in High Springs, where Doherty had worked and been part-owner, has changed hands twice since doing away with the original menu, which she said, was more fresh, less frozen.

The Golden Spoon was “a dream come true” for her. But she stressed that it’s a reflection of the entire restaurant and staff, not just management.

On New Year’s Eve, as the Great Outdoors was gearing up for what everyone knew would be a long, busy night, Doherty gathered her 20 servers for an “up front,” a meeting at the beginning of a shift to go over daily specials and reminders.

She told them, “I’ve set the reservation book, and the kitchen has set the menu. Now I’m turning the whole night over to you.”

When a busy dinner service runs smoothly, it’s magic. Nothing less than perfect leaves the kitchen, no guest is left feeling unattended and at the end of the night all the strain and pressure of getting it right is worth it. And when the next day runs smoothly, and the day after that, guests leave happy knowing they’ll return, and that’s when it’s golden.

Q_-_Beefs_Bryan_DSF2977Just months after Main Street eatery Ristorante Deneno shut its doors for the final time, another Main Street restaurant has been forced to follow suit.

Beef O’ Brady’s, which opened in March 2008, has closed after financial difficulties made its continued operation unsustainable.

Owner Dan McCann, who also owns the Beef O’ Brady’s on Archer Road in Gainesville, said although the restaurant had many regular customers, the net gain simply did not add up enough to keep it running.

“We had some good moments when we were packed, but those moments weren’t enough to sustain us throughout the rest of the weeks and months,” he said. “I still had to pay the bills, and I still had to pay my employees.”

McCann said although the Alachua restaurant is closing down, he is trying to help his employees as much as possible, especially the ones with the most need.

“I’m moving several of my employees, including my manager, over to the Gainesville store, based on need,” he said.

Although McCann faced tough business times while the restaurant was open, he still managed to donate time, money and food to the community throughout his nearly two years of operations.

McCann was active in the community, even before the restaurant opened, earning Beef O’ Brady’s the title of “Business of the Year” by the Alachua Chamber of Commerce in 2009.

During the awards ceremony, Alachua Elementary Principal Jim Brandenburg lauded the restaurateur for his involvement in the community.

“Before Danny ever opened his doors in Alachua, he came to the school and met with me and said, ‘I want to help your school,” Brandenburg said. “He then gave us a few gift certificates and he’s been involved ever since.”

Alachua recreation director Hal Brady said McCann will be sorely missed in Alachua because he has been an exceptional supporter of community residents and programs.

“It’s really sad that he’s closing down,” Brady said. “He’s been one of our great local partners, not only in sports, but also in the schools.”

Although the restaurant is closed for now, McCann is not ruling out the possibility of reopening in Alachua in the future.

“I’m already talking to corporate about the future,” he said. “Alachua still has great potential, especially when the Walmart opens up in a few years. Either way, we’ve made some great friends here, and I hope we can stay in touch and see what happens in the future.”

Seeking interim manager

In a narrow margin, commissioners in Hawthorne agreed Tuesday to pay out $26,370 to Ed Smyth, the city manager they fired on Dec. 16.  The agreement to pay the severance called for in Smyth’s employment contract with the City didn’t come without apprehension from some who questioned if the city had the funds to make the payment.

Concerns about the City’s fiscal standing nearly kept the commission from authorizing the severance payout and was the single-largest reason cited by commissioners for firing Smyth in the first place.  An initial motion by Commissioner Harry Carter to write the check in one lump sum payment to Smyth resulted in a stalemate when only Vice-Mayor Matthew Surrency supported the measure.  Commissioners William Carlton and DeLoris Roberts opposed the move.  Mayor Eleanor Randall was not present.

Carlton and Roberts said they weren’t sure the City could afford to pay out the full three-months severance called for in the contract, mainly because Smyth never presented the commission with a balanced budget.  The initial budget adopted in September and set to begin on Oct. 1 was found to be out of balance with nearly $400,000 of unfunded expenses.

Since that discovery, the commission has seen a reported six revisions to the budget.  The final straw came at the Dec. 16 special meeting in which the latest revision allegedly still wasn’t balanced.

Despite the stalemate, commissioners continued to debate their options with Smyth’s severance pay.  Urging commissioners not to delay the payout, City Attorney Audrey Harris said, “I’m uncomfortable prolonging it because of [the City’s] contractual obligation.”

With tensions clearly rising on the dais, Commissioner William Carlton said, “I think it’s time the City Attorney start thinking about the City of Hawthorne.”  Carlton was critical of the employment contract with Smyth which was drafted by Harris.

Harris said she took exception to Carlton’s comment and that she has “never not looked out for the interests of Hawthorne.”

Carter and Surrency said they wanted to make the full payout to bring closure to the issue and allow the City to move in a new direction.  Carlton and Roberts meanwhile said they remained concerned that the City did not have adequate funds to follow through on its commitments.

After revenues and expenses, including Smyth’s severance, the City would have about $52,000 in the general fund according to estimates prepared by the City’s accountants.

Carter and Surrency seemed amenable to a staggered payout to Smyth over three months, but that wasn’t enough to tip Carlton and Roberts on the issue.

The debate among commissioners and residents who spoke ensued until one resident seemed to sway Roberts.

Ray Daniel, the resident who first brought to light the budget errors, recounted the events over the last several weeks.

Daniel noted that the commission opted not to continue employing Smyth for three months in lieu of a lump sum severance.  He also characterized the contract as “one-sided” in favor of Smyth.  But the tide seemed to turn when Daniel said, “You’re obligated to pay [Smyth] as the contract states.”

His comments prompted Roberts to budge on the issue.  In light of Daniel’s comments, Roberts said she would vote for a lump sum severance pay.

After another motion by Carter to make the full payout, Roberts went along with the move, which passed 3-1.  Carlton continued to oppose the measure.

The $26,370 severance pay includes nearly three months of pay totaling $17,500, about $7,600 in vacation pay and some $1,250 in sick pay.  The City is also obligated to continue paying Smyth’s health and life insurance premiums for three months.

Commissioners in Hawthorne have been working quickly to find someone to fill the city manager position on an interim basis while looking for a more permanent manager.  Paul Sharon of the International City Manager Association of Florida presented commissioners with the option of his assistance in the process of finding both an interim and permanent city manager.

Sharon, who works under the “Range Riders” program gave the commission a list of four city managers in the surrounding area that might be interested in helping on an interim basis.  Among those are former High Springs City Manager James Drumm.  Also on the list are James Gleason of Ocoee, Ken Venables of Palatka and Oel Wingo of Palm Coast.

Sharon also offered to help the commission put together an advertisement as well as filter through the applicants for a permanent city manager.

The commission accepted Sharon’s assistance and scheduled a meeting for Jan. 12 at 11 a.m. to further discuss the immediate and long-term needs of Hawthorne.

 

Flag_HS

The Alachua Police Department (APD) has arrested a third suspect in the attempted homicide and robbery that occurred at SunState Federal Credit Union.

Police obtained a warrant for the arrest of Akil Flagg on Dec. 30 in connection with the incident.

Shortly after the warrant was obtained, APD officers, with assistance of the Alachua County Sheriff's Office Warrant Division, contacted Flagg at his residence in Alachua.

Flagg was found hiding in an air conditioner vent inside his residence, and he was arrested without incident.

On Dec. 16 at about 11:15 p.m., a man entered the lobby of APD saying he had been shot while retrieving cash from an automatic teller machine (ATM) at SunState Federal Credit Union on U.S. Highway 441 in Alachua.

The man said after retrieving the cash, he got back into his vehicle.  Moments later, he leaned forward to start the vehicle’s engine when he heard what was described as a “very loud” gunshot, which apparently shattered the driver’s side window.  Upon looking back, the man noticed a white Ford Explorer sitting in the parking lot of Alachua Tractor, a neighboring business.

Police say when they went to the area of SunState Federal Credit Union, they saw the reported Ford Explorer parked in the same location described by the man who had been shot.  Upon approaching the white Ford, police say three people exited the vehicle and fled on foot.

After about a 200-yard foot chase, police reportedly caught Richard Demond Addison, 23, of Alachua.  According to police reports, the vehicle in which the trio was sitting had been reported stolen two days prior and a gun was found inside the Ford.

At the time, police were unable to catch the two other people who reportedly fled the scene.  By Thursday, Dec. 23, police obtained a warrant for the arrest of Derae Jenkins, 18, of Alachua in connection with the alleged shooting.  Police picked up Jenkins Friday morning, Dec. 24.

Q_-_Tom_KeelerKeeler

It’s game-on at Santa Fe High School. That’s the plan, at least.

Shea Showers has been the school’s head football coach for the past three years, but now he’s stepping down, and Tommy Keeler, the head coach and athletic director from Newberry High School, will be taking his place.

“He [Showers] saw a need for the program to move in a different direction,” said Santa Fe Athletic Director Michele Faulk.

“It was a mutual agreement.”

Keeler met with his new players Wednesday afternoon, and he said he’d be starting workouts with them Jan. 24. He wasn’t sure yet when he’s going to start teaching at Santa Fe, but he did express his excitement for it, saying he wanted the new position in part to get back to teaching weight lifting and coaching football.

As a dean and athletic director at Newberry, ‘It’s hard to give the kids my full time and attention while also dealing with everything else.”

“I’m not an administrator. My heart is in working with the kids.”

He makes his devotion to the sport clear, too, without even speaking. Instead of hearing a ring sounding for him to answer his cell phone, the Florida State Seminoles’fight song announces an incoming call.

He and his wife are both ‘Noles, but, he said, “My daughter’s a traitor.” She went to the University of Florida, he explains.

Santa Fe High School is rich in football tradition, though the past few years have been rough, he said. But, he declared, “We’re going to have success again.”

Faulk said the school is excited about the new edition to the team.

Newberry’s football program, she explained, was in a similar situation to Santa Fe’s now, and Keeler turned it around. She’s confident he’ll bring new ideas, energy and discipline to the Raiders.

Showers will continue teaching his weight lifting class at Santa Fe until the end of this school year, Faulk said. When he leaves, Keeler will take over that as well.

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTIC

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO: 2010-CA-5679-MG K.A. MILLER, Trustee under the provisions of a Trust agreement dated 2/8/2002 known as Trust Number 11598-000-000 and 11599-000-000, Plaintiff, v. DONNA TAYLOR and UNKNOWN HEIRS OF INEZ T. BROWN, Defendants. ____/

NOTICE OF ACTION

To: UNKNOWN HEIRS OF INEZ T. BROWN YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to quiet title on the following property in Alachua County, Florida: THE NORTH 60 FEET OF LOTS 8 AND 9 OF BLOCK 33, OF NEW GAINESVILLE SUBDIVISION ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK "A", PAGE 65 OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF ALACHUA, COUNTY, FLORIDA. has been filed against you, and Donna Taylor, and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on John Grant, plaintiff's attorney, whose address is 2121 G Killarney Way, Tallahassee, FL 32309 on or before January 17th, 2011, and file the original with the clerk of this court either before service on plaintiff's attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint or petition. Dated on November 19, 2010. J.K. Irby as Clerk of the Court P.O. Box 600 Gainesville, FL 32602 By: /s/ S. Brown as Deputy Clerk

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - December 16, 23, 30, 2010 and January 06, 2011.)

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 01-10-CA-3840 FLORIDA CAPITAL BANK, N.A., a national banking association Plaintiff, vs. MILLHOPPER INVESTMENT COMPANY, LLC, a Florida limited liability company; JOSEPH E. FRECK; WINDSOR GLEN OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., a Florida not for profit corporation; and Unknown Tenant Defendants. _____________/

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to an Order Of Summary Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated November 15, 2010, in Case No. 01-10-CA-3840 of the Circuit Court of the Eighth Judicial Circuit in and for Alachua County, Florida, wherein FLORIDA CAPITAL BANK, N.A., a national banking association is Plaintiff, and MILLHOPPER INVESTMENT COMPANY, LLC, a Florida limited liability company; JOSEPH E. FRECK; WINDSOR GLEN OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., a Florida not for profit corporation; and Unknown Tenant, are Defendants, that I will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash at 201 East University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32601 at the Court Lobby, on the 25th day of January, 2011, at 11:00 o’clock, A.M., the following described property as set forth in said Summary Final Judgment of Foreclosure, to-wit:

Lot Three-A (3A) of WINDSOR GLEN PLANTATION - LOT 3 REPLAT, according to the Plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book “U”, Page(s) 9, of the Public Records of Alachua County, Florida. IF YOU ARE A PERSON CLAIMING A RIGHT TO FUNDS REMAINING AFTER THE SALE, YOU MUST FILE A CLAIM WITH THE CLERK NO LATER THAN 60 DAYS AFTER THE SALE. IF YOU FAIL TO FILE A CLAIM, YOU WILL NOT BE ENTITLED TO ANY REMAINING FUNDS. AFTER 60 DAYS, ONLY THE OWNER OF RECORD AS OF THE DATE OF THE LIS PENDENS MAY CLAIM THE SURPLUS.

DATED, at Gainesville, Alachua County, Florida, this 21st day of December, 2010

 

J.K. “BUDDY” IRBY, CLERK OF COURT BY: /s/ Julia Rogers Deputy Clerk

 

(Published: Alachua County Today – December 30, 2010 and January 06, 2011)

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA

 

CASE NO. 01-10-CA-4055 DIVISION MG

 

CAMPUS USA CREDIT UNION,

 

Plaintiff, vs.

 

RITA C. MOSELEY, UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF RITA C. MOSELEY, CHANDLER DANIELS, UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF CHANDLER DANIELS, RIVERGLEN PROPERTY OWNERS' ASSOCIATION, INC., UNKNOWN TENANT(S) IN POSSESSION and SECOND UNKNOWN TENANT(S) IN POSSESSION,

 

Defendants. ____________/

NOTICE OF SALE

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on the 19 day of January. 2011, at 11:00 A.M in the Lobby at the Alachua County Family/Civil Justice Center, 201 East University Avenue, Gainesville, Alachua County Florida, the undersigned Clerk will offer for sale the following real and personal property more particularly described as follows: Lot 21, RIVER GLEN, according to the map or plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book T, Pages 15 through 17, of the Public Records of Alachua County, Florida TOGETHER WITH: all the improvements now or hereafter erected on the property, and all easements, appurtenances, and fixtures now or hereafter a part of the property. The aforesaid sale will be made pursuant to the Final Judgment entered in Civil No. 01-10-CA-4055-MG now pending in the Circuit Court of the Eighth Judicial Circuit in and for Alachua County, Florida. IF YOU ARE A PERSON CLAIMING A RIGHT TO FUNDS REMAINING AFTER THE SALE, YOU MUST FILE A CLAIM WITH THE CLERK NO LATER THAN 60 DAYS AFTER THE SALE. IF YOU FAIL TO FILE A CLAIM, YOU WILL NOT BE ENTITLED TO ANY REMAINING FUNDS. AFTER 60 DAYS, ONLY THE OWNER OF RECORD AS OF THE DATE OF THE LIS PENDENS MAY CLAIM THE SURPLUS. DATED this 21st day of December, 2010. J.K. Irby Clerk of the Court BY: /s/ Julia Rogers As Deputy Clerk Meredith L. Minkus, Esquire Florida Bar No.: 41656 BURR & FORMAN LLP Post Office Drawer 1690 Winter Park, Florida 32790 Telephone: (407) 647-4455 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (407) 647-4455      end_of_the_skype_highlighting Attorneys for Plaintiff

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - December 30, 2010 and January 06, 2010)

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2010-CP-1767 IN RE: ESTATE OF ROBERT B. ROCKEFELLER Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

 

The administration of the estate of ROBERT B. ROCKEFELLER, deceased, whose date of death was September 17, 2010, and whose social security number is XXX-XX-9503 is pending in the Circuit Court for Alachua County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 201 East University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32601. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the 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 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 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 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 FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD 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 January 06, 2011.

 

Attorney for Personal Representative: William C. Carroll Florida Bar No. 957471 Mettler Shelton Randolph Carroll & Sterlacci, P.L. 340 Royal Palm Way, Suite 100 Palm Beach, FL 33480 Phone: 561-833-9631 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              561-833-9631      end_of_the_skype_highlighting Fax: 561-655-2835 Personal Representative: ARLENE M. RIEDL a/k/a ARLENE M. ROCKEFELLER 34 Waterston Road Newton Corner, MA 02458 (Published: Alachua County Today – January 06 and 13, 2011)

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 01-10-CA-3838 FLORIDA CAPITAL BANK, N.A., a national banking association Plaintiff, vs. JOSEPH E. FRECK; PECAN PARK OFFICE OWNERS ASSN., INC., a Florida not for profit corporation; and PECAN PARK 802 CONDOMINIUM ASSN., INC., a Florida not for profit corporation Defendants. ____________/

NOTICE OF SALE

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to an Order Of Summary Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated November 15, 2010, in Case No. 01-10-CA-3838 of the Circuit Court of the Eighth Judicial Circuit in and for Alachua County, Florida, wherein FLORIDA CAPITAL BANK, N.A., a national banking association is Plaintiff, and JOSEPH E. FRECK; PECAN PARK OFFICE OWNERS ASSN., INC., a Florida not for profit corporation; and PECAN PARK 802 CONDOMINIUM ASSN., INC., a Florida not for profit corporation, are Defendants, that I will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash at 201 East University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32601 at the Court Lobby, on the 19th day of January, 2011 at 11:00 o’clock, A.M., the following described property as set forth in said Summary Final Judgment of Foreclosure, to-wit:

Parcel 1: Building 5 of PECAN PARK OFFICE PARK, being more particularly described as a parcel of land situated in the Southeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter (SE 1/4 of NW 1/4) of Section 32, Township 9 South, Range 20 East, City of Gainesville, Alachua County, Florida, and being more particularly described as follows: For a point of reference, commence at a 3/4 inch iron pipe at the Northwest corner of Lot 1, Block H of INGLESIDE SUBDIVISION, as per plot thereof recorded in Plot Book C, page 2, of the Public Records of Alachua County, Florida; thence run South 89 deg. 53 min. 17 sec. Eat along the North line of said Lot 1 and the South right of way line of NW 17th Avenue (50-foot right of way), a distance of 150.88 feet; thence South 00 deg. 23 min. 49 sec. West, a distance of 135.30 feet to a point on the South boundary line of Lot 2 of said Block H; thence run South 89 deg. 46 min. 13 sec. East along said South boundary a distance of 24.00 feet to the Southeast corner of said Lot 2, Block H and the Northeast corner of Lot 5 of said Block H; thence run South 00 deg. 05 min. 28 sec. East along the East line of said Lot 5 a distance of 99.59 feet; thence run North 89 deg. 54 min. 32 sec. East a distance of 17.47 feet to the Point of Beginning; thence run North 00 deg. 30 min. 07 sec. East a distance of 116.00 feet; thence run South 89 deg. 29 min. 53 sec. East a distance of 46.00 feet; thence run South 00 deg. 30 min. 07 sec. West a distance of 60.00 feet; thence run South 89 deg. 29 min. 53 sec. East a distance of 4.00 feet; thence run South 00 deg. 30 min. 07 sec. West a distance of 56.00 feet; thence run North 89 deg. 29 min. 53 sec. West a distance of 50.00 feet to the Point of Beginning. Parcel 2: Condominium Unit B, PECAN PARK 802 CONDOMINIUM, together with an undivided interest in the common elements, according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Record Book 2818, Page 295, as amended from time to time, of the Public Records of Alachua County, Florida.

 

IF YOU ARE A PERSON CLAIMING A RIGHT TO FUNDS REMAINING AFTER THE SALE, YOU MUST FILE A CLAIM WITH THE CLERK NO LATER THAN 60 DAYS AFTER THE SALE. IF YOU FAIL TO FILE A CLAIM, YOU WILL NOT BE ENTITLED TO ANY REMAINING FUNDS. AFTER 60 DAYS, ONLY THE OWNER OF RECORD AS OF THE DATE OF THE LIS PENDENS MAY CLAIM THE SURPLUS.

 

DATED, at Gainesville, Alachua County, Florida, this 21st day of December, 2010. J.K. "BUDDY" IRBY CLERK OF COURT BY: /s/ Julia Rogers Deputy Clerk Attorney For Plaintiff: Philip L. Logas, Esq. Philip L. Logas, P.A. 121 S. Orange Avenue Suite 1470 Orlando, Florida 32801 (407) 849-1555 Defendants: Bevin G. Ritch, Esq. Attorney for Joseph E. Freck P.O. Box 1025 Gainesville, Florida 32602 John F. Roscow IV, Esq. Attorney for Pecan Park Office Owners Assn., Inc. and Pecan Park 802 Condominium Assn., Inc. 5608 Northwest 43rd Street Gainesville, Florida 32653

 

(Published: December 30, 2010 and January 06, 2011)

Notice of Public Auction

 

January 19th, 2011 10:00 a.m. with registration at 9:30a.m. Location: Ultimate Towing of Gainesville Inc, 907 SW 3rd Street, Gainesville, FL

 

Property Offered: 2007 BMW 328i VIN: WBAVA33527PG52809 Mileage: 55,025.00 CD Player A/C Scratch on the driver's rear bumper

 

MINIMUM BID - $11,821.80

www.treasury.gov/ auctions/irs

 

Under the authority in IRC 6331 and 6335 the property described herein was seized from Rosario Fortunato and will be sold at public auction.

 

Only the right, title and interest of Rosario Fortunato is offered for sale. If requested the IRS will furnish information about possible encumbrances.

 

All property is offered subject to any prior valid outstanding liens in favor of third parties against the taxpayer which are superior to the lien of the U.S. The US makes no guarantee or warranty, expressed or implied, as to the validity, quality, or condition of the property or it’s fitness for any use. No claim will be considered for allowance or adjustment or for rescission of the sale based upon failure of the property to conform with any representation expressed or implied.

 

Full payment is required upon acceptance of the highest bid; Notice of sale has been given in accordance with all legal requirements. All payments must be by cash, certified, or cashiers or check drawn on any bank of trust company incorporated under the laws of the U.S., payable to U.S. Treasury.

 

For more info: www.treasury.gov/ auctions/irs Darlene Shadday,

 

(602) 501-2146

 

IN THE CIRCUIT CIVIL COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL ClRCUIT OF FLORIDA, IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY CIVIL DIVISION Case No. 01-2010-CA-001716 Division MG MlDFlRST BANK Plaintiff, vs. LINDA L. LITZA, and WALTER BRICKMEYER, PALISADES COLLECTION LLC, AND UNKNOWN TENANTS/OWNERS, Defendants. ______/

NOTICE OF SALE

 

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to Final Judgment for Plaintiff entered in this cause on December 17, 2010, in the Circuit Court of Alachua County, Florida, I will sell the property situated in Alachua County, Florida described as:

 

LOT 83, OF SPRINGSTEEN III, AS PER PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK "J", PAGE 75, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA.

 

and commonly known as: 4319 NW 26TH DR, GAINSVILLE, FL 32605; including the building, appurtenances, and fixtures located therein, at public sale, to the highest and best bidder, for cash. in the lobby of the Alachua County Courthouse, 201 E. University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida, on January 19, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. IF YOU ARE A PERSON CLAIMING A RIGHT TO FUNDS REMAINING AFTER THE SALE, YOU MUST FILE A CLAIM WITH THE CLERK NO LATER THAN 60 DAYS AFTER THE SALE. IF YOU FAIL TO FILE A CLAIM, YOU WILL NOT BE ENTITLED TO ANY REMAINING FUNDS. AFTER 60 DAYS, ONLY THE OWNER OF RECORD AS OF THE DATE OF THE LIS PENDENS MAY CLAIM THE SURPLUS. Dated this 21st day of December, 2010.

 

J.K. Irby Clerk of the Circuit Court By: /s/ Julia Rogers Deputy Clerk

 

(Published: Alachua County Today – January 06 and 13, 2011)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Advertise in Over 100 Papers throughout Florida. Advertising Networks of Florida, Put us to work for You! (866)742-1373 www.florida-classifieds.com.

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

SEASONAL CLOSING FROM JAN. 3 TO FEB. 21. Now accepting EBT cards, MasterCard, Visa, Discover, Debit/Credit.

 

Call 386-462-6158

EMPLOYMENT

 

Help Wanted

 

Drivers - FOOD TANKER DRIVERS NEEDED OTR positions available NOW! CDL-A w/ Tanker REQ'D. Outstanding pay & Benefits! Call a recruiter TODAY! (877)882-6537 www.oakleytransport.com

Experienced Nail Tech Wanted. 386-454-4422

Between High School and College? Over 18? Drop that entry level position. Earn what you're worth!!!. Travel w/Successful Young Business Group. Paid Training. Transportation, Lodging Provided. (877)646-5050

ASAP! New Pay Increase! 34-40 cpm. Excellent Benefits Need CDL-A & 3 mos recent OTR. (877)258-8782 www.meltontruck.com

Driver- Drive Knight in 2011! Get paid today for what you hauled yesterday. Top equipment! Van and Refrigerated. CDL-A, 3 months OTR experience. (800)414-9569 www.driveknight.com

Regional Opportunity 100% Owner Operator Reefer Company $1,000.00 SIGN ON BONUS! Home weekly. Call (800)237-8288 or visit www.suncocarriers.com

Part time cleaner/floor tech needed for commercial office building on US 441. Must have floor experience, ability to lift over 40 lbs and pass background check. $7.50/hour. Call Pat at 352-870-0363 .

Cash paid for junk cars. $150 and up. Running or not. Free pick up. 352-771-6191

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

 

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

 

Home based FRANCHISE Opportunity! Low Cost, Award winning franchise. NO Cold Calling, Proven System. Leading service provider. Window film and other services. (727)289-5757

Advertise in Over 100 Papers throughout Florida. Advertising Networks of Florida, Put us to work for You! (866)742-1373 www.florida-classifieds.com.

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

ADOPTIONS

 

ADOPTION. A childless happily married couple seeks to adopt. Loving home. Large extended family. Financial security. Expenses paid. Laurel & James. (888)488-4344 LaurelAndJamesAdopt.com FL Bar #0150789

Are you pregnant? A childless, successful, single woman seeks to adopt. Will be HANDS-ON mom w/flexible work schedule. Financially secure. Ellen. (888)868-8778 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. FL Bar#0150789

FARM & LIVESTOCK

 

Hay For Sale

 

Fertilized Coastal Bermuda, barn stored, large round rolls, excellent quality. $45 per roll. Cow hay $30 per roll. 352-215-1018 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              352-215-1018      end_of_the_skype_highlighting

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

 

Acreage & Farms

 

5 acres High Springs area. Gorgeous country setting with cleared oak-shaded homesite. Owner financing. No down payment. $69,900. $613/mo. 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.

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

 

Mobile Homes For Rent

 

3/2 Mobile Home for rent. Off CR 225 on 1+ acres. Well/septic. Fenced doghouse available. Outside pets only. $735/month. 352-727-0029 Shown by appointment only.

Houses For Rent

 

2BR/1BA block home. High Springs. Quiet neighborhood, terrazzo floors, hardwood paneling, fenced back yard. Storage shed. Non-smokers. $675 a month. 386-454-2004 Lease option considered.

MERCHANDISE

 

Miscellaneous

 

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

ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE from Home. *Medical, *Business, *Paralegal, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV certified. Call (877)206-5165  www.Centura.us.com

WANTED TO BUY

 

Cash paid for junk cars. $150 and up. Running or not. Free pick up. 352-771-6191

Auctions

 

 

IRS Auction January 19, 2011 Gainesville, FL For pictures & sale information go to www.irsauctions.gov

 

or call (602) 501-2146


To Place a Classified Call 386-462-3355

Bernice Ann McClain, 52, of Fort White, Fla. passed away December 30, 2010 at Shands at the University of Florida.  She was 52.

She was born in New Orleans, La. on October 30, 1958. She was a cashier in retail. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of High Springs and the High Springs Lions Club.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George Glenn McClain, Sr. and Ruby Lee Cato.

Survivors include her stepmother, Juanita McClain of Lake City; four sons, George Glenn McClain, Jr. of Fort White, Charles Edward McClain of Portland, Maine, John E. McClain of Fort White, and Bobby Lee McClain of Fort White; three step-daughters, Karen Emerson of Alachua, June Caldwell of Lake City and Connie Roane of Alachua.

A memorial service will be held at the Bethlehem Baptist Church in Lake City, Fla., on Saturday, January 8, 2011. Dinner will be at 11 a.m. followed by services at 12 noon.

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

William “Robert” Earl Tillman peacefully passed away on January 3, 2011 at home with his family after a valiant battle with cancer.  He was 49.

He was a lifetime resident of Gainesville and High Springs, as well as a lifetime “Gator.”  He graduated from Oak Hall High School in 1979 and he also attended Santa Fe College and The University of Florida.  He was the owner of Sonny’s Bar BQ in Alachua, and had been in the barbeque business since he was 15 years old.

He is survived by his father and mother, Floyd “Sonny” & Lucille Tillman; a son, Joe Brown; the woman he loved, Elizabeth Nolan; five sisters, Carolyn Tillman, Dianne Tillman, Marian Tomlinson, Amy Tillman and Teresa Wooden; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many, many, good close friends.  He was an avid musician and a proud member of the “Phlegmtone’s Band.”

Viewing was held Wednesday, January 5, 2011 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Williams-Thomas Funeral Home Westarea, 823 NW 143rd Street (CR 241 North, Jonesville).

Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 6, 2011 at 1 p.m. at Williams-Thomas Funeral Home Westarea with Pastor Steve Matchett officiating.  Mr. Tillman will be laid to rest on the “Tillman Farm” in High Springs, Fla., located at 16202 NW 22nd Street, High Springs, Fla. 32643.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to UF Shands Cancer Center, P.O. Box 103633, Gainesville, Fla., 32610, Attn: Denise Stobbie.

Q---Feature1DSCN0783-2Actor-director Bill Duke (2nd from left) visited Newberry recently as the city is being considered as a possible location for the upcoming film, “The Ruby McCollum Story.” 

When actor-director Bill Duke came to Newberry and Gainesville recently, people could not help but notice that he bears a striking resemblance to himself.

“Everywhere we went, people would stop him and ask ‘Has anyone ever told you that you look like Bill Duke?’” said Jude Hagin, co-producer of “The Ruby McCollum Story,” an upcoming film that Duke is directing.

Duke was in town for five days in the beginning of December looking for potential locations for the $12 million movie, which is scheduled to begin filming at the end of March.

The large, bald-headed actor is most recognizable for starring alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 80s action movies “Commando” and “Predator,” but several people who met him during his stay found that in person, his demeanor couldn’t be more different from the tough guy persona that he often portrays on screen.

“He is the most sensitive and wonderful person,” Hagin said. “He is a very calm, loving, sweet and spiritual human being.”

Joy Glanzer, a local real estate agent, worked with Duke and his team to scout locations for the movie. She said that she was given a list of things to look for that included homes and churches that have an “early 1950s-era feel.”

“The crew was lovely,” she said of Duke and the other filmmakers. “We enjoyed them tremendously.”

While he was in the area, Duke visited Newberry’s Backyard BBQ and the Hippodrome Theatre in Gainesville. He also attended church in Newberry on Sunday and a luncheon that was held for him and his crew at Newberry City Commissioner Alena Lawson’s home.

Glanzer said that Duke was pleased with downtown Newberry and that the crew was particularly interested in the Kincaid Building. The Kincaid Building is a wooden building located along West Newberry Road in the city of Newberry. Built in 1880, it was originally located near Dudley Farm, in what is now Jonesville. Thomas Kincaid moved it in the early 1900s and turned it into a general store.

Barbara Hendrix, Manager of Newberry Main Street Organization, said that Newberry Main Street has been applying for grants to renovate the building and turn it into a museum.  She said that if the building is chosen as a site for the movie, the filmmakers might be able to improve the building, which has an unstable foundation. However, she added, she hasn’t gotten her hopes up because she was told that they are still looking at locations in other states and haven’t committed to anything yet.

“I’ve learned not to get too excited about these things until they happen,” she said.

Hagin, who is the vice president of Gainesville-based Springtree Studios, confirmed that the filmmakers are also considering locations in Georgia and Louisiana. She said that she hopes that the movie will be filmed in Florida because the story takes place in Florida, but money and politics will play a role in their decision.

“If we end up taking a Florida story out of Florida, that is sad,” she said.

The movie will tell the true story of Ruby McCollum, a wealthy, educated black woman from Live Oak, Fla., who shot and killed a white doctor in 1952. It will be based on William Bradford Huie’s best-selling book, “Ruby McCollum: Woman in the Suwannee County Jail.”

Live Oak was not considered as a location for the movie because “sometimes you can be too close to a story,” Hagin said. “We were not sure if we would be welcome.”

The story of Ruby McCollum is a tumultuous one that many North Florida residents have not forgotten. According to an article written by Huie that ran in EBONY magazine in November 1954, McCollum was sentenced to death by electric chair by an all-white jury.  Her first amendment rights were violated by the judge when he did not let her speak to reporters during the trial. Writer Zora Neal Hurston, who covered the case for the Pittsburgh Courier, deemed it the first time that “paramour rights,” meaning a white man’s right to a black woman’s body, were questioned in court.

Hagin said that when Duke heard about the story and found out that it had not been told through film, he was eager to become involved.  As a director, Duke is known for choosing socially conscious films that impact the African American community.

So far, actors Burt Reynolds and Matt Latner (“90210” and “Vampires Suck”) have signed on to do the film. The leading roles have not yet been filled, Hagin said.

Restaurant, bar and local music venue, the Great Outdoors Restaurant, is a 2010 Golden Spoon recipient.

Each year, Florida Trend Magazine announces a variety of prestigious awards to restaurants all over the state. Winners are chosen based on excellence in cuisine, service and ambiance – three things that manager Sandy Flaitz says everyone at the Great Outdoors works every day to perfect.

Nestled at the corner of Main Street and NW 1st Avenue in downtown High Springs, the restaurant has been open almost three years. In addition to winning a Golden Spoon this year, it was named a 2010 Outstanding Florida Main Street Business of the Year by the Florida Department of State.

The Great Outdoors also won Florida Trend Magazine’s best new restaurant award the year it opened.

For the scoop on what led to its success, check out next week’s edition of Alachua County Today for an inside perspective on the restaurant from general manager Carol Doherty.

A debate over the correct zoning of a piece of property along State Road 20 in Hawthorne has finally been put to rest.  After years of disagreement between Ben Campen and Hawthorne City officials, the two sides reached an agreement that will seemingly settle the issue permanently.

In a 3-0 vote Tuesday night, Hawthorne commissioners voted to approve the rezoning of the 2.64-acre parcel of land owned by Campen.  The property, consisting of six vacant lots, had been recognized as having a residential single family zoning designation according to city records.  But according to Campen, who had the Ashley Oaks subdivision annexed into the city and helped develop it in 1975, his land was originally zoned for commercial use. Campen said that he never had the property rezoned and that it was a scrivener’s error that caused the zoning of the land to be changed from commercial to residential.

Campen said that the change in zoning has devalued his property and violated his rights as a property owner.

“I am simply trying to take something that was wronged and make it right,” Campen said in a Sept. 7 commission meeting.  Campen even has tax records which he says prove he’s been paying commercial taxes on the parcel. 

By the Dec. 14 commission meeting, Campen was ready to hand the property over to the City of Hawthorne.  In exchange, Campen wanted the city to rezone the property first.  Under the agreement offered by Campen, the city would acknowledge that the parcel he was donating to the city was a commercial one.  Campen’s concern was that if he donated the property and was then audited, having any records which show the property as anything but “commercial” could create issues in determining the value.

Campen insisted that the agreement to donate the property would need to be signed by the end of this year so he could take the tax deduction for the 2010 tax year.  Other conditions of the agreement are that a billboard already located on the property would be allowed to remain indefinitely. 

At the Dec. 14 meeting, several commissioners said they were not prepared to accept the property with the condition that they acknowledge it as a commercial site since the city’s zoning maps have no historical reference to that site having been designated commercial.

After a lengthy debate that night, however, commissioners and city staffers suggested the city could conduct a second public hearing for the pending rezoning sought in September and approve the site as commercial.  During the same meeting, and after that approval, the city could then enter into the agreement to take the donation from Campen. That led to the meeting Dec. 28 in which the deal was finalized.

In the Dec. 28 meeting, Mayor Eleanor Randall and commissioners Deloris Roberts and William Carlton all voted in favor of the rezoning and agreement.  Vice Mayor Matthew Surrency and Commissioner Harry Carter were not in attendance.

Campen reportedly signed over a quitclaim deed to the property Tuesday night.

Q---CrashBryan_DSF2948A Tuesday afternoon crash at the intersection of U.S. Highway 441 and Interstate-75 sent one teenager to the hospital

The cause of a Tuesday afternoon accident in Alachua is still unclear.

According to witnesses who arrived shortly after the accident occurred, it appeared two cars were involved in the crash that sent a teen to an area hospital, but her condition was not clear.  Although the car she was driving sustained substantial front end damage, the teen’s father she would be okay.

The accident happened along U.S. Highway 441 in front of Wendy’s, according to the Alachua Police Department, which responded to the call at 12:56 p.m., but then turned the scene over to Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) officers.

Based on the scene of the accident, it appeared that an elderly couple driving a white late-model Honda minivan was exiting from the southbound ramp of Interstate 75 and attempting to enter the Wendy’s parking lot or adjoining gas station.  The teenager, driving a black late-model Nissan Altima, was traveling southbound on U.S. 441 before the collision.  The black car apparently struck the minivan’s passenger side front wheel area.

The force of the accident caused airbags to deploy in both vehicles which came to rest in the entry to the gas station.

FHP spokesman Lt. Dan Riordan said additional details about the accident were not yet available.

Q---FP-DSCF1815-2L-R:  Delores Brown and club president Shirley Green Brown helped make 100 pillowcases for youth hospitalized at Shands Hospital.

The Alachua Woman's club joined thousands of other volunteers across the country in the ConKerr Cancer-A Case for Smiles program this holiday season.  The local club’s mission was to make festive pillowcases for chronically ill children undergoing treatment at Shands Hospital in Gainesville.

Several members of the club met under the leadership of chairman Joan Imler and her committee to make the cheery pillowcases a reality.  The committee planned three working sessions to reach their goal of 100 pillowcases for the youth hospitalized at Shands.

Committee member tasks were to pin, cut, sew and/or surge, iron, fold and put the cases in plastic bags for delivery.  The group enjoyed the fellowship while creating the pillowcases that were attractive and appealing – gifts they hope will make hospital stays as pleasant as possible for the young patients and their parents.

The Alachua Woman’s Club engages in a variety of community activities throughout the year.  The next event will be a Black History program on Jan. 11, a Fashion Show on Feb. 19, a Covered Dish Social on March 8 and a Golf Tournament at Turkey Creek on April 16.  In 2012, the Alachua Woman’s club will observe their Centennial Celebration.  Club president Shirley Green Brown invites individuals interested in joining to call the club at 386-462-5204.

LEGAL NOTICE

Fictitious Names

 

NOTICE UNDER FICTITIOUS NAME ACT

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of NORTH FLORIDA REGIONAL HEALTHCARE, located in Alachua County, Florida, with an address of 6500 Newberry Road, Gainesville, Florida 32605, has registered said name with the Division of Corporations of the Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated the 18th day of December, 2010.

 

North Florida Division I, Inc.

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - December 30, 2010)

 

NOTICE OF INTENT TO REGISTER FICTITIOUS NAME

 

Pursuant to Section 865.09, Florida Statutes, notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Owner, Advenir@Majestic, LLC, 17501 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 300, Aventura, Florida 33160, doing business under the firm name of Majestic Oaks Apartments, located at 5800 SW 20 Avenue, in the County of Alachua, in the City of Gainesville, Florida 32607, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated this 22nd day of December, 2010.

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - December 30, 2010)

 

PUBLIC NOTICE

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA

 

CASE NO. 01-10-CA-4055 DIVISION MG

 

CAMPUS USA CREDIT UNION,

 

Plaintiff, vs.

 

RITA C. MOSELEY, UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF RITA C. MOSELEY, CHANDLER DANIELS, UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF CHANDLER DANIELS, RIVERGLEN PROPERTY OWNERS' ASSOCIATION, INC., UNKNOWN TENANT(S) IN POSSESSION and SECOND UNKNOWN TENANT(S) IN POSSESSION,

 

Defendants. ____________/

NOTICE OF SALE

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on the 19 day of January. 2011, at 11:00 A.M in the Lobby at the Alachua County Family/Civil Justice Center, 201 East University Avenue, Gainesville, Alachua County Florida, the undersigned Clerk will offer for sale the following real and personal property more particularly described as follows: Lot 21, RIVER GLEN, according to the map or plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book T, Pages 15 through 17, of the Public Records of Alachua County, Florida TOGETHER WITH: all the improvements now or hereafter erected on the property, and all easements, appurtenances, and fixtures now or hereafter a part of the property. The aforesaid sale will be made pursuant to the Final Judgment entered in Civil No. 01-10-CA-4055-MG now pending in the Circuit Court of the Eighth Judicial Circuit in and for Alachua County, Florida. IF YOU ARE A PERSON CLAIMING A RIGHT TO FUNDS REMAINING AFTER THE SALE, YOU MUST FILE A CLAIM WITH THE CLERK NO LATER THAN 60 DAYS AFTER THE SALE. IF YOU FAIL TO FILE A CLAIM, YOU WILL NOT BE ENTITLED TO ANY REMAINING FUNDS. AFTER 60 DAYS, ONLY THE OWNER OF RECORD AS OF THE DATE OF THE LIS PENDENS MAY CLAIM THE SURPLUS. DATED this 21st day of December, 2010. J.K. Irby Clerk of the Court BY: /s/ Julia Rogers As Deputy Clerk Meredith L. Minkus, Esquire Florida Bar No.: 41656 BURR & FORMAN LLP Post Office Drawer 1690 Winter Park, Florida 32790 Telephone: (407) 647-4455 Attorneys for Plaintiff

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - December 30, 2010 and January 06, 2010)

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 01-10-CA-3840 FLORIDA CAPITAL BANK, N.A., a national banking association Plaintiff, vs. MILLHOPPER INVESTMENT COMPANY, LLC, a Florida limited liability company; JOSEPH E. FRECK; WINDSOR GLEN OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., a Florida not for profit corporation; and Unknown Tenant Defendants. _____________/

NOTICE OF SALE

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to an Order Of Summary Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated November 15, 2010, in Case No. 01-10-CA-3840 of the Circuit Court of the Eighth Judicial Circuit in and for Alachua County, Florida, wherein FLORIDA CAPITAL BANK, N.A., a national banking association is Plaintiff, and MILLHOPPER INVESTMENT COMPANY, LLC, a Florida limited liability company; JOSEPH E. FRECK; WINDSOR GLEN OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., a Florida not for profit corporation; and Unknown Tenant, are Defendants, that I will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash at 201 East University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32601 at the Court Lobby, on the 25th day of January, 2011, at 11:00 o’clock, A.M., the following described property as set forth in said Summary Final Judgment of Foreclosure, to-wit:

 

Lot Three-A (3A) of WINDSOR GLEN PLANTATION - LOT 3 REPLAT, according to the Plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book “U”, Page(s) 9, of the Public Records of Alachua County, Florida. IF YOU ARE A PERSON CLAIMING A RIGHT TO FUNDS REMAINING AFTER THE SALE, YOU MUST FILE A CLAIM WITH THE CLERK NO LATER THAN 60 DAYS AFTER THE SALE. IF YOU FAIL TO FILE A CLAIM, YOU WILL NOT BE ENTITLED TO ANY REMAINING FUNDS. AFTER 60 DAYS, ONLY THE OWNER OF RECORD AS OF THE DATE OF THE LIS PENDENS MAY CLAIM THE SURPLUS.

 

DATED, at Gainesville, Alachua County, Florida, this 21st day of December, 2010

 

J.K. “BUDDY” IRBY, CLERK OF COURT BY: /s/ Julia Rogers Deputy Clerk

 

(Published: Alachua County Today – December 30, 2010 and January 06, 2011)

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 01-10-CA-3838 FLORIDA CAPITAL BANK, N.A., a national banking association Plaintiff, vs. JOSEPH E. FRECK; PECAN PARK OFFICE OWNERS ASSN., INC., a Florida not for profit corporation; and PECAN PARK 802 CONDOMINIUM ASSN., INC., a Florida not for profit corporation Defendants. ____________/

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to an Order Of Summary Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated November 15, 2010, in Case No. 01-10-CA-3838 of the Circuit Court of the Eighth Judicial Circuit in and for Alachua County, Florida, wherein FLORIDA CAPITAL BANK, N.A., a national banking association is Plaintiff, and JOSEPH E. FRECK; PECAN PARK OFFICE OWNERS ASSN., INC., a Florida not for profit corporation; and PECAN PARK 802 CONDOMINIUM ASSN., INC., a Florida not for profit corporation, are Defendants, that I will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash at 201 East University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32601 at the Court Lobby, on the 19th day of January, 2011 at 11:00 o’clock, A.M., the following described property as set forth in said Summary Final Judgment of Foreclosure, to-wit:

 

Parcel 1: Building 5 of PECAN PARK OFFICE PARK, being more particularly described as a parcel of land situated in the Southeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter (SE 1/4 of NW 1/4) of Section 32, Township 9 South, Range 20 East, City of Gainesville, Alachua County, Florida, and being more particularly described as follows: For a point of reference, commence at a 3/4 inch iron pipe at the Northwest corner of Lot 1, Block H of INGLESIDE SUBDIVISION, as per plot thereof recorded in Plot Book C, page 2, of the Public Records of Alachua County, Florida; thence run South 89 deg. 53 min. 17 sec. Eat along the North line of said Lot 1 and the South right of way line of NW 17th Avenue (50-foot right of way), a distance of 150.88 feet; thence South 00 deg. 23 min. 49 sec. West, a distance of 135.30 feet to a point on the South boundary line of Lot 2 of said Block H; thence run South 89 deg. 46 min. 13 sec. East along said South boundary a distance of 24.00 feet to the Southeast corner of said Lot 2, Block H and the Northeast corner of Lot 5 of said Block H; thence run South 00 deg. 05 min. 28 sec. East along the East line of said Lot 5 a distance of 99.59 feet; thence run North 89 deg. 54 min. 32 sec. East a distance of 17.47 feet to the Point of Beginning; thence run North 00 deg. 30 min. 07 sec. East a distance of 116.00 feet; thence run South 89 deg. 29 min. 53 sec. East a distance of 46.00 feet; thence run South 00 deg. 30 min. 07 sec. West a distance of 60.00 feet; thence run South 89 deg. 29 min. 53 sec. East a distance of 4.00 feet; thence run South 00 deg. 30 min. 07 sec. West a distance of 56.00 feet; thence run North 89 deg. 29 min. 53 sec. West a distance of 50.00 feet to the Point of Beginning. Parcel 2: Condominium Unit B, PECAN PARK 802 CONDOMINIUM, together with an undivided interest in the common elements, according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Record Book 2818, Page 295, as amended from time to time, of the Public Records of Alachua County, Florida.

 

IF YOU ARE A PERSON CLAIMING A RIGHT TO FUNDS REMAINING AFTER THE SALE, YOU MUST FILE A CLAIM WITH THE CLERK NO LATER THAN 60 DAYS AFTER THE SALE. IF YOU FAIL TO FILE A CLAIM, YOU WILL NOT BE ENTITLED TO ANY REMAINING FUNDS. AFTER 60 DAYS, ONLY THE OWNER OF RECORD AS OF THE DATE OF THE LIS PENDENS MAY CLAIM THE SURPLUS.

 

DATED, at Gainesville, Alachua County, Florida, this 21st day of December, 2010. J.K. "BUDDY" IRBY CLERK OF COURT BY: /s/ Julia Rogers Deputy Clerk Attorney For Plaintiff: Philip L. Logas, Esq. Philip L. Logas, P.A. 121 S. Orange Avenue Suite 1470 Orlando, Florida 32801 (407) 849-1555 Defendants: Bevin G. Ritch, Esq. Attorney for Joseph E. Freck P.O. Box 1025 Gainesville, Florida 32602 John F. Roscow IV, Esq. Attorney for Pecan Park Office Owners Assn., Inc. and Pecan Park 802 Condominium Assn., Inc. 5608 Northwest 43rd Street Gainesville, Florida 32653

 

(Published: December 30, 2010 and January 06, 2011)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO: 2010-CA-5679-MG K.A. MILLER, Trustee under the provisions of a Trust agreement dated 2/8/2002 known as Trust Number 11598-000-000 and 11599-000-000, Plaintiff, v. DONNA TAYLOR and UNKNOWN HEIRS OF INEZ T. BROWN, Defendants. ____/

 

NOTICE OF ACTION

 

To: UNKNOWN HEIRS OF INEZ T. BROWN YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to quiet title on the following property in Alachua County, Florida: THE NORTH 60 FEET OF LOTS 8 AND 9 OF BLOCK 33, OF NEW GAINESVILLE SUBDIVISION ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK "A", PAGE 65 OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF ALACHUA, COUNTY, FLORIDA. has been filed against you, and Donna Taylor, and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on John Grant, plaintiff's attorney, whose address is 2121 G Killarney Way, Tallahassee, FL 32309 on or before January 17th, 2011, and file the original with the clerk of this court either before service on plaintiff's attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint or petition. Dated on November 19, 2010. J.K. Irby as Clerk of the Court P.O. Box 600 Gainesville, FL 32602 By: /s/ S. Brown as Deputy Clerk

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - December 16, 23, 30, 2010 and January 06, 2011.)

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

 

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

NEED MORE RESPONSE? Advertise in Over 100 Florida Papers reaching MILLIONS of people. Advertising Networks of Florida, Put us to work for You! (866)742-1373 www.florida-classifieds.com.

 

SPECIAL EVENTS

 

 

Make your wedding special at a budget price!

 

Don’t let these tough times keep you from having your dream wedding. Weddings performed anywhere. Non-denominational , non judgmental, any and all marriages. Your choice of wedding vows, candle ceremonies, and sand ceremonies. Starting at $69. Many upgrades and wedding planner services available for an additional fee. Call us at (352)317-7340 or (352)317-0846.

 

SCHOOLS/INSTRUCTION

 

Online HVAC Tech Training. Most cost effective program of its kind. EPA/NATE certification. Self paced, individually mentored training by Nationally recognized Instructors. Call: (888)907-6250

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

  

SEASONAL CLOSING FROM JAN. 3 TO FEB. 21. Now accepting EBT cards, MasterCard, Visa, Discover, Debit/Credit.

 

Call 386-462-6158.

 

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

Drivers Earn Up to 39¢/mi HOME SEVERAL NIGHTS & WEEKENDS 1 yr OTR Flatbed exp. Call: (800)572-5489 Susan ext. 227 SUNBELT TRANSPORT, LLC

Regional Opportunity 100% Owner Operator Reefer Company $1,000.00 SIGN ON BONUS! Home weekly. Call (800)237-8288 or visit www.suncocarriers.com

Between High School and College? Over 18? Drop that entry level position. Earn what you're worth!!!. Travel w/Successful Young Business Group. Paid Training. Transportation, Lodging Provided. (877)646-5050.

Drivers - FOOD TANKER DRIVERS NEEDED OTR positions available NOW! CDL-A w/ Tanker REQ'D. Outstanding pay & Benefits! Call a recruiter TODAY! (877)882-6537 www.oakleytransport.com

ASAP! New Pay Increase! 34-40 cpm. Excellent Benefits Need CDL-A & 3 mos recent OTR. (877)258-8782 www.meltontruck.com

Cash paid for junk cars. $150 and up. Running or not. Free pick up. 352-771-6191.

 

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

 

ALL CASH VENDING ROUTE Be your own boss 25-machines/ candy all for-$9,995. All major credit cards accepted. (877)915-8222 Vend 3. AINB02653

 

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

 

ADOPTIONS

 

Are you pregnant? A childless, successful, single woman seeks to adopt. Will be HANDS-ON mom w/flexible work schedule. Financially secure. Ellen. (888)868-8778. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

ADOPTION. A childless happily married couple seeks to adopt. Loving home. Large extended family. Financial security. Expenses paid. Laurel & James. (888)488-4344. LaurelAndJamesAdopt.com FL Bar #0150789

 

FARM & LIVESTOCK

Hay For Sale

 

Fertilized Coastal Bermuda, barn stored, large round rolls, excellent quality. $45 per roll. Cow hay $30 per roll. 352-215-1018

 

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

Condos For Sale

 

Condo Foreclosure! Own for pennies on the dollar! Spectacular brand new 3 bed 2-1/2 bath condo (2,262 sf) on Amelia Island, FL. Prime location, upscale amenities -only $249,900. Own for less than half price! Includes private beach club membership! Must see -call now (877)888-6381, x 42

 

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.

5 acres High Springs area. Gorgeous country setting with cleared oak-shaded homesite. Owner financing. No down payment. $69,900. $613/mo. 352-215-1018, www.LandOwnerFinancing .com.

 

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

Apartments For Rent

 

 

Alachua Villas Apartments ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS 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.”

 

Houses For Rent

 

2BR/1BA block home. High Springs. Quiet neighborhood, terrazzo floors, hardwood paneling, fenced back yard. Storage shed. Non-smokers. $650 a month. 386-454-2004. Lease option considered.

 

MERCHANDISE

Miscellaneous

 

LICORICE LOVERS - browse largest selection gourmet licorice in USA. www.LicoriceInternational.com. 1-800-LICORICE. Guaranteed fresh. Fast Delivery. Free sample with order. Enter code A1216 for $5 thru 1-13-11.

AIRLINES ARE HIRING - Train for high paying Aviation Maintenance 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. $150 and up. Running or not. Free pick up. 352-771-6191.

Auctions

 

 

IRS Auction January 19, 2011 Gainesville, FL For pictures & sale information go to www.irsauctions.gov

 

or call (602) 501-2146

 


To Place a Classified Call 386-462-3355.

Stephen Lorenzo Bennett of North Miami, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, December 19, 2010.  He was 51.

He was born to the late Stephen Bennett and Leander Strawder Bennett.

Stevie, as he was affectionately called, attended public school in Dade County.  He was a 1977 graduate of Northwest High.  He was also a trumpet player in the high school band.

He was of the Baptist Faith and a U S Army Veteran.

He leaves to cherish his memories a wife of 15 years, Alice Bennett of Miami; two daughters, India and Zipporah Bennett of Valdosta, Ga.; mother, Leander Strawder Bennett of Fort White; god brother, Larry C. Brown of Little River, SC; two step children, Sunsaray Wynn and Reginald Pace, both of Miami; four step grandchildren; five aunts, Bertha Phillips of Fort White, Mildred S. Brown of High Springs, Mazel Hall, Evelyn Hayward, both of Green Cove Springs, and Blondia Mae White of Atlanta, Ga.; two uncles, Jasper (Mamie) Strawder of Miami and Eugene Strawder of Fort White; a host of cousins and friends.

All services will be held in Miami, Fla.

Local acknowledgement made by A. Jerome Brown Funeral Home, High Springs. 

Florida Division of Emergency Management officials are urging residents and visitors throughout Florida to prepare for temperatures near or below the freezing mark tonight and is expected to continue through Wednesday. Very strong northwesterly winds will be pushing a polar air mass into the southeast throughout the next few days and will push wind chill values into the teens. A Wind Chill Advisory is in effect for all of Florida tonight.

 “This system will bring not only extremely cold temperatures and wind chill, but will also bring with it very dry weather,” said Division of Emergency Management Director David Halstead. “These dry conditions make it very possible for dangerous wildfires to occur and spread.  We encourage all Floridians to not only practice cold weather safety, but to protect themselves and their property from wildfires.”

 A Hard Freeze Warning is in effect tonight for Alachua, Bay, Baker, Bradford, Calhoun, Clay, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Franklin, Gilchrist, Gulf, Gadsden, Hamilton, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Marion, Nassau, Putnam, St. Johns, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Wakulla, Walton and Washington counties.

 Starting tonight, Freeze Warnings will be in effect for the counties of Brevard, Desoto, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Manatee, Martin, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Lucie, and Volusia. Glades, Hendry and Palm Beach counties will also be under a Freeze Warning.

 Similar conditions are expected throughout the next few days. A Freeze Watch is in effect from late Monday night through Tuesday morning for much of Central and South Florida.  A Hard Freeze Watch will be in effect for the same North Florida areas following tonight’s warning.

 Overall, dangerous temperatures and wind chill values will affect most of the state tonight. If residents must venture outdoors, make sure to take all precautions necessary to protect yourself and your family.

 Wind Chill Advisories or Warnings mean the combination of very cold air and strong winds will make temperatures feel colder than they actually are. Hard Freeze Warnings and Freeze Warnings are issued when sub-freezing temperatures are imminent or highly likely for a prolonged period of time.

 These conditions can kill crops and other sensitive vegetation. Young children, the elderly and the homeless are especially vulnerable to the cold so take measures to protect them. Exposed water pipes need to have adequate protection from the cold temperatures.

 Residents and visitors should remember the "Five P's" of cold weather safety.  The “5 P’s” are: Protecting People, Protecting Plants, Protecting Pets, Protecting Exposed Pipes, and Practicing Fire Safety.

 The following actions are important safety measures:

  • Stay indoors and use safe heating sources.
  • Be aware of the fire danger from space heaters and candles. Keep such devices away from all flammable materials such as curtains and furniture, and install recommended smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
  • Indoors: Do not use charcoal or other fuel-burning devices, such as grills that produce carbon monoxide. Install at least one carbon monoxide detector per floor in your home.
  • Outdoors: Stay dry and in wind-protected areas.
  • Wear multiple layers of loose-fitting, warm clothing.
  • Drink non-alcoholic fluids.
  • Shelter or bring inside animals, especially pets.

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO: 2010-CA-5679-MG K.A. MILLER, Trustee under the provisions of a Trust agreement dated 2/8/2002 known as Trust Number 11598-000-000 and 11599-000-000, Plaintiff, v. DONNA TAYLOR and UNKNOWN HEIRS OF INEZ T. BROWN, Defendants. ____/

NOTICE OF ACTION

 To: UNKNOWN HEIRS OF INEZ T. BROWN YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to quiet title on the following property in Alachua County, Florida: THE NORTH 60 FEET OF LOTS 8 AND 9 OF BLOCK 33, OF NEW GAINESVILLE SUBDIVISION ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK "A", PAGE 65 OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF ALACHUA, COUNTY, FLORIDA. has been filed against you, and Donna Taylor, and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on John Grant, plaintiff's attorney, whose address is 2121 G Killarney Way, Tallahassee, FL 32309 on or before January 17th, 2011, and file the original with the clerk of this court either before service on plaintiff's attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint or petition. Dated on November 19, 2010. J.K. Irby as Clerk of the Court P.O. Box 600 Gainesville, FL 32602 By: /s/ S. Brown as Deputy Clerk

 (Published: Alachua County Today - December 16, 23, 30, 2010 and January 06, 2011.)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2010-CP-1577 Division: B IN RE: ESTATE OF JAMES C. HUNTER, Deceased. __________/

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

 The administration of the estate of JAMES C. HUNTER, deceased, whose date of death was September 3, 2010, and whose social security number is XXX-XX-5040, is pending in the Circuit Court for Alachua County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 201 E. University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the 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 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 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 the decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA 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 December 16, 2010. Thomas V. Siciliano, P.A. Attorneys for the Personal Representative By: /s/ Thomas V. Siciliano 980 North Federal Highway Suite 440 Boca Raton, Florida 33432 (561) 368-6500 Florida Bar No. 247820 Personal Representative: Ethelmarie Hunter 4626 SW 105th Drive Gainesville, FL 32608

 (Published: Alachua County Today - December 16 and 23, 2010)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE No. 01 2008-CP-001772 IN RE: ESTATE OF JOESEPH SCHWARTZ, Deceased. __________/

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

 The administration of the estate of JOESEPH SCHWARTZ, deceased, whose date of death was April 5, 2008, and whose social security number is 771-40-3596, is pending in the Circuit Court for Alachua County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 201 East University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32601. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below. ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE NOTIFIED THAT: 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 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY 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 the decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN THREE 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 FLORIDA 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 December 16, 2010. Attorney for Personal Representative: Gina M. Nguyen, Esq. Florida Bar Number. 0256780 Gina Nguyen, P.A. Attorneys for Personal Representative 7300 North Kendall Drive, Suite 540 Miami, Florida 33156 Telephone: (305) 670-9400 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (305) 670-9400      end_of_the_skype_highlighting Personal Representative: Burnell Schuster 2814 N.W. 6th Street Gainesville, Florida 32609

 (Published: Alachua County Today - December 16 and 23, 2010)

CITY OF HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the following Item(s) will be heard at a meeting held by the City Commission of the City of Hawthorne, Florida, at a public hearing on January 4, 2011 at 6:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter can be heard, in the Commission Meeting Room, City Hall located at 6700 Southeast 221st Street, Hawthorne, Florida. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, ALACHUA COUNTY FLORIDA, AMENDING ARTICLE FOUR, SECTION 4.2.20.3 OF THE HAWTHORNE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS PROVIDING FOR EXCEPTION TO THE SIGN PERMIT REQUIREMENTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. On the date, time and place first above mentioned, all interested persons may appear and be heard with respect to the proposed actions. This/ These ordinance(s) may be inspected by the public prior to the hearing at City Hall located at the address above.

 (Published: Alachua County Today - December 23, 2010)

City of Alachua Request for Bids RFB 2011-02 Underground Electric Conduit Installations

 and the name of the vendor. If submitted by mail, the sealed bid should be enclosed in another envelope addressed to the Administrative Services Director. If submitted otherwise, it shall be delivered to the Administrative Services Department. Sealed bids are to be addressed as follows for either mail or hand delivery: Frank Sodek, III – Administrative Services Director PO Box 9 Alachua FL 32616-0009 15100 NW 142 Terrace Alachua FL 32615 385-418-6105 386-418-6107 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Bid documents may be downloaded from the City’s website (www.cityofalahcua.org) (Published: December 23, 2010)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

DIVORCE with or without Children $125.00. With FREE name change documents and marital settlement agreement. Fast and easy. Call us 24hrs./7days: (888)789-0198 ; www.CourtDivorceService.com

NEED MORE RESPONSE? Advertise in Over 100 Florida Papers reaching MILLIONS of people. Advertising Networks of Florida, Put us to work for You! (866)742-1373  www.florida-classifieds.com.

SPECIAL EVENTS

 

Make your wedding special at a budget price!

 Don’t let these tough times keep you from having your dream wedding. Weddings performed anywhere. Non-denominational , non judgmental, any and all marriages. Your choice of wedding vows, candle ceremonies, and sand ceremonies. Starting at $69. Many upgrades and wedding planner services available for an additional fee. Call us at (352)317-7340  or (352)317-0846 .

SCHOOLS/INSTRUCTION

 

Online HVAC Tech Training. Most cost effective program of its kind. EPA/NATE certification. Self paced, individually mentored training by Nationally recognized Instructors. Call: (888)907-6250

GOOD THINGS TO EAT

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

 Cucumbers, Florida Broccoli & Cauliflower, Acre Peas, Fresh Cut Mustards & Collards, Bell Peppers, Shelled Pecans, Local Yellow Squash & Zucchini, Cabbage, Local Honey, Brown Eggs, Foothills Butter, Fresh Local Silver Queen Corn, 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 - Single Source Dispatch. LOTS OF FREIGHT. Daily or weekly pay. Flexible schedule. Newer Equipment. Van and Refrigerated. CDL-A, 6 months recent experience. (800)414-9569. www.driveknight.com

Drivers - FOOD TANKER DRIVERS NEEDED OTR positions available NOW! CDL-A w/ Tanker REQ'D. Outstanding pay & Benefits! Call a recruiter TODAY! (877)882-6537 www.oakleytransport.com

Drivers Earn up to 49¢/mi! 1 year minimum OTR experience qualifies you to be a trainer for our fleet! Call: (888)417-7564 CRST EXPEDITED www.JoinCRST.com

Drivers Hornady Transportation Miles Money & Home Time! Start up to .42 cpm Sign on Bonus Available Great Benefits!! Great Hometime!! OTR Experience Req’d. No felonies Lease Purchase Available (800)441-4271  X FL-100

Cash paid for junk cars. $150 and up. Running or not. Free pick up. 352-771-6191.

ASAP! New Pay Increase! 34-40 cpm. Excellent Benefits Need CDL-A & 3 mos recent OTR. (877)258-8782  www.meltontruck.com

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

 

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

 

ALL CASH VENDING ROUTE Be your own boss 25-machines/ candy all for-$9,995. All major credit cards accepted. (877)915-8222  Vend 3. AINB02653

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

ADOPTIONS

Are you pregnant? A childless, successful, single woman seeks to adopt. Will be HANDS-ON mom w/flexible work schedule. Financially secure. Ellen. (888)868-8778 . This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

ADOPTION. A childless happily married couple seeks to adopt. Loving home. Large extended family. Financial security. Expenses paid. Laurel & James. (888)488-4344 . LaurelAndJamesAdopt.com FL Bar #0150789

FARM & LIVESTOCK

 

Hay For Sale

 

Fertilized Coastal Bermuda, barn stored, large round rolls, excellent quality. $45 per roll. Cow hay $30 per roll. 352-215-1018

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

 

Acreage & Farms

 

5 acres High Springs area. Gorgeous country setting with cleared oak-shaded homesite. Owner financing. No down payment. $69,900. $613/mo. 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.

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

 

Apartments For Rent

 

Alachua Villas Apartments ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS 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.”

Houses For Rent

 

2BR/1BA block home. High Springs. Quiet neighborhood, terrazzo floors, hardwood paneling, fenced back yard. Storage shed. Non-smokers. $650 a month. 386-454-2004 . Lease option considered.

MERCHANDISE

 

Lawn & Garden Supplies

 

AMARYLLIS BULBS 6-year-old bulbs just in from Holland. Must move...a bargain for just $10 each! True Value Hardware 5 S. Main Street High Springs, FL 386-454-1717 b

Miscellaneous

 

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

ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE from Home. *Medical, *Business, *Paralegal, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV certified. Call (877)206-5165 , www.Centura.us.com

LICORICE LOVERS - browse largest selection gourmet licorice in USA. www.LicoriceInternational.com. 1-800-LICORICE . Guaranteed fresh. Fast Delivery. Free sample with order. Enter code A1216 for $5 thru 1-13-11.

WANTED TO BUY

 

Cash paid for junk cars. $150 and up. Running or not. Free pick up. 352-771-6191 .

$500+ for Florida County auto tags dated 1911-17. Also want tags before 1958. Jeff Francis (727)424-1576 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


To Place a Classified Call 386-462-3355

Q_-_HSPD_Holiday_Cheer_Spc_ToIMG_3592

The High Springs Police Department brought holiday cheer to local children Tuesday, delivering bags of presents donated by area residents and businesses.

The High Springs Police Department (HSPD) has brought holiday cheer to local families, with help from area residents and businesses.

According to HSPD Chief of Police James Troiano, officers, administrative staff and a member from the city’s public works department delivered gifts to children in the High Springs area Tuesday. Children receiving the presents had been identified by staff at the High Springs Community School and local community leaders. Troiano expressed thanks to everyone who donated their time and contributions to the effort.  In a statement issued Tuesday he said, “For those who were unable to be present today for the deliveries, we can tell you that the appreciation and huge smiles on the faces of all of the children was worth the effort.”

It was only a few weeks ago that HSPD asked the community to donate new, unwrapped toys, pajamas and books to be delivered to local children in need. They also requested wrapping paper and supplies, and welcomed monetary donations as well as volunteers to assist in wrapping the gifts.

Thirty-one gift bags were delivered to excited children this year, making their Christmas brighter.

 

Q_-_LEED_HouseDSC_0841

Engineer Mary Alfred oversees Women Build volunteers as they work with Harold Black to wrap the exterior walls to minimize air getting in or out.

It’s 8:30 on a Saturday morning, and it’s 50-something degrees outside. The overcast sky and icy drizzle make it feel more like 40, but already the women are hard at work. Pounding, sawing, caulking, hacking…

A dozen or so of them, volunteers from Alachua County’s Habitat for Humanity Women Build program, are at this construction site to work on the organization’s first LEED-certified home in the county.

It’s situated on a small lot in the Douglass neighborhood, in the southeast corner of High Springs.  The women have been coming here every Saturday morning since the beginning of November. By now, the project is starting to look like a house.

On Dec. 18, a team of electricians joined the women despite the rain to start installing wiring. Usually, there’s only one man on-site — supervisor Larry Bagnall.

He estimates the house will be finished some time in April.

LEED stands for leadership in energy and environmental design. It was created by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), a non-profit organization, as a certification system and guide for how to build efficiently and minimize environmental impact.

But building green can mean a variety of different things to different people.

Jennifer Langford is a professional architect and chair of the residential green building committee for the local USGBC chapter, and she’s assisting with the design and construction of this house.

What’s exceptional about the LEED program, compared to other certification systems, she explained, is that it’s comprehensive. The checklist used accounts for every aspect of a building project, from energy efficiency for utilities to environmental surroundings, to non-toxic building materials to location.

Little things, she pointed out, like whether a person can walk or use public transportation rather than drive to the grocery store, can make a house a little greener.

The way the LEED system works is that if a project falls short in one area it can still qualify by making up for it in another. If a home is built in a rural area where the residents will have to drive to go somewhere, by maxing out energy efficiency within the home, it can still pass the certification.

Mary Alfred, professional engineer and president of the local USGBC chapter, is serving as a qualified third party to oversee the High Springs Habitat for Humanity house and verify that it is built to LEED standards.

She pointed out some of the construction aspects that will contribute to energy efficiency and overall sustainability of the house. The air conditioning ducts are being installed through the ceiling within an insulated area.  In most homes the ducts are installed in the attic, which tends to be the hottest place in the house, making the cooling system work harder to get cold air down into the living space.

Another important factor in building this house, Alfred said, is size. One of the design challenges on the project was how to make to the most out of a small lot. By minimizing hallway space and maximizing square footage in each room, the interior will be more efficient when it comes to heating and cooling.

The windows presented another opportunity for making the house energy efficient, and they were tinted to reduce heating and cooling usage.

Shannette Rushing was one of the women working on the house. She can only come every other Saturday, she said, because she has to work. On Dec. 18 she was joined by her cousin, Harold Black, who volunteered to help build what is to be Rushing’s new house.

She and her three children, 9-year-old Jacquez, 5-year-old Alnarya and 1-year-old Alfabian, are excited to move into their new home.

Rushing hasn’t picked paint colors for the four bedrooms or two bathrooms yet, or the kitchen countertops or the roof — all things the homeowner has the opportunity to select themselves through the Habitat for Humanity program. But she will soon.

Alfred and Langford suggested a light-colored roof would be the best so it absorbs less light, thus keeping the house cooler under the hot Florida sun.

Though this is Alachua County’s first LEED Habitat house, other chapters of the program have started building only LEED-certified. Alfred said 60 percent of all LEED-certified homes are considered affordable housing.

Even if the homeowner spends a little more up front here and there, Langford explained, in the long term they save on everything from electric bills to maintenance and repairs.

“People think it costs more to build a green home, but it really doesn’t,” said Alfred.

 

Q_-_Mug-Addison_Jenkins_ASO10JBN013714L-R: Richard Demond Addison, Derae Jenkins

Alachua Police are still looking for a third person who they say was involved in a shooting late in the evening on Dec. 16.

At about 11:15 p.m., a man entered the lobby of the Alachua Police Department (APD), saying he had been shot while retrieving cash from an automatic teller machine (ATM) at SunState Federal Credit Union on U.S. Highway 441 in Alachua.

The man said after retrieving the cash, he got back into his vehicle.  Moments later, he leaned forward to start the vehicle’s  engine when he heard what was described as a “very loud” gunshot which apparently shattered the driver’s side window.  Upon looking back, the man noticed a white Ford Explorer sitting in the parking lot of Alachua Tractor, a neighboring business located across the street.

Police say when they went to the area of SunState Federal Credit Union, they saw the reported Ford Explorer parked in the same location described by the man who had been shot.  Upon their approaching the white Ford, police say three people exited the vehicle and fled on foot.

After about a 200-yard foot chase, police reportedly caught Richard Demond Addison, 23, of Alachua.  According to police reports, the vehicle in which the trio was sitting had been reported stolen two days prior and a gun was found inside the Ford.

At the time, police were unable to catch the two other people who reportedly fled the scene.  By Thursday, police obtained a warrant for the arrest of Derae Jenkins, 18, of Alachua in connection with the alleged shooting.  Police picked up Jenkins Friday morning.

Jenkins is being held on a $300,000 bond and is being charged with attempted premeditated murder, robbery and burglary.

Addison is being held on a $225,000 bond and charged with attempted murder and robbery.

A third person is still being sought in the case.  Police are asking anyone with information that may help in the case to call 386-462-1396.

In a 3-2 vote, commissioners in Hawthorne voted Thursday night to fire City Manager Ed Smyth who has been on the job there since October 2009.

The move came amid a review of the city’s budget which had been approved in September, but later found to be out of balance.

As discussions about the city’s finances were beginning Thursday, a frustrated Commissioner Deloris Roberts said she wanted to note they were about to embark on reviewing the seventh proposed budget.

As the meeting wore on, those frustrations seemed to resonate with other commissioners and residents.

About an hour and a half into the meeting, Commissioner William Carlton said, “I think we need to quit beating this dead horse and hire us a city manager who can give us a balanced budget and be done with it.”

Roberts called the budget process “disturbing,” adding, “And what’s even more disturbing is that we are two months into the fiscal year without an adopted budget.”

“We need to get someone in here that can do [the budget].

“We’ve given our present, current city manager opportunity after opportunity to do this,” she said.

Minutes later, Robert followed up her comments with a motion, saying, “Because of a lack of fiscal responsibility, my recommendation would be to terminate the service of the city manager so we can get someone in here that can do it.”

After Carlton seconded the move, another hour of discussion ensued about the possible firing.

Roberts said, “It just doesn’t stop with the budget,” as she recounted several payments amounting to several thousand dollars paid out to an accounting software company, and the sale of a city-owned automobile for $200.  Roberts even drew attention to a fire pumper truck that was sold for $1,000.  But Smyth promptly responded that the commission authorized that truck’s sale after it was parked roadside with a “for sale” sign on it.

Smyth’s wife stood up and spoke in his defense.

“This is a lot more than about the budget.  Some of the commissioners haven’t given my husband a chance from day one.

“If you go out into the community, there is a lot more going on than the budget,” Mary Smyth said.

Directing her comments to Ed Smyth, resident Cheryl Elmore said, “My heart hurts for you.  You’re in the hot seat, but at the same time, you’re not helping yourself.  We want to like you.

“I’ve lived here for 30 years and I’ve seen a lot of poor management decisions and it’s got to stop.  It’s got to start with our city commission and it’s got to start with our city manager.

“The answer is not always raise the rates,” Elmore said.

Vice Mayor Matthew Surrency who had been working alongside Smyth to rectify the budget woes waivered in his support Thursday.

“I like Mr. Smyth.  What was advertised to me, hasn’t been given to the City of Hawthorne,” Surrency said of Smyth’s performance.

Surrency said he was not opposed to terminating Smyth’s employment, but that he preferred to do so via a clause in the contract which allowed for a 90-day notice.  Under the terms of the contract, Smyth is to be paid three-months salary if his employment is terminated for any reason other than criminal activities.

“If we’re paying for something, we could at least get a return on it,” Surrency said of the three-months severance pay.

Commissioner Harry Carter concurred with Surrency, saying that he was instrumental in bringing Smyth to Hawthorne.  But he followed up that comment saying, “It appears he’s had problems with this budget.”

Smyth asked that he be permitted until the close of business the following day to remove his personal belongings.

Surrency, Carter and Randall all echoed sentiments of appreciation to Smyth for what he did do while serving as the City Manager.

The commission did not nail down a plan for how to proceed with finding a new manager for the City, but they did discuss obtaining interim assistance from the Florida League of Cities and former Alachua City Manager Clovis Watson, Jr.

Q_-_Mug-Rose_-_NEWBERRY_Burg_ASO10JBN013602  Steven Rose

A Newberry man may be responsible for a string of burglaries that occurred in Newberry and Gainesville over the past few months, according to detectives from the Alachua County Sherriff’s Office.

Steven Thomas Rose, 21, of Newberry, was arrested on Monday, Dec. 12 on counts of fraud, burglary, grand theft and dealing in stolen property.

According to the police report, Rose sold an Echo hedge trimmer at TB Goods pawn shop for $75 on Nov. 8. On Nov. 12, Circuit Court Judge Toby Monaco reported having a hedge trimmer, a pole saw pruner and a chain saw stolen from his residence within the past two to three weeks. The serial number of the hedge trimmer that Monaco reported stolen matched that of the one that Rose sold and an employee of the pawn shop was able to identify Rose in a photo line-up.

The police report stated that Rose was employed with Fun State Pools, Inc., the same pool service that Monaco used. A manager of the pool company confirmed that Monaco’s house was on Rose’s regular route and that he was scheduled to visit the house on the day that the trimmer was sold.

Detective Patrick Tombler said that ACSO is investigating Rose for involvement in as many as 10 to 15 burglaries in Newberry and Gainesville. He said that Rose may have stolen an estimated 200 items to sell at different pawn shops. The majority of the items stolen, he said, were lawn equipment or power tools.

Q_-_ChamberJoyDSC_0019L-R: In May 2010, Officer Adam Joy was named the APD “Officer of the Year” and received a plaque in recognition from APD Chief of Police Joel DeCoursey.

he High Springs Police Department (HSPD) has added one more officer to their ranks as Adam O. Joy has become the newest full-time police officer in the department.

Joy is a longtime High Springs resident and a graduate of Santa Fe High School.

Joy’s interest in law enforcement goes back to 2001 when he joined the Alachua Police Department’s (APD) Alachua Police Explorers, a group for youth interested in law enforcement careers. After graduating from the police academy in March 2007, Joy was hired by APD as a police officer and has worked there since June 2007.

In February 2010, Joy was recognized by the Alachua City Commission for his quick thinking in saving a child’s life when he performed CPR on a baby that had stopped breathing.  In May 2010 Joy was named the APD “Officer of the Year.”

After completing a brief training program, Joy will be assigned to the HSPD’s Patrol Division.

Alachua County has declared a burn ban due to wildland fire conditions and the area’s weather forecast.  The ban will remain in effect until formally terminated by the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners.

The mandatory burn ban affects all of Alachua County, including rural and municipal areas.  The ban prohibits the use of any fireworks, sparklers, flares, or other pyrotechnic devices except as provided by law for public displays requiring a permit and all outdoor burning that has not been specifically permitted by the Florida Division of Forestry.  The ban does not affect agricultural burning permitted by the Florida Division of Forestry for land clearing or prescribed burning purposes.

Although the use of LPG/LNG grills and charcoal grills is permitted, the public is encouraged to keep a constant watch for any stray sparks or embers while cooking outdoors. But due to the potential for accidental ignitions, the use of motorized equipment such as ATVs and dirt bikes is discouraged during times of high wildfire risk.  Lawnmowers, both push and riding, also pose accidental ignition risks. Residents are asked to exercise extreme caution during the burn ban.

Any burning within the County during the imposed ban will be in violation of Alachua County ordinance 86-1, sections 10.08 and 10.09 and section 252.50 of Florida Statutes. It will be considered a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to a 60-day imprisonment and up to a $500 fine. All County and municipal law enforcement agencies are authorized to enforce the ordinance.

#     #     #

Mary Malphurs Bryan passed away after a long illness on Friday, December 17, 2010. She was 93.

Mrs. Bryan was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Waldon W. Bryan, her son, Myron W. Bryan, her parents, Myron C. and Ebbie Witt Malphurs.  She also lost her three brothers, Drayton, J.D. and Walter Malphurs, her sister, Myrtle Malphurs Vaughn and a niece, JoAnna Vaughn Green.

She is survived by her daughter, Wanda Bryan Whitaker and son-in-law, Daniel Whitaker; daughter-in-law, Barbara Thomas Bryan; grandson, Clint W. (Linda) Bryan; granddaughters, Robin (Donnie) Odom and Stella (Bubba) Burnham; nine great grandchildren, Zach Bryan, Seth Bryan, Kurt Thomas, Chris Thomas, Jess (Sarah G.) Odom, Sarah Ann Odom, Brad Cason, Ashton Cason and Annalyn Burnham; most recent addition to her family is great great granddaughter, Emmalee Odom. She leaves many cousins, nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, an extended church family and many friends.

Mrs. Bryan was active at Spring Hill United Methodist Church.  She was the oldest living member in both age and longevity with her membership dating back 80 years. She was a Sunday school teacher, the church treasurer and served on many committees and held many offices.

She was an involved mother with PTA, Santa Fe Band Booster, FHA, FFA and 4-H.

She is remembered for her home-grown flowers on the church altar and delicious home cooked dishes at church dinners. She was an accomplished seamstress and milliner and an involved citizen.  She was a member of the Spring Grove Homemakers Club, the American Legion Auxiliary, and the Alachua General Hospital Pink Ladies.  During the late 60s and 70s, Mrs. Bryan proudly worked at Maas Brothers in the Better Dress Department and developed lasting relationships with many of her customers and co-workers.

Family received visitors at Spring Hill United Methodist Church at Traxler, Fla. on Old Bellamy Road off State Road 235A northwest of Alachua on Monday, December 20, 2010 from 10 to 11 a.m.

Funeral services began at 11 a.m. with Rev. James Richardson officiating.

Burial followed at Spring Hill Cemetery following the service.

Arrangements are entrusted to Evans-Carter Funeral Home in High Springs, Fla.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cemetery Fund at Spring Hill United Methodist Church or Haven Hospice, 4200 NW 90th Boulevard, Gainesville, FL, 32606.

 lettersThere are serious problems facing the City of High Springs.  A poorly structured Charter has made it very difficult for the past Commissioners to govern.  The City Manager had the power to make most of the decisions without proper oversight by the Commission.  The limitations of the Florida Sunshine Law create further frustration to govern.  There needs to be careful consideration of the Sunshine Law under these conditions.

My assessment of past Commission decisions along with poor city management has given the present Commission a near impossible task.  A healthy financial future for High Springs seems unlikely without the consideration of eliminating services and raising taxes.  Ignoring constant suggestions and advice from taxpayers was accepted practice.   The High Springs residents are still without the complete story of the health of their city, both operationally and financially.  Out-spoken residents at recent Commission Meetings presented a better understanding, in my opinion, of the financial conditions of the city than discussed by the Commissioners.

The list of problems is extensive and serious.  A poorly planned sewer system has placed the city in a financial bind.  A property purchase, after consideration of all costs, is at least five hundred thousand dollars loss to the city and a major mistake.  There are expected additional future costs based on pending legal action against the City and Police Chief.  It is yet to be determined if insurance reimbursement will cover all these costs.  These legal problems represent the recently terminated City Manager, James Drumm’s approval to allow Police Chief Troiano’s wrongful termination of police officers and abusive discipline.  Qualified, experienced officers have resigned because of the stressful employment environment.  The Police Chief’s decision to fire an employee without due process has cost the city an estimated sixty thousand dollars.  Making failed costly decisions should be cause for termination of any city employee, including the Police Chief.  A total city staff evaluation concerning responsibility and salary analysis is required.

The present Commission needs to reach out to the community and ask for help.  Past Commissions have gone about their business without involving citizens.  Assigned committees to help in the decision process need taxpayer representation.    To “Go forward” as stated by the Mayor, requires a joint effort.

The decision to appoint Jenny Parham interim city manager is a good start.  Her prior position was deputy city clerk.  To delay the decision to establish policy and procedure for the appointment of the next city manager would be a continuance of past poor practice.  The community needs to play a role in this decision.  This time, extensive background checks and professional policy need to be established.  Kicking the can down the road without proper timely attention to details is a mistake.  Delay on this issue will extend the mistrust of the city government.

Tough decisions will be required, and although the Commissioner position is a part-time responsibility, it requires almost full-time attention.  The community needs to see the Commissioners fully prepared to discuss and evaluate all problems at Commission Meetings.  The contract services and advisors to the city need to present clear and accurate information at Commission Meetings.  The community needs to participate with the same effort to bring the city of High Springs back to its proper place in Alachua County.

 Bob Hallman

High Springs, Fla

lettersThe High Springs Chamber of Commerce would like to thank everyone who participated in our Annual Twilight Christmas Parade. The parade was a huge success, and we could not have done it without everyone. Thank you!

We would also like to announce the following awards, and to let everyone know what a difficult time the judges had.  Ribbons will be given to:

1st Place: Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church

2nd Place: Santa Fe High School Band

3rd Place: High Springs Lions Club

The Chamber would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year !!!!

 High Springs Chamber of Commerce

High Springs, Fla

lettersAs we approach this upcoming holiday season, I encourage everyone to think about the importance of sharing their time, talent and treasure with the less fortunate among us in our country of plenty.

Often during this time of year, I reflect back to the summer of 2003 when my wife, Diane, and I were traveling back home from a conference in Clearwater Beach. The conference was informative but the life changing event that took place, reshaping my view about poverty forever, happened at one of the interstate exits between Tampa and Ocala.

Diane and I exited the interstate to take a coffee break and encountered a gentleman in tattered clothes standing at the exit. This disheveled individual was probably in his late sixties. He was holding a sign that read: "On the road and hungry. I need help. God bless you."

Many of you are probably asking, “What made this person's plight more significant than other's we had encountered on Florida's highways on our trip?” The honest answer is I don't really know.

However, as Diane and I sat nervously waiting for the light to change, which seemed like an eternity, we kept gazing into this man's piercing, yet sparkling eyes, which seemed filled with pain. I still see a vivid picture of this man's darkly tanned and weather beaten skin indicating he had probably been on the streets for a long period of time.

Diane quickly handed me a twenty dollar bill and told me to give it to the man. As we drove off, the man said in a clear but trembling voice: God bless you.

To my shame, instead of marveling at Diane's kind gesture, I immediately started looking "through" and not "at" the cruelness of poverty. I wondered why this man let himself get into this situation and just knew this street person would spend Diane's gift on alcohol, drugs, cigarettes or on some other vice.

Yes, like many Americans, I focused on poverty in a negative and judgmental way and not on my wife's kindness in making a difference in this man's life, even if only for a brief moment in time. I got teary-eyed and felt tremendously ashamed in assuming the worst about the manner in which this man would spend Diane's precious gift of unconditional caring for her fellow man.

Diane's act of kindness changed my life forever. I rededicated my life that very day to looking "at" the causes of poverty and promised myself to make a difference whenever I could in the lives of the disenfranchised people among us. I pray that all of you will join me this Christmas season by sharing your time, talent and treasure with those beautiful human beings who live in the condition of poverty for whatever reason.

As you love and embrace your family and friends this Christmas season, please do not forget the poor among us. At the very least, keep them in your thoughts and prayers and join me in remembering to look "at" and not "through" the blight of poverty from this time forward.

Just maybe, by working together in fighting the causes of poverty, we may be able to change America one individual, family, neighborhood, and community at a time. Merry Christmas!

Robert W. Wilford

Alachua City Commissioner

Q---Parade2-DSC_0103

Santa Fe High School’s State Championship Raider Regiment marching band brought crowds to their feet as they wound along Main Street in Alachua’s annual Christmas parade Saturday.  The band was among nearly 60 units participating in the parade.

While a number of communities across the nation cancelled their Christmas parades this year due to economic woes, the annual Alachua Christmas parade took place as planned this past Saturday.  A partnership between the Alachua Chamber of Commerce and the City of Alachua, this marked the 33rd year of the event.  While some say the crowds were a bit thinner than in years past, the mild weather brought out hundreds of spectators who lined the street to see the floats, greet their friends and neighbors, and gather candy passed out by parade participants.

Kicking off the parade themed “Hometown Traditions,” was the Alachua Police Department and other law enforcement officials including Alachua County Sheriff Sadie Darnell, Alachua Police Chief Joel DeCoursey and High Springs Police Chief Jim Troiano. The Babe Ruth Softball girls 12 & Under World Series Champions served as the parade’s Grand Marshals, ushering the floats through the downtown area. The parade featured nearly 60 decorated floats, several high-stepping equestrian teams, an award-winning marching band and even a small herd of llamas.

Positioned at the blinking light, area resident Gussie Lee, Alachua Recreation Director Hal Brady and Alachua City Commissioner Ben Boukari, Jr. announced parade entries as they passed the judges’ reviewing stand.

Participating in the City of Alachua’s float was Alachua Mayor Gib Coerper, Vice-Mayor Gary Hardacre and Commissioners Orien Hills and Robert Wilford as well as City Manager Traci Cain.  A highlight of the procession was Alachua’s own state champion Santa Fe High School Raider Regiment Marching Band, putting on a spectacular show. Band Director Nate Bisco was presented with a plaque from the Alachua Chamber of Commerce recognizing the band for its excellence and contributions to the Alachua community.  Also representing Santa Fe High School were cheerleaders as well as the Lady Raider basketball team.

Civic organizations such as Alachua’s Cub Scout Pack and Boy Scout Troop 88 made their annual appearance as well as Alachua’s Brownie Troop 1893 representing scouting in Alachua.

The parade was an undeniable hit with young and old alike.  Little ones, faces grinning from ear-to-ear and flushed with excitement, quickly retrieved candy and treats tossed into the crowd.

But as always, Santa Claus was the star of the event.  Waving to hundreds of awe-struck children, St. Nick appeared in his sleigh high atop a fire truck, wishing a merry Christmas to everyone.  In the blink of an eye, he was off – no doubt heading back to the North Pole to put the finishing touches on this year’s assortment of toys and presents.

The Newberry City Commission held a first hearing of three ordinances on Monday that would leave the annexation of portions of the City of Newberry reserve area up to a vote by owners of the affected properties.

As part of the Alachua County Boundary Readjustment Act, the Alachua County annexation team has asked the City of Newberry to have a referendum in areas with pockets, enclaves and fingers, said City Attorney Scott Walker.

“The City of Newberry looks like a big piece of Swiss cheese,” explained Newberry Vice Mayor Bill Conrad.

Three separate portions of the county will be up for annexation into the City of Newberry by referendum - if the ordinances are adopted by the commission. In all, there are 185 distinct properties that could become part of the City of Newberry.

The first and second sections are located in the northwest area of the county near High Springs. They are up for referendum to fill in the enclaves that were left after the Loncala Phosphate Company was annexed into Newberry around a year and a half ago. The first section, which is covered by ordinance 22-10, is located south of the property. The second section, covered by ordinance 23-10, includes properties that are adjacent to or east of the property. The third section, covered by ordinance 24-10, includes properties near the Komoko Miniature Horse Ranch and State Road 26. This area is up for annexation in part because the ranch has expressed interest in annexing into the city.

Newberry City Planner Lowell Garrett said that the Alachua County Supervisor of Elections will notify the owners of the properties, and they will receive a ballot for the mail out election on April 29. Each property owner will have one vote, with the annexations being approved or denied by the majority of votes among the property owners for each section.

If the annexation is approved, property owners will pay ad valorem taxes to the City of Newberry rather than to Alachua County. Conrad estimated that on average, the owners’ property taxes will increase by one millage point, which is equal to one dollar per every thousand dollars of property value.

Newberry has expanded from 1½ square miles to 675 square miles in the last 10 years through annexation, Conrad said. He said that benefits such as localized representation, more relaxed building regulations and access to the Newberry Fire Department would be worth the small hike in taxes.

The commission is scheduled to adopt the three ordinances on Jan. 11.

More than three months after Ben Campen requested that a 2.64 acre parcel of land be rezoned to commercial, the Hawthorne commission may finally have ironed out a plan to satisfy Campen and nearby residents.

The property, which fronts State Road 20, is owned by Campen and is currently divided into six vacant lots, which are all zoned as “residential single family,” according to city records.

According to Campen, who had the subdivision annexed into the city and helped develop it in 1975, his land was originally zoned for commercial use. Campen said that he never had the property rezoned and that it was a scrivener’s error that caused the zoning of the land to be changed from commercial to residential.

Campen said that the change in zoning has devalued his property and violated his rights as a property owner.

“I am simply trying to take something that was wronged and make it right,” Campen said in a Sept. 7 commission meeting.

Campen even has tax records which he says prove he’s been paying commercial taxes on the parcel.  Residents of the Ashley Oaks subdivision, located behind the parcel, have said they don’t want the commission to rezone the parcel.

Several property owners voiced concerns about how allowing businesses to locate there would create more traffic and compromise the safety of the residents and their children.

By Tuesday night’s commission meeting, Campen was ready to hand the land over to the city.  But that didn’t come without its own set of issues.

Campen insisted that the agreement to donate the property would need to be signed by the end of this year so he could take the tax deduction for the 2010 tax year.

The property also includes a billboard which is owned by a separate company and Campen said would remain on the property.  That caused some commissioners to raise concerns as to the legal ramifications of the city owning a site with a privately controlled billboard.

Moreover, under the agreement offered by Campen, the city would acknowledge that the parcel he was donating to the city was a commercial one.  Campen’s concern was that if he donated the property and was then audited, having any records which show the property as anything but “commercial” could create issues in determining the value.

Several commissioners said they were not prepared to accept the property with the condition that they acknowledge it as a commercial site since the city’s zoning maps have no historical reference to that site having been designated commercial.

After an hour and a half of back and forth debate over the matter, commissioners and city staffers suggested that the city could conduct a second public hearing for the pending rezoning sought in September and approve the site as commercial.  During the same meeting, and after that approval, the city could then enter into the agreement to take the donation from Campen.

Commissioners scheduled a special meeting for Dec. 28 at 6:30 p.m. to take up the matter.

Q---Hawthorne-Parade-and-Farm-Party-125Children enjoyed face painting as well as other family events at Hawthorne’s Christmas celebration on Saturday.  Santa visited Hawthorne early this year during the city’s Christmas celebration on Saturday, Dec. 11.

“The crowd was phenomenal this year,” Donna Bowles, the event organizer, said.

The event consisted of food vendors, arts and crafts, carnival rides and a parade at 3 p.m.

Bowles explained that the parade and event are arranged so that families can attend other events around the county as well. Both Melrose and Alachua held events the same weekend.

This year, besides the jolly-giant Santa himself, a special surprise guest marched in the parade this year - Ebeneezer Scrooge. Santa wowed children when he pulled up in his horse-drawn carriage.

The event has progressively grown larger through the 28 years of its existence. This year there were 50 vendors and 44 entries including motorcycle and car clubs showing off in the parade.

Onstage entertainment was also provided throughout the entire day.

Carnival rides and games were favorites with the children, who were the focus of this year’s event.

“We really try to cater to the kids,” Bowles said.

This year games offered rabbits and goldfish as prizes.

Bowles has organized the fair for four years and says she was surprised at the numbers this year. She doesn’t do it alone, however. A committee of four to five people help organize the several events of the day, logistics and other tactical issues.

Bowles, as well as other community members, were pleased with this year’s turnout.

“I think it was the biggest one yet,” said Hawthorne resident Heather Surrency.

Q---HSPD-LTbenck

 L-R: High Springs Police Chief James Troiano administers an oath to William Benck at a recent High Springs commission meeting.  Benck, a retired Gainseville Police Department office,r was hired to fill a vacant lieutenant’s position at the High Springs Police Department.

After 28 years on the job, William Benck admits that didn’t always want to be a police officer.  But he reached a point in his life where, he said, “I was looking for a career, not just a job.”

Dec. 7 marked his first day as the High Springs Police Department’s newest member, and he was officially sworn in at City Hall two days later. Hired to fill the lieutenant position left vacant after Gordon Fulwood was fired, Benck is now second in command under High Springs Police Department Chief Jim Troiano.

Benck said when he was growing up he hadn’t planned on becoming a police officer, but that he always had a lot of respect for police officers and an interest in law enforcement.  It was this interest that led him to apply to be a reserve officer with the Gainesville Police Department (GPD).

“After two weeks I knew this is what I really wanted to do.”

Twenty-eight years later, 18 of which he spent on the SWAT team, he retired as a sergeant from GPD.

After one week, 53-year-old Benck was back at work, this time in High Springs.

“It felt weird being a civilian,” he said, “For those of us who’ve been in this career as long as I have, it becomes a part of who you are.”

Chief Troiano said that of several other candidates who applied for the position, Benck was the most qualified and the only one to make it through the whole hiring process.

Benck says he feels blessed to be able to continue his career in High Springs.

“There wasn’t a day in these 28 years where I didn’t want to get up and come to work. 

“If you are lucky enough to find a job you love,” he said, “you won’t ever have to go to work.”

Clear skies and only a moderate chill in the air welcomed a crowd of vendors and services for Saturday’s health fair.

According to Heidi Hofer, of the CHOICES program that sponsored the event, not many residents showed up. It was the first time the program put on a health fair in High Springs, but Hofer said she’s not sure why there wasn’t a better turnout.

“Only a handful of people came through.”

The event included free access to health care information and testing, $25 flu shots, a demonstration by the High Springs Police Department’s K-9 unit, and Santa was there for family photos.

High Springs Mayor Larry Travis agreed the turnout was disappointing, but the people who did come were enthusiastic and offered ideas about how to make it better next year, he said.

Travis guessed the poor turnout might have been, in part, due to people being busy with holiday events and preparations. He is confident that the health fair will continue to grow in High Springs, and for the first time, “It was pretty good.”

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, Owner, Carol M. Perrine, Life Enhancing Dynamics, Inc., P.O. Box 5333, Gainesville, FL 32627, doing business under the firm name of Easy Street Publishing, located at 807 NW 57 Street, in the County of Alachua, in the City of Gainesville, Florida 32605, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated this 16th day of December, 2010.

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - December 16, 2010)

NOTICE OF INTENT TO REGISTER FICTITIOUS NAME

 

Pursuant to Section 865.09, Florida Statutes, notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Owner, Hyperion Pools LLC, 13946 NW 91st Place, Alachua, FL 32615, doing business under the firm name of Pools & More, located at 13946 NW 91st Place, in the County of Alachua, in the City of Alachua, Florida 32615, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated this 14th day of December, 2010.

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - December 16, 2010)

NOTICE OF INTENT TO REGISTER FICTITIOUS NAME

 

Pursuant to Section 865.09, Florida Statutes, notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Owner, Rosa Elena McDaniel, P.O. Box 451, Alachua, FL 32616, doing business under the firm name of Vanessa's Downtown Hair, located at 14952 Main Street, in the County of Alachua, in the City of Alachua, Florida 32615, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated this 14th day of December, 2010.

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - December 16, 2010)

PUBLIC NOTICE

CITY OF HAWTHORNE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

 

On Tuesday, December 28th at 6:30pm at 6700 SE 221st St. Hawthorne, FL, the City Commission will hold a public hearing regarding the following ordinances:

 

ORDINANCE

 

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA, RELATING TO AN AMENDMENT OF TEN OR LESS ACRES OF LAND TO THE FUTURE LAND USE PLAN MAP OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, AS AMENDED, PURSUANT TO AN APPLICATION BY THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, UNDER THE AMENDMENT PROCEDURES ESTABLISHED IN SECTIONS 163.3161 THROUGH 163.3215, FLORIDA STATUTES, AS AMENDED; PROVIDING FOR CHANGING THE LAND USE CLASSIFICATION FROM RESIDENTIAL MEDIUM DENSITY TO COMMERCIAL OF CERTAIN LANDS WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA; PROVIDING SEVERABILITY; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

ORDINANCE

 

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA, RELATING TO THE REZONING OF LESS THAN TEN CONTIGUOUS ACRES OF LAND, PURSUANT TO AN APPLICATION BY THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE; AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING ATLAS OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS, PROVIDING FOR REZONING FROM ‘RSF-3’ (RESIDENTIAL SINGLE FAMILY) DISTRICT TO ‘CN’ (COMMERCIAL, NEIGHBORHOOD) DISTRICT OF CERTAIN LANDS WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA; PROVIDING SEVERABILITY; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Copies of the proposed actions may be inspected by the public at City Hall on SE 221st St. The hearing will be open to the public and interested parties may appear at the hearing to be heard regarding the proposed action.

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - December 16, 2010)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE No. 01 2008-CP-001772 IN RE: ESTATE OF JOESEPH SCHWARTZ, Deceased. __________/

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

 

The administration of the estate of JOESEPH SCHWARTZ, deceased, whose date of death was April 5, 2008, and whose social security number is 771-40-3596, is pending in the Circuit Court for Alachua County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 201 East University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32601. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below. ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE NOTIFIED THAT: 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 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY 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 the decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN THREE 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 FLORIDA 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 December 16, 2010. Attorney for Personal Representative:  Gina M. Nguyen, Esq. Florida Bar Number. 0256780 Gina Nguyen, P.A. Attorneys for Personal Representative 7300 North Kendall Drive, Suite 540 Miami, Florida 33156 Telephone: (305) 670-9400 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (305) 670-9400      end_of_the_skype_highlighting Personal Representative: Burnell Schuster 2814 N.W. 6th Street Gainesville, Florida 32609

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - December 16 and 23, 2010)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO: 2010-CA-5679-MG K.A. MILLER, Trustee under the provisions of a Trust agreement dated 2/8/2002 known as Trust Number 11598-000-000 and 11599-000-000, Plaintiff, v. DONNA TAYLOR and UNKNOWN HEIRS OF INEZ T. BROWN, Defendants. ____/

NOTICE OF ACTION

 

To: UNKNOWN HEIRS OF INEZ T. BROWN YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to quiet title on the following property in Alachua County, Florida: THE NORTH 60 FEET OF LOTS 8 AND 9 OF BLOCK 33, OF NEW GAINESVILLE SUBDIVISION ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK "A", PAGE 65 OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF ALACHUA, COUNTY, FLORIDA. has been filed against you, and Donna Taylor, and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on John Grant, plaintiff's attorney, whose address is 2121 G Killarney Way, Tallahassee, FL 32309 on or before January 17th, 2011, and file the original with the clerk of this court either before service on plaintiff's attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint or petition. Dated on November 19, 2010. J.K. Irby as Clerk of the Court P.O. Box 600 Gainesville, FL 32602 By: /s/ S. Brown as Deputy Clerk

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - December 16, 23, 30 and January 17, 2011.)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO. 01-2007-CP-0669 IN RE: ESTATE OF LLOYD BUTLER

NOTICE OF FINAL ACCOUNTING AND PETITION FOR DISCHARGE

 

TO: ANNETTE JACKSON 7411 SW 63 Terrace Gainesville, FL 32608 DIANE CRAWFORD 7411 SW 63 Terrace Gainesville, FL 32608 LORETTA LEWIS 414 Ridge Trail Drive Columbia, SC 29229 SHIRLEY OATES 1211 SE 8th Street Gainesville, FL 32601 JIMMY L. BUTLER 1211 SE 8th Street Gainesville, FL 32601 LAVERNE BUTLER 1802 Madison Street Waycross, GA 31501 KRISTY MARIE CRAWFORD 7477 Southeast 63 Terrace Gainesville, FL 32601 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that a Final Accounting and a Petition for Discharge have been filed in this court by DEBRA A. BARNES, the personal reprsentative of the estate of LLOYD BUTLER, deceased. You are required to file with the clerk of the above court not later than 30 days after the date of publication of this notice, any objections to the Petition for Discharge, the Final Accounting, the compensation paid or proposed to be paid, or the proposed distribution of assets, and to serve a copy of such objections on petitioner's attorney, whose name and address are set forth below, and on all other interested persons. Any objections must be in writing and must state with particularity the item or items to which the objections are directed and must state the grounds on which the objections are based. If a notice of hearing on the objections is not served within 90 days of filing the objections, the objections shall be deemed abandoned and the personal representative may distribute the estate according to the plan set forth in the Petition for Discharge and judgment may be entered in due course upon the petition. I CERTIFY that copies of the Final Accounting, the Petition for Discharge, and this Notice have been filed with this Court. /s/ ROBERT A. STAMEN Attorney E-Mail Address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Florida Bar No. 300519 PACKMAN NEUWAHL & ROSENBERG 1500 San Remo Avenue, Suite 125 Coral Gables, Florida 33134 Telephone: (305) 665-3311 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (305) 665-3311      end_of_the_skype_highlighting

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - December 16, 2010)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2010-CP-1577 Division: B IN RE: ESTATE OF JAMES C. HUNTER, Deceased. __________/

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

 

The administration of the estate of JAMES C. HUNTER, deceased, whose date of death was September 3, 2010, and whose social security number is XXX-XX-5040, is pending in the Circuit Court for Alachua County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 201 E. University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the 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 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 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 the decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA 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 December 16, 2010. Thomas V. Siciliano, P.A. Attorneys for the Personal Representative By: /s/ Thomas V. Siciliano 980 North Federal Highway Suite 440 Boca Raton, Florida 33432 (561) 368-6500 Florida Bar No. 247820  Personal Representative:  Ethelmarie Hunter 4626 SW 105th Drive Gainesville, FL 32608  

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - December 16 and 23, 2010)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

With FREE name change documents and marital settlement agreement. Fast and easy. Call us 24hrs./7days: (888)789-0198; www.CourtDivorceService.com

DIVORCE with or without Children $125.00.

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SPECIAL EVENTS

Make your wedding special at a budget price!

 

Don’t let these tough times keep you from having your dream wedding. Weddings performed anywhere. Non-denominational , non judgmental, any and all marriages. Your choice of wedding vows, candle ceremonies, and sand ceremonies. Starting at $69. Many upgrades and wedding planner services available for an additional fee. Call us at (352)317-7340 or (352)317-0846 .

SCHOOLS/INSTRUCTION

3wk training program. Backhoes, Bulldozers, Trackhoes. Local Job placement asst. Start digging dirt Now. (866)362-6497 

"Can You Dig It?" Heavy Equipment School.

LOST & FOUND

LOST KEYS

 

SCION KEY WITH BLACK CLICKER LOST NEAR HITCHCOCK'S PARKING LOT AND MAUI TERIYAKI. REWARD. PLEASE CALL 352-472-8093.

GOOD THINGS TO EAT

, 13789 NW US Hwy 441, Alachua Fresh Cut Nortth Carolina Fir Christmas Trees.

C&R Produce

 

Cucumbers, Florida Broccoli & Cauliflower, Acre Peas, Butter Beans, Bell Peppers, Shelled Pecans, Local Yellow Squash & Zucchini, Cabbage, Local Honey, Brown Eggs, Foothills Butter, Fresh Local Silver Queen Corn, Amish Jellies and Jams, N. Carolina Apples & Apple Cider.

 

Now accepting EBT cards, MasterCard, Visa, Discover, Debit/Credit. 

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

Start up to .42 cpm Sign on Bonus Available Great Benefits!! Great Hometime!! OTR Experience Req’d. No felonies Lease Purchase Available (800)441-4271 X FL-100

Drivers Hornady Transportation Miles Money & Home Time!

34-40 cpm. Excellent Benefits Need CDL-A & 3 mos recent OTR. (877)258-8782 www.meltontruck.com

ASAP! New Pay Increase!

to become a District Manager. Life/Health license is required. Substantial earnings potential. Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (904)424-5697

Colonial Life seeks entrepreneurial professional with sales experience

Reefer Company $2,000.00 SIGN ON BONUS! Great rates and family atmosphere. Call (800)237-8288 or visit www.suncocarriers.com

Regional Opportunity 100% Owner Operator

, Free to travel all states, resort areas. No experience necessary. Paid training/Transportation. OVER 18. Start ASAP. (888)295-0108

**ABLE TO TRAVEL** Hiring 6 people

OTR experience qualifies you to be a trainer for our fleet! Call: (888)417-7564 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (888)417-7564      end_of_the_skype_highlighting CRST EXPEDITED www.JoinCRST.com

Drivers Earn up to 49¢/mi! 1 year minimum

Cash paid for junk cars. $150 and up. Running or not. Free pick up. 352-771-6191.

OTR positions available NOW! CDL-A w/ Tanker REQ'D. Outstanding pay & Benefits! Call a recruiter TODAY! (877)882-6537 www.oakleytransport.com

Drivers - FOOD TANKER DRIVERS NEEDED

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OWN A RED HOT! DOLLAR, DOLLAR PLUS, MAILBOX OR DISCOUNT PARTY STORE FROM $51,900 WORLDWIDE! 100% TURNKEY (800)518-3064 WWW.DRSS4.COM

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25-machines/ candy all or-$9,995. All major credit cards accepted. (877)915-8222 Vend 3. AINB02653

ALL CASH VENDING ROUTE Be your own boss

SERVICES OFFERED

MONEY TO LOAN

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

AIRLINES ARE HIRING

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Cash for your structured settlement or annuity payments. Call J.G. Wentworth. 1-866-SETTLEMENT (1-866-738-8536. Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau.

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ADOPTIONS

Loving home. Large extended family. Financial security. Expenses paid. Laurel & James. (888)488-4344. LaurelAndJamesAdopt.com

ADOPTION. A childless happily married couple seeks to adopt.

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

Condos For Sale

Spectacular brand new 3 bed 2-1/2 bath condo (2,262 sf) on Amelia Island, FL. Prime location, upscale amenities -only $249,900. Own for less than half price! Includes private beach club membership! Must see -call now (877)888-6381, x 42

Condo Foreclosure! Own for pennies on the dollar!

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

Apartments For Rent

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.”

Alachua Villas Apartments ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

Houses For Rent

2BR/1BA block home. High Springs. Quiet neighborhood, terrazzo floors, hardwood paneling, fenced back yard. Storage shed. Non-smokers. $650 a month. 386-454-2004. Lease option considered.

Business & Office Rentals

Office for lease. Downtown High Springs - 1400 sq ft - in historic brick building. Great window space for retail sales or professional office in addition to a large private office, porch and fenced back yard area. 1st / last plus, security deposit and references required. Contact 386-243-0825.

MERCHANDISE

Lawn & Garden Supplies

6-year-old bulbs just in from Holland. Must move...a bargain for just $10 each! True Value Hardward 5 S. Main Street High Springs, FL 386-454-1717

AMARYLLIS BULBS

STEEL BUILDINGS

- Buy at Contractors Cost. Commercial, Industrial, Farm, Churches, Hangers & All Uses. Our Factory Representative will visit and assist you in planning your project in person. In-field support and erection available (888)907-6260.

FACTORY DIRECT STEEL BUILDINGS

Garage Sales

Alachua, Estate Sale Multi-family, many quality items ... Think Christmas! Furniture, jewelry, china, clothes. Sat. ONLY 8-12 Dec. 18. 14407 NW 146 Terr. across from the Alachua Rec Center.

For Sale

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LICORICE LOVERS - browse largest selection gourmet licorice in USA

Miscellaneous

*Medical, *Business, *Paralegal, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV certified. Call (877)206-5165, www.Centura.us.com

ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE from Home.

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

AIRLINES ARE HIRING

WANTED TO BUY

Cash paid for junk cars. $150 and up. Running or not. Free pick up. 352-771-6191.

Auctions

Online timed bidding only www.abalauction.com (850)510-2501 Abal Auction Real Estate AB2387 AU 3239

Absolute Auction Estate probate vehicles


To Place a Classified Call 386-462-3355.

 

In a commission meeting Thursday night, Hawthorne commissioners voted 3-2 to fire City Manager Ed Smyth.  The move comes amid a major budget crisis in which the city is operating over two months into the fiscal year without a balanced budget.

Mayor Eleanor Randall and commissioners Deloris Roberts and William Carlton voted to sever the employment agreement with Smyth.  Commissioners Harry Carter and Matthew Surrency voted against the move.

A complete story will be in the Dec. 23 print edition of Alachua County Today.

lettersImagine being in the doctor’s office and hearing, “You have leukemia.”  Now imagine hearing those words knowing that you have seven little children depending on you to provide for their well being.  This is the situation that Lamesha Whitfield found herself in a little over a year ago.  As a 33 year old single mother, she was leaving for work at 3 a.m. when she started to feel ill.  Upon arriving at work, her supervisor called 911 and Lamesha was transported to the hospital.  The following morning she was diagnosed with leukemia. While hospitalized, Lamesha’s mother assumed the task of caring for her seven grandchildren while continuing to work and live in a two bedroom mobile home in Newberry.

Lamesha fought a long, hard battle, and on Oct. 22 she received a bone marrow transplant, with her mother, Margaret Darling as the donor.  Lamesha lost her battle on Nov. 12 when our heavenly Father called her home.  Lamesha was born and raised in Newberry.  She is a graduate of Newberry High School class of 1995, a member of Acts of Faith Ministries, Inc. and her children attend Newberry Elementary School.

After losing her only child, Margaret now has the responsibility of raising her seven precious grandchildren with the help of family and friends. We are asking for assistance in any way possible to build a home for this family.  An account has been established at Capital City Bank (Whitfield/Darling Fund) to assist with the immediate needs of the children.  An account has also been set up at Perkins Bank (N.D.O.S.-Lamesha Whitfield Children’s Fund) to assist with the expense of building the home.

To contribute, or for additional information, contact Carolyn Mells at 352-215-2020 or 352-495-8005.

Nathaniel Jones, Pastor

Acts of Faith Ministries, Inc.

Archer, Fla.

Banker, philanthropist.... and cowboy

RalphCellonDSC_0713

After Ralph Cellon graduated from what was then Alachua High School, he headed to the University of Florida where he graduated with a degree in animal science.  He went on to serve as a fighter pilot in Korea flying F-86s and B-47s, and later was elected to both the Alachua city and county commissions.

There was a time when Alachua seemed more like two cities rather than one.

At that time, there was a white side of town and a black side. On the black side, dirt roads were left dusty, and at night darkness settled over the neighborhood, while the white neighborhoods were located on freshly paved streets dotted with streetlights.

Orien Hills has been on the Alachua City Commission for 14 years, and he remembers those days. He remembers when things changed.  And he gives credit to Ralph Wilson Cellon Jr., a man Hills proudly calls a friend.

Cellon’s father taught him that every day you get up and go to work, until you can’t anymore.

And at 76, Ralph Cellon is still getting up and going to work every day. He doesn’t see retirement in his future any time soon.

From farm worker and self-proclaimed cowboy to successful investment banker, Cellon has left his mark throughout he city of Alachua and around the county, but he doesn’t like to brag. Instead, he credits the virtues of his family, to which he credits most of his success.

“I was very fortunate to be born into the family I was born into,” he said.

The first Cellon to settle in Alachua was just 12 years old when he came to Florida on a boat from France with his “floozy” aunt. She “took up with the boat captain, and he was a stowaway.”

He was left in St. Augustine, Cellon explained, and started walking to Tallahassee. He ended up in what’s now Alachua County, and the family’s been here for five generations since.

They were farmers, and as a child, Cellon knew he wanted to be a cowboy. He became the first in his family to graduate from college, and he did so with a degree in animal science from the University of Florida.

He said his “daddy” was the most interesting and smartest person he’s ever known. Although he had only a high school education, he had what his son calls “cowboy logic.”

Cellon said long before there were genetic studies to prove it, his father had caught on to the benefits of cross-breeding cattle, which produces what the industry now calls “hybrid vigor.”

His father didn’t know the science of what he was doing or why it worked, he just saw the results that cross-bred animals were bigger and healthier, and he stuck with it.

Working on his family’s farm as a child, Cellon knew he wanted to be a cowboy when he grew up.

He graduated from the University of Florida, was married and joined the military – all in 30 days.  Laughing, he said, “My daddy says I was born grown. He had me working in the cow pasture when I was eight years old.”

But Cellon didn’t stay home on the farm.  He was a fighter pilot in Korea flying F-86s and B-47s, which had nuclear bombs strapped to them.

“Your experiences make you who you are,” he said.

When he returned from the service he became heavily involved with community issues and local politics. One day it was joining the Lions Club, and the next it was the City Commission.

It was while Cellon served on the commission that he heard a resident’s plea for the city to do something about the unpaved, unlit streets on the east side of town.  That resident was Orien Hills, long before he, too, came to sit on the city commission.

Hills said he and others went to meeting after meeting to get the commission’s attention, and finally, they did. But the city didn’t have the money to fix the problem on its own.

Cellon, known for his diplomatic skills, went all the way to New York to shop the bond market for a loan the city could handle to fund the road project, and he got it.

The roads got paved and streetlights were installed.

This was one of many projects Cellon would come to orchestrate to garner funding for the city through municipal bonds.

He has taken on other projects over the years to support the issues he thinks are important – like education.

He is a founding member of the Santa Fe College Foundation, which he got involved with because he saw a lot of people that simply couldn’t afford to go to school, even if they had the desire.

“And most people running the schools have trouble understanding that not everyone needs to be a doctor or lawyer or CEO,” said Cellon.  “We need firefighters, police officers and plumbers, too.”

Being a successful businessman has given him the tactics and the funds enabling him to give back to his community, he explained.

“You know Turkey Creek?” Cellon asked, referencing the residential development and golf course on State Road 441 between Gainesville and Alachua.

Prior to development, it used to be Cellon’s cow pasture.

Alachua’s retired city manager Clovis Watson, Jr. has known Cellon just about his entire life, and he looks up to him as a mentor, both personally and professionally.

“Uncle Ralph,” as he calls him, “has an uncanny ability to make things happen,” Watson explained.

“I’ve watched him bring people of opposing views together to work in harmony.”

That ability – knowing how to talk to people, according to Cellon and those who know him, seems to be what makes him a good businessman and philanthropist.

“Nobody wants to be talked down to,” he said, explaining that you catch more flies with honey.

And what he wants is to help others.

Years later, when he served on the Alachua County Commission, he brokered a deal to borrow money to build Alachua General Hospital. That experience, he said, is what piqued his interest in investment banking.

These days he works for investment firm Morgan Keegan & Company, and lives in Haile Plantation with his wife of nearly 12 years, Jerry.

Cellon explains his first marriage lasted 39 years and produced four children.

“The mother of my kids is a good woman – she just didn’t like me,” he said, chuckling.

Jerry has six children from her previous marriage, and she and Cellon have 15 grandchildren between them with two great grandchildren on the way.

Cellon will proudly admit his 77th birthday is coming up Feb. 23.

Although a handicap card dangles from the rear-view mirror of his silver 2008 Ford Crown Victoria, he doesn’t understand the concept of retirement. He was raised to keep working hard until you die. One thing he’s learned, though, is that sometimes you have to, “work smarter instead of harder.”

And despite his shock of white hair and slowed gate, when he speaks his words are full of wit, yet seasoned with authority.

The almost-77-year-old investment banker and community activist, in his pressed suit and perfectly knotted tie, is still an eight-year-old cowboy at heart.

Scout Troop 88 and the Alachua Lions Club

As the Boy Scouts of America celebrate 100 years of existence nationwide, Alachua’s Troop 88 will celebrate 75 years of partnership with the Alachua Lions Club Saturday.

The open house event will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Scout Hut located across from City Hall in Alachua. Troop 88 members come from all over the county, but are primarily residents of the city of Alachua.

Troop 88 Assistant Scout Master Michael Rhodes has been involved with Troop 88 for 25 years, helping to see the progress of the troop’s boys as they become young men.

While the Boy Scouts of America was founded in 1910, the first troop in Alachua, Troop 1, began in 1912.  The second troop was named Troop 10 and later became Troop 88 before partnering with the Alachua Lions Club.

“The Lions Club is a chartered partner,” said Rhodes. “They have given us a place to meet; they have given us a building; and they take care of us. There aren’t too many troops that have been sponsored by an organization that long.”

Boy Scouts of America present a year-round program to boys between the ages of 10 1/2 to 18, while Cub Scouts are for boys 6 to 10 1/2.

“We are here when he finishes his sports and other activities,” said Rhodes. “We run year long, so we understand their other commitments.”

Along with the 30 or so boys involved with Troop 88, there are about three dozen parents who volunteer and play a part in their sons’ involvement.  While Cub Scouting allows for more family involvement, Boy Scouts require more personal dedication from an individual.

“It takes a lot of commitment on the boy to become an Eagle Scout,” said Rhodes, referring to the highest rank a Boy Scout can earn.

All boys begin as just a scout, working to fulfill requirements, know the laws of the organization, cooking and camping as well as other skills.  Through fulfilling requirements and moving up in rank, they earn any number of the 110 different merit badges.

“We teach citizenship and to live by the Scout oath and law,” explained Rhodes.  Throughout his extensive involvement with Troop 88, there have been more than 20 boys become Eagle Scouts and he expects about 11 more this year.

Among the many service projects performed by the scouts, Troop 88 has cleared more than 2,000 pounds of trash from the Suwannee River and replaced bleachers at Skinner field.  Each scout who is working toward the rank of Eagle Scout must plan, implement and direct a service project locally.

“This is home,” said Rhodes about civil responsibility inside and outside the city. “The service project has to benefit a community.”

The celebration and open house on Saturday will expose the public, as well as family and friends of Troop 88, to what it means to be a Boy Scout.  There will be tents, fires and a demonstration of how to cook over an open fire with a Dutch oven.  Inside the building, Troop 88 will have pictures and projects completed by the boys, as well as memorabilia from the 1930s and 1940s.

Rhodes describes the boys of Troop 88 as “polite and helpful – the kind to help you load your groceries if they saw you.”

“I enjoy the boys, watching them progress into men,” said Rhodes. “It makes you feel younger being around younger people.”

Boys are always welcome to come explore Troop 88 on Monday evenings at 7 p.m. for the duration of the hour and a half weekly meetings.  There, they can receive an application if they are interested in joining the troop, and meet Scout Master Fred Hilton and the other assistant scout masters in addition to Rhodes.

“It’s a great social outlet,” said Rhodes. “There are a lot of great kids here.”

Biomass_DSF1581Florida Governor Charlie Crist and elected cabinet members, all sitting as the Florida Power Plant Siting Board, gave approval to a controversial biomass electric generating facility slated for the Deerhaven area.

Approval of the plant Tuesday moved it one step closer to being Florida’s first electric generating facility expected to use wood as its main fuel supply.

Governor Charlie Crist said, “I think this can be a great breakthrough and I think it is the right thing to do. The groups that have supported this, I have great trust and confidence in them.”

But not everyone has been in support of the biomass plant which would be built at the Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) Deerhaven plant on U.S. Highway 441 near Alachua.  Plans for the wood-burning plant have sparked concerns among many who cite environmental sustainability and nearby residents who more often raise concerns over projected traffic increases.

In arguing against approval of the project, critics have pointed out that burning of tree trimmings and wood from area forests and lands may not only be inefficient way of collecting fuel, but also increase greenhouse gases and the cost of energy production.

Aside from environmental concerns, the one aspect proponents of the plant have been unable to overcome is its impacts on traffic.  Gainesville Renewable Energy Center (GREC) would be fueled by wood debris, tree trimmings and clippings from a 75-mile-radius of the proposed plant.  Unlike coal which is currently used at the GRU power generating plant, the wood fuel for GREC would not be taken to the site via rail.

The nearly $500 million biomass plant would be built and operated under a 30-year-contract by American Renewables, a company based in Boston, Mass.

In April, City of Alachua commissioners turned away GREC Project Manager Josh Levine who had hoped to get a letter of support for the plant from the City.

Commissioners were as wary as the nearby residents as to the impacts of the 130 to 150 trucks each day project officials estimate will be heading up and down U.S. 441 en route to the plant or back out to Interstate 75 through Alachua. That breaks down to about one truck trip every five minutes.

The 100-megawatt biomass project would supply up to 15 percent of the power needed by GRU’s customers over the next several years.

In June, Florida’s Public Service Commission approved the project in a 3-2 vote.  But opponents have been waging battles in the courtroom to challenge that hearing.

In addition to the Power Plant Siting Board’s approval on Tuesday, a Florida administrative law judge issued his second ruling in favor of the proposed biomass plant.  Judge Robert E. Meale rejected claims made by petitioners who opposed the plant’s air construction permit.

He found instead that the facility will not cause adverse air emissions impacts or adverse impacts to wildlife species or their habitat. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is expected to finalize the air construction permit within weeks.

Judge Meale also issued an order on Nov. 1 recommending site certification be granted for the biomass plant saying, “Instead of undermining sound silvicultural practices, the new market for biomass materials will enhance the viability of forestry resources and thus serve regional environmental needs.”

Police officers in High Springs are doubling as Santa’s helpers this holiday season.

But they can’t do it alone. The High Springs Police Department (HSPD) is asking the community to donate new, unwrapped toys, pajamas and books to be delivered to local children in need.

Wrapping paper and supplies are also needed, and monetary donations will be accepted as well. Donations can be dropped off anytime at the police department, located at 110 NW Second Avenue in High Springs.

The cut-off for donations is 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 17. Afterward, the gifts will be wrapped and HSPD officers will deliver them to families by Dec. 21.

Anyone with questions, or who has a family in mind to be considered as gift recipients, is asked to call HSPD Officer Debbie Holley at 386-454-1415.

The police department is also recruiting volunteers to help wrap the gifts.

The Easton Newberry Sports Complex (ENSC) will be taking part in the United Way of North Central Florida’s Weekend Hunger Backpack Program throughout the month of December.

The program works by identifying chronically hungry school children and sending them home on Friday afternoons with a backpack of food to last them and their siblings throughout the weekend.

ENSC is asking that community members pitch in to help hungry children by dropping off kid-friendly food items at the complex located at 24880 NW 16th Avenue in Newberry.

Items should be nutritious and easy for a kid to carry. Suggested donations include canned meat, canned goods, snack cups, milk and juice boxes, individual snacks and breakfast items.

According the United Way of North Central Florida, the Weekend Hunger Backpack Program began when Felicia Moss, principal of Metcalf Elementary, expressed concern that the free or reduced meals that children received at her school might be the only substantial part of some of their diets. She noticed that children were waiting for the cafeteria to open at 6 a.m. on Mondays and hoarding or stealing food on Fridays, leading her to believe that some children were going hungry over the weekend.

According to Feeding Florida, 11.8 percent of all households in Alachua County are potentially food insecure, compared to 9.4 percent of all households in Florida. In 2007, Feeding Florida determined that 76 percent of Alachua County elementary school students qualify for free or reduced lunch, compared to 65 percent in Florida.

The Bo Diddley Foundation and the City of Archer will present the First Annual Bo Diddley “Originator” Award to Dr. John Duff, the Director of the School of Music, College of Fine Arts at the University of Florida in Gainesville.  The award will be presented to Dr. Duff at a gala fundraising dinner on Thursday evening, Dec. 30 at the Archer Community School in Archer.

The awards dinner in Archer will be one of three similar events that will take place simultaneously across the country on Dec. 30, which would have been Bo’s 82nd birthday.  The two other events will be in McComb, Miss. and Chicago, Ill.  The legendary Bo Diddley was born in McComb, grew up on the streets of Chicago, and lived in Archer, for many years prior to his death in June 2008.

The dinner in Archer will be preceded by a reception and silent auction featuring items signed by actress/singer Vanessa Williams, Tom Petty, George Thorogood, Les Paul, and much more. Tickets start at $35 per person; premium and VIP sponsorships, tables, and seats are also available.

Proceeds from the Originator Awards dinner will benefit The Bo Diddley Foundation and City of Archer programs that focus on educating and uplifting Archer's youth in and around the Archer area, thereby continuing the type support Bo Diddley generously gave during this lifetime. The Archer Community School will also select a deserving student to receive a $500 scholarship.

“Dr. Duff was chosen to receive the inaugural Bo Diddley ‘Originator’ Award because he embodies all of the qualities we envisioned for the award,” said Faith Fusillo, a Bo Diddley Foundation Board Member and the Co-Managing Partner of Bo Diddley's Estate.  “Like Bo Diddley, who was a true American original who left an indelible mark on the musical lives of so many people, Dr. Duff's dedication to his work in and out of the classroom has enriched the lives of people, young and old."

Bo Diddley is nicknamed "The Originator" because of his innovative style and rhythm that changed the course of music in the 1950s. Bo was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 and received numerous awards, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

In addition to the Dec. 30 awards dinner, the "Bo Diddley All-Star Classic" - a family day of music, a talent showcase, vendors, youth football games, and more - is planned for Jan.1 at the Wilson Robinson Pavilion in Archer.

Give blood, get a flu shot and say hi to Santa Claus.

Those are just a few of the things to do at the first High Springs Holiday Health Fair which is sponsored by Alachua County’s CHOICES program.

St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, located at 105 NW Second Street, is hosting the event on Dec. 11 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

In the spirit of “giving the gift of health,” the fair is free and open to the public, and the majority of services offered will be free, like blood pressure screenings, information on Medicaid and other programs and visits to the mobile clinic.

Flu shots are $25 a person, said CHOICES administrative assistant Heidi Hofer.

The goal of the health fair is to offer information and care resources to people of all ages in the community. While there will be many booths geared toward senior citizens, she said, there will a lot for the whole family as well. And yes, Santa will be there for the kids.

Also, the High Springs Police Department will do a K-9 demonstration from 10 a.m. to noon.

For more information, call CHOICES at 352-334-8889.

ALACHUA COUNTY, Fla. - The Alachua County Tax Collector's office, with the help of residents of Alachua County, has collected over 9,231 used cell phones for the Cell Phones for Soldiers program.  Through this project, cell phones are sent for recycling and the money raised helps Cell Phones for Soldiers buy calling cards for military personnel.

The Tax Collector's Office has a goal of collecting 10,000 cell phones by the end of 2010.

Cell phones, accessories, chargers, batteries, Blackberry PDA's and pagers may be dropped off at any of these locations during normal business hours.

  • County Administration Building Downtown, 12 SE 1st Street
  • NW office, 5801 NW 34th Street
  • SW office, 3207 SW 35th Blvd. in the Wal-Mart Plaza

Representatives of the Tax Collector's office have been attending the meetings of the Military Support Group of Alachua County to give them the calling cards to be included in the care packages sent to the troops.

If residents know of a military person in need of a care package, contact the Military Support Group of Alachua County at www.msgfac.com.

For more information, click here or contact the Tax Collector's office at 352 337-6228 or 352 264-6935.

Gainesville, Fla. – Former Santa Fe Saints fastpitch outfielder Brittany Davis has accepted a full ride scholarship to play for Tennessee State University in 2010-11, SF Coach Chris Ahern recently announced.

Davis was a part of the 2008-09 and 2009-10 Santa Fe teams and shared time in the outfield during her two seasons with the Saints.  In fall 2010, she assisted as a volunteer with Coach Ahern.

She is joining a Tennessee State team led by Head Coach Jeff Dabney in his first season at the helm.  The Tigers finished 2010 with an 11-34 overall record and a 6-16 mark in the Ohio Valley Conference.

“We are very excited for Brittany and her opportunity at Tennessee State,” said Coach Ahern.  “She is not only a good softball player, but also an excellent student and we wish her all the best and will miss her.”

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Pursuant to F.S. 713.585 you are hereby notified the following vehicle will be sold at Public Sale. The registered owner may redeem said vehicle, by payment of monies owed for the repair plus accumulated storage charges or in accordance with provisions of F.S. 559.917, the owner or any person claiming an interest has a right to a hearing prior to the sale date by filing a demand with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Proceeds from sale of the motor vehicle over amount claimed will be deposited with the Clerk of Court for disposition. Vehicle will be sold on 12/28/10, 11:00 am at 3801 N. Main St, Gainesville, FL 32609. 1992 Honda 4dr #1HGCB7657NA141332 Owner: Charonda Edwards Wade Raulerson Honda 3801 N. Main St Gainesville, FL 32609 352-372-2329

(Published: Alachua County Today - December 09, 2010)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

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SPECIAL EVENTS

Make your wedding special at a budget price!

Don’t let these tough times keep you from having your dream wedding. Weddings performed anywhere. Non-denominational , non judgmental, any and all marriages. Your choice of wedding vows, candle ceremonies, and sand ceremonies. Starting at $69. Many upgrades and wedding planner services available for an additional fee. Call us at (352)317-7340 or (352)317-0846.

LOST & FOUND

LOST KEYS

SCION KEY WITH BLACK CLICKER LOST NEAR HITCHCOCK'S PARKING LOT AND MAUI TERIYAKI. REWARD. PLEASE CALL 352-472-8093

GOOD THINGS TO EAT

C&R Produce, 13789 NW US Hwy 441, Alachua. Fresh Cut North Carolina Fir Christmas Trees.

Cucumbers, Florida Broccoli & Cauliflower, Acre Peas, Butter Beans, Bell Peppers, Shelled Pecans, Local Yellow Squash & Zucchini, Cabbage, Local Honey, Brown Eggs, Foothills Butter, Fresh Local Silver Queen Corn, Amish Jellies and Jams, N. Carolina Apples & Apple Cider.

Now accepting MasterCard, Visa, Discover, Debit/Credit.

Call 386-462-6158 .

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

Colonial Life seeks entrepreneurial professional with sales experience to become a District Manager. Life/Health license is required. Substantial earnings potential. Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (904)424-5697

Drivers Earn up to 49¢/mi! 1 year minimum OTR experience qualifies you to be a trainer for our fleet! Call: (888)417-7564 CRST EXPEDITED www.JoinCRST.com

ASAP! New Pay Increase! 34-40 cpm. Excellent Benefits Need CDL-A & 3 mos recent OTR. (877)258-8782 www.meltontruck.com

Driver- NEW PAY PLAN with QUARTERLY BONUS INCENTIVE! Lots of freight. Daily or Weekly Pay. Van and Refrigerated. CDL-A, 6 months recent experience. (800)414-9569 www.driveknight.com

Drivers Hornady Transportation Miles Money & Home Time! Start up to .42 cpm Sign on Bonus Available Great Benefits!! Great Hometime!! OTR Experience Req’d. No felonies Lease Purchase Available (800)441-4271 X FL-100

INSURANCE REPRESENTATIVE NEEDED. Most earn $50K-$100K or more. Call our branch office at (866)896-1555 . Ask for Kim Mason or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Visit www.insphereis-pensacola.com

Cash paid for junk cars. $150 and up. Running or not. Free pick up. 352-771-6191.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

BE YOUR OWN BOSS- START TODAY! OWN A RED HOT! DOLLAR, DOLLAR PLUS, MAILBOX OR DISCOUNT PARTY STORE FROM $51,900 WORLDWIDE! 100% TURNKEY (800)518-3064  WWW.DRSS4.COM

SERVICES OFFERED

FINANCIAL

CASH NOW! Cash for your structured settlement or annuity payments. Call J.G. Wentworth. 1-866-SETTLEMENT  (1-866-738-8536 . Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau.

$$$ ACCESS LAWSUIT CASH NOW!!! $$$ 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

ADOPTIONS

ADOPTION. A childless happily married couple seeks to adopt. Loving home. Large extended family. Financial security. Expenses paid. Laurel & James. (888)488-4344. LaurelAndJamesAdopt.com

FARM & LIVESTOCK

Hay For Sale

Fertilized Coastal Bermuda, barn stored, large round rolls, excellent quality. $45 per roll. Cow hay $30 per roll. 352-215-1018

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

Condos For Sale

Condo Foreclosure! Own for pennies on the dollar! Spectacular brand new 3 bed 2-1/2 bath condo (2,262 sf) on Amelia Island, FL. Prime location, upscale amenities -only $249,900. Own for less than half price! Includes private beach club membership! Must see -call now (877)888-6381, x 42

BEST WATERFRONT CONDO DEAL IN FLORIDA! 2 bedroom condo on the prestigious southwest FL coast! Only $277.80/month! Price: $69,900, 30% down, balance financed for 30 years, 5.5% fixed, OAC. Call now (877)935-2332, x 110

Acreage & Farms

20 Acres-$0 Down!! $99/mo. ONLY $12,900 Near Growing El Paso, Texas Guaranteed Owner Financing, No Credit Checks Money Back Guarantee! FREE Map/Pictures (866)383-8302 www.sunsetranches.com

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

Apartments For Ren

Alachua Villas Apartments 2 Bedroom Apt. Starting at $494/mo. Available NOW! Call 386-462-5832 TDD# 1-800-955-8771 “This institution is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.”

Alachua Villas Apartments ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS 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.”

Houses For Rent

2BR/1BA block home. High Springs. Quiet neighborhood, terrazzo floors, hardwood paneling, fenced back yard. Storage shed. Non-smokers. $650 a month. 386-454-2004 . Lease option considered.

Business & Office Rentals

Office for lease. Downtown High Springs - 1400 sq ft - in historic brick building. Great window space for retail sales or professional office in addition to a large private office, porch and fenced back yard area. 1st / last plus, security deposit and references required. Contact 386-243-0825.

Vacation Properties

VIRGINA MTN CABIN-Galax area. Brand new! Great views, private, fishing in stocked trout stream! 2 acres, $159,500, call owner, (866)275-0442.

MERCHANDISE

Lawn & Garden Supplies

AMARYLLIS BULBS 6-year-old bulbs just in from Holland. Must move...a bargain for just $10 each! True Value Hardward 5 S. Main Street High Springs, FL 386-454-1717

STEEL BUILDINGS

FACTORY DIRECT STEEL BUILDINGS - Buy at Contractors Cost. Commercial, Industrial, Farm, Churches, Hangers & All Uses. Our Factory Representative will visit and assist you in planning your project in person. In-field support and erection available (888)907-6260.

Health/Beauty

VIAGRA 100MG and CIALIS 20mg!! 40 Pills + 4 FREE for only $99. #1 Male Enhancement, Discreet Shipping. Save $500 Buy The Blue Pill Now! (888)777-9242

For Sale

CHERRY BEDROOM SET. Solid Wood, never used, brand new in factory boxes. English Dovetail. Original cost $4500. Sell for $795. Can deliver. Call Tom (813)600-3653

Miscellaneous

ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE from Home. *Medical, *Business, *Paralegal, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV certified. Call (877)206-5165, www.Centura.us.com

AIRLINES ARE HIRING - Train for high paying Aviation Maintenance 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. $150 and up. Running or not. Free pick up. 352-771-6191.


To Place a Classified Call 386-462-3355.

Mother Marie Postell, a long time resident of High Springs, passed away early Sunday morning in her sleep.  She was 88.

She was a member of Williams Tabernacle Church of God by Faith.

Mother Postell was employed by the Alachua County School Board Food Service for 26 years and retired in 1986.

Survivors include her daughters, Lillie Lee of Jacksonville, Fla. and Bettie Decoursey of High Springs; sons, George (Brenda) Postell of Gainesville, Jack (Carol) Postell of Tampa, Virgil (Lenora) Postell of Orlando and Douglas Postell of High Springs; three sisters, Sarah Darisaw and Willie Mae Webster of Orlando and Mary James Indian of Orchard, Mass.; 23 grandchildren; and 33 great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral service for Mother Postell will be Saturday, December 11, 2010 at 1 p.m. at Williams Tabernacle Church of God by Faith, Elder James Williams, Pastor.  Burial will follow in Noble Hill Cemetery, High Springs.  Visitation will be Friday, December 10, 2010 from 6-7 p.m. at the funeral home.

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

Kate Woodyard Prim was born on March 11, 1948 to Mary Woodyard Dickerson and Benny Brooks.

She was a dedicated member of Crusaders for Christ Church, and she served as church mother.

Kate graduated from Aaronville High School class of 1966 in Foley, Ala.

On December 5, 2010, Kate was called home to be with the Lord.  She leaves behind a legacy, mother, Mary Woodyard Dickerson of Foley, Ala.; fathers, John Lee Dickerson (preceded in death) and Benny Brooks of Foley, Ala.; children, Veronica “Vicky” Dickerson (preceded in death), Bonita “Faye” Brown of Alachua, Fla., Corey Woodyard of Newberry, Fla., Rosallnd “Pat” Brown,  Yaphett “Drum” Prim, Kenyata Prim (Natron) Curtis, all of Gainesville, Fla., Weston “P.J.” Prim, Jr. of Fanning Springs, Fla..; honorary children, Angela Prim of Alachua Fla. and Roderick Prim (preceded in death); siblings, Stella Wesley, Augusta Hudson, Willie Woodyard (preceded in death), Amanda Roberson, Pauline Beechim, Cynthia Anglin, Vivian Pettibone, all of Foley, Ala., Lashundra Dickerson of Aurora, Ill. , Sylvia Brooks, Darlene Brooks, Kathy Brooks, Paula Brooks, all of Foley, Ala., Leonard Brooks (preceded in death),  Pearl Howard (special sister); special friends, Deacon Robert and Mother Laura Jackson; God-daughters, Geraldine Hoyt, Marietta Davis, and Ann Hamm; a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Funeral Service for Kate Prim will be Saturday, December 11, 2010 at 10 a.m. at Crusaders for Christ Church of Alachua, Bishop Nathaniel Curtis, Pastor and Minister Natron Curtis, Eulogist. 

Viewing will be Friday, December 10, 2010 from 6-7 p.m. at Crusaders for Christ Church.  Burial will be Monday, December 13, 2010 in Southside Cemetery, Foley, Ala.

Arrangements Entrusted to A. Jerome Brown Funeral Home, High Springs, Fla.

 

Michael Peterson picks up the tab for Thanksgiving dinner

Q_-_Peterson_DSF2895Atlanta Falcons linebacker and Alachua native Michael Peterson autographs one of many t-shirts for youngsters at his foundation's annual turkey dinner giveaway just days before Thanksgiving.  Thanksgiving dinner was made possible for 100Alachua families thanks to National Football League player Michael Peterson, an Alachua native.  It was Peterson’s foundation which donated the turkeys to area residents identified by local school as the neediest.

Peterson was on hand to give out Thanksgiving’s main course from 4:30 to 6:30 Tuesday, Nov. 23 outside of Hitchcock’s market.  Surrounded by the lucky turkey dinner ticket holders, Peterson said the giveaway was just one of the ways he wanted to say “thank you” to his hometown.

And by teaming up with Hitchcock’s Market, families receiving the Peterson Thanksgiving dinner giveaway came with a lot more than just a turkey.  With all the necessities for a tasty, wholesome and filling Thanksgiving meal, the dinners included the turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, corn, green beans, brown and serve rolls and a pie.

Reatha and Porter Peterson helped ticket holders collect their meals alongside their son while he signed autographs for youngsters.  Peterson gave away some 50 t-shirts that he autographed along with a variety of other items brought by children who waited in line to meet the professional athlete.

The turkey dinner giveaway has been a tradition carried on for over a decade by Atlanta Falcons linebacker Michael Peterson and his younger brother Adrian Peterson, a former Chicago Bears running back.  Area churches, schools and businesses also held several other turkey dinner giveaways.

The Peterson brothers both played football at Santa Fe High School.  Adrian Peterson, 31, graduated from Georgia Southern University where he starred on the 1999 and 2000 NCAA I-AA national championship teams before being drafted by the NFL in 2002.  Michael Peterson, 34, graduated from Santa Fe High School and continued on in his football career at the University of Florida where he starred on the 1996 national championship team.  Michael currently plays for the Atlanta Falcons.

column Guest Column by Debbie Boyd

During this holiday season, I am thankful and would like to share some heartfelt thoughts with you.

I want to thank my husband, Tommy, and my family, neighbors and all the citizens of House District 11 for allowing me the opportunity to serve as your State Representative from 2006 to 2010.

It was an honor and a privilege to be elected to serve as your voice in our state government.  When you serve in this capacity, you have the chance to cast literally hundreds of votes and to make thousands of, what I believe, are important decisions. Thus, the responsibility given to an elected representative is serious and should be treated as such.

In my electoral defeat, I was saddened and disappointed but never dispirited nor disheartened.  For each and every one of the votes I cast and for every decision I ever made, each met two basic criteria.  First, the votes were cast – every single one of them – with only the very best interest of our district in mind.  No matter the issue, the venue, or the pressure from outside sources, I knew that I was your voice and your representative and I looked beyond party affiliation, past rhetoric and always into the hearts and minds of the people I was elected to serve.

Second, I leave service with a peace-filled heart and a crystal-clear conscience.  In these troubling times, too many elected leaders fail this fundamental test.  Too many seek to achieve personal gain either through power or financial riches.  In doing so, many shed their core values and as a result, deserve to lose the public’s trust.  I know I come home with the comfort of knowing that during my length of service, I maintained my integrity, stayed true to our values, and never was forced to compromise our district. Even my most ardent opposition never accused me of betraying the public’s trust.

Which brings me to this campaign and our state’s future.

I believe public policy is better when the numbers of each party are closer to the middle because that’s when both sides are forced to work together, consider all ideas, and build consensus. When the numbers are more equal, it’s more difficult for either party to lock down every vote of its members and elected officials are more representative of their constituents. Only then will good public policy outweigh partisan politics and party loyalty.  Until the leadership of a majority refrains from forcing its own agenda and is willing to honestly work with the minority for the good of the people, the pendulum will continue to swing from one extreme to the other and our state, our nation and its citizens will continue to be the victims.

With this election, our state is now completely controlled by one party – from the Governor’s mansion to a super-majority in both the State House and Senate – and every office in between.  While I believe that most issues transcend party loyalty, what is important is the will of the electorate.

And they have spoken.

I genuinely wish all of our elected leaders in both parties success, and I challenge the majority leadership to seize this opportunity to set aside partisan politics for good public policy.  Our state is in dire straits and despite the political rhetoric suggesting otherwise, there are no easy or fast solutions.  I challenge every citizen to remain watchful of those elected, know how you are represented, and be a vital participant of the turnaround our ship of state needs.

For my part, I offer my gratitude for being allowed to serve, my willingness to be of continued service, my counsel when asked, and my prayers when needed.

Thank you to so many who had confidence and trust in me, have expressed encouragement for my future and asked “What next?” I know that doors of opportunity close and new doors open. After eight years as an elected servant, I embrace and value the time I have to spend with my family during the holidays. I would be honored to serve the public again in the future, and I will recognize and welcome the next door of opportunity that opens!

Again, thank you. I feel that serving you was a wonderful blessing and I will forever cherish the time you allowed me to have as your representative.

Debbie Boyd served as House District 11 State Representative (2006-2010) and Newberry City Commissioner (2002-2006). Her hometown is Newberry and she is a sixth generation Floridian from the Newberry and Gilchrist County area.

A.L. Mebane alumni celebrate

Q_-_DSC_0201

The A. L. Mebane High School Homecoming Reunion celebrated its weekend of festivities with its traditional parade on Saturday through downtown Alachua. 

It was a weekend for celebrations as the A.L. Mebane High School Alumni Association held its annual homecoming reunion starting on Friday and continuing into Sunday.

Each year the alumni association puts together an entire weekend of events that bring former students and the community together as each graduating class boasts its preeminence over the others.

The series of events began Friday evening with the “Ms. Alumni & Little Miss Hornet Pageant” at the Alachua Woman’s Club on Main Street.  Following the pageant was a teen dance, also at the Woman’s Club.

On Saturday, Alachua’s downtown was the site of the alumni parade that began at Lee’s Preschool on SR 241 N., crossed US Highway 441 and then followed Main Street through the historic business district.

City officials from Alachua, Newberry and High Springs participated in the parade, which included units from Alachua, High Springs, Gainesville and beyond.

The parade included a variety of vehicles, including cars, trucks, boats and a motor home.  Colors of the day were vibrant green and gold that decorated not only parade entries, but many of the alumni who represented classes from 1957 to 1975 as well.

After the parade, revelers headed over to Mebane Middle School to continue with an afternoon and evening of activities.   The lineup included a car show, the opening ceremony, fallen soldiers memorial service, salute to the military, dedication of the A.L. Mebane High School museum, and presentation of the play “The Chip Woman’s Fortune.” A reception honoring the classes of 1960, 1965, and 1970 was also held. Saturday’s events ended with an evening of basketball games.

Sunday marked the conclusion of the homecoming events with a church service at Old Town Church of God In Christ Alachua.

The A.L. Mebane High School Alumni Association holds various fundraisers and community projects throughout the year in Alachua and surrounding communities. Money raised during the weekend’s festivities contributes to the scholarship fund of the alumni association.

 Along with freezing temperatures, the holiday season will officially arrive in the city of Alachua Friday during the annual tree lighting ceremony. Q_-_TreeLightingSantFilePhotoaDSC_0049_2010

The event, sponsored by the City of Alachua, will take place Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. followed by a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. The tree lighting will take place directly in front of City Hall located at 15100 NW 142nd Terrace, followed by the visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus on Main Street at the Alan Hitchcock Theatre Park.

“This is a special time of year for families and for traditions,” said City Manager Traci Cain.  “We have a beautiful town and a festively-decorated Main Street that showcases our holiday spirit.  Bring your families to join with us as we ring in the holiday season.”

Once the tree lighting ceremony is underway, Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive at City Hall and then ride down to the Alan Hitchcock Theatre Park where area youngsters can have their picture taken and receive a treat bag.  The combined events are scheduled from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Friday’s happenings are only two of the holiday events lined up for the holiday season. The City of Alachua also partners with the Alachua Chamber of Commerce for the annual Alachua Christmas Parade. The parade, themed “Hometown Traditions,” will be held Saturday, Dec. 11 on Main Street at 2 p.m.  The Grand Marshals for the parade are the 2010 Santa Fe All Stars 12U World Series champions.  To participate in the parade, visit the Alachua Chamber of Commerce website at www.alachua.com or call 386-462-3333.

The Chamber is also holding Shop-Dine-Stroll on Main Street on Dec. 10 and Dec. 17 during the evening hours beginning at 6 p.m.  During Shop-Dine-Stroll, Main Street businesses will be open late and there will be musical entertainment, carriage rides, raffles and more.

“Our mayor and city commissioners value the impact these local events have on our community,” said Cain.  “These events not only contribute to our wonderful quality of life; they provide our local businesses with increased foot traffic and exposure.  This is a win-win for all of Alachua and a great celebration of family and traditions.”

#     #     #

Cont: Variety of holiday events this month

 

The Newberry Main Street organization will host its Whimsical Chair-ity Fundraiser starting at 1 p.m. on Friday at the Newberry Municipal Building.

A total of 27 chairs decorated by 23 local artists will be auctioned off to raise money to renovate the Newberry Tourist Development Center and the Fire House Gallery and Studio. The chairs each have a unique design, with themes ranging from “Hot Rod” to “The Avatar.” This will be the first time that all of the chairs, which have been displayed at various locations in Newberry and Jonesville throughout the month of November, will be presented together.

The chairs will be displayed at 1 p.m. and viewers will be able to vote for their favorites to win one of the three People’s Choice awards that will be given out. Between 6 and 7 p.m., the artists will be doing a meet and greet and autographing calendars illustrated with pictures of their chairs. The awards will be presented at 7 p.m. and the auction will follow.

Proceeds from the event will benefit two of Newberry Main Street Organization’s most recent endeavors to bring people to downtown Newberry. In August, the City of Newberry approved leasing an office building for free to the Newberry Main Street. Barbara Hendrix, main street manager, said that the organization decided to use the extra space in the office to develop “incubator” businesses. The results were the Newberry Tourist Development Center and the Fire House Gallery and Studio.

The Newberry Tourism Development Center informs visitors about the businesses and attractions the area has to offer. Hendrix said she hopes the people who will be coming to Newberry for Nations Ballpark will stop by to find out about other things they can do during their stay.

Friday night will also serve as a soft opening for the Fire House Gallery and Studio. The space, which is across from the Newberry Municipal Building, will serve as a showroom for local artists and a studio where children and adults can take pottery and painting classes.

A new hiking trail has opened at Mill Creek Preserve, located just north of the city of Alachua.  The 1,230-acre Mill Creek Preserve was the first property acquired through the Alachua County Forever Program, and was opened to the public in April 2008.  The new trail traverses scenic hardwood hammock forest, pineland, and crosses tributaries of Townsend Branch Creek.

Features of the trail include a 2.5 to 3 mile loop depending on the path taken, with benches, interpretive signs and a unique pedestrian bridge with designs by local artist and metal sculptor John Patterson.  Much of the trail system's amenities have been creatively constructed from recycled material, local stone, and logs of non-native invasive trees.  Additional savings came from utilizing labor from UF interns, volunteers, and court appointed community service workers.  In the near future, the trail will also include a botany walk with labeled trees.

A guided walk along the new trail will be led by Alachua County staff on Saturday, Jan. 22 from 9:30 a.m. to noon.  Walkers will meet north of the city of Alachua in the Mill Creek Parking lot located on the south side of CR 236, one-quarter mile west of the intersection of CR 241 and CR 236.

To sign up for the guided walk or for more information, contact Alachua County Senior Environment Specialist, Kelly McPherson at 352-264-6848 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

#     #     #

 

A growing number of Alachua County Public School families rely on the Free/Reduced Lunch Meal Program to feed their children nutritious breakfasts and lunches each school day. But with schools closed during the Winter Holidays, many children will be missing out on those meals.

To help struggling families deal with the break in the meal program, Alachua County Public Schools is collecting food for its annual Food Basket Drive. Last year the program provided baskets to more than 400 families.

“Because of the economic situation, we know we have more families in need this year,” said the district’s business partnerships coordinator Kelley Kostamo, who is organizing the drive. “We just want to make this time a little less stressful for them.”

The district is working to collect baskets that include the same basic food items. Anyone interested in participating in the program has a number of options. They can donate specific items from the list below, gather an entire basket containing all the items or provide a cash or check donation. Filling an entire basket costs $51.

“We realize it may be easier for people to contribute money,” said Kostamo. “We’re very happy to go out and purchase the items needed for a basket.”

Each basket will contain the following items:  2 large cans of sweet potatoes, instant or boxed milk, cranberry sauce, bag of rice,s mix, 3 boxes of macaroni and cheese, instant potatoes, box meal with meat (i.e. Hamburger Helper), jar of gravy, Spaghetti noodles and a jar of sauce, 4 cans fruit, Peanut butter, 4 cans vegetables, Jar of jelly, Cake mix/can of frosting, 3 cans of soup, grits, oatmeal or pancake mix, $10 gift card or non-refrigerated ham, 1 large can of ravioli, Spaghetti-O’s, etc.

Donations can be dropped off at one of the following school locations: Terwilliger, Chiles, Hidden Oak and Westwood.

They can also be dropped off at the Kirby Smith Building at 620 East University Avenue.

Pick up can also be arranged by contacting Kostamo at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone at 352-955-6900. Donations must be received by the end of the day on Friday, Dec. 10 to give the district and schools time to distribute the baskets to the families.

It’s the same fresh, local produce from the same vendors, but if all goes according to plan, starting in January the High Springs Farmers Mmarket will be in a new location..

The market started in 2000 and is currently held every Thursday in James Paul Park next to City Hall. Maria Antela, who took over as market manager in October, came before the High Springs City Commission Monday night to request approval of a conditional use permit to host the market on a vacant, private lot several blocks away. She also needed permission to move the market, as it is technically a city-owned operation.

The owner of the property, who was not identified during the discussion, gave consent for her to request the land-use permit for the purpose of the market. Antela explained the owner has offered to let the market use the property for free, and she told the commission she hopes to make the move by January 1.

The commission approved her request with a few stipulations.  The city must be provided documented consent from the property owner and a written agreement concerning issues such as insurance coverage.

The move, Antela said, was prompted by vendors noticing lower sales since a new building was constructed that blocks the farmers market from being seen from the main road at its current location.

The Florida Bar, the state's guardian for the integrity of the legal profession, announces that the Florida Supreme Court in recent court orders disciplined 18 attorneys, disbarring eight and suspending seven. Some attorneys received more than one form of discipline. Two attorneys were publicly reprimanded and three were placed on probation. One attorney was also ordered to pay restitution.

As an official agency of the Florida Supreme Court, The Florida Bar and its Department of Lawyer Regulation are charged with administering a statewide disciplinary system to enforce Supreme Court rules of professional conduct for the 90,000-plus lawyers admitted to practice law in Florida.

Court orders are not final until time expires to file a rehearing motion and, if filed, determined. The filing of such a motion does not alter the effective date of the discipline. Disbarred lawyers may not re-apply for admission for five years. They are required to go through an extensive process that rejects many who apply. It includes a rigorous background check and retaking the bar exam. Historically, fewer than five percent of disbarred lawyers seek readmission.

The following lawyers are disciplined:

Henry Nissim Adorno, 2525 Ponce De Leon Blvd. Suite 400, Miami, suspended until further order, effective Oct. 28, following an Oct. 27 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1973) While representing clients in a class action lawsuit, Adorno settled with individual plaintiffs to the detriment of other plaintiffs. Adorno also took an excessive attorney fee. (Case No.SC09-1012)

April Ann Arendell, 5342 Lake Margaret Drive, Apt. 523, Orlando, suspended for 45 days, effective immediately, following an Oct. 12 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2006) Further, upon reinstatement, Arendell will be placed on probation for three years and sign a rehabilitation contract with Florida Lawyers Assistance, Inc. Arendell entered into an employment contract that created a conflict of interest and did not provide the customer with the proper attorney-client relationship. Arendell's employment arrangement created a situation in which she assisted in the unlicensed practice of law and shared legal fees with non-lawyers. She also failed to complete and communicate loan modification case statuses with clients; and she failed to maintain minimum trust accounting records and comply with minimum trust accounting procedures. (Case Nos. SC10-1057 & SC10-1145)

Antonio R. Arnao, P.O. Box 1086, Clearwater, suspended until further order, effective 30 days from a Nov. 1 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1988) Arnao was found in contempt for failure to respond without good cause to official Bar inquiries. Arnao ignored numerous requests for a written reply or call to The Florida Bar's staff. (Case No. SC10-1341)

Louis Barbieri, III, 271 17th St. N.W., Suite 2400, Atlanta, Ga., to be publicly reprimanded following a Nov. 1 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2006) Barbieri was conditionally admitted to The Florida Bar and placed on probation for five years based on alcohol abuse issues. He failed to comply with the terms of the Florida Lawyers Assistance, Inc. contract. (Case No. SC10-857)

Debi Fay Chalik, 10063 N.W. 1st Court, Plantation, is publicly reprimanded by an Oct. 12 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1999) Chalik is also a member of The Kentucky Bar. In June, the Supreme Court of Kentucky publicly reprimanded Chalik for failure to timely file an advertisement. (Case No. SC10-1917)

Ryan Thomas Fasso, 2007 S. Pebble Beach Blvd., Sun City Center, suspended for two years, effective retroactive to April 26, following an Oct. 27 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2002) Fasso pleaded no contest in court to a felony charge of cocaine possession. As a result, he was suspended in April by the Supreme Court. In addition, Fasso was retained to represent clients in at least seven separate cases and he failed to communicate, missed hearings and oftentimes neglected to perform the work. (Case No. SC10-535)

Maurice J. Hall, 409 N. Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach, disbarred effective immediately, following an Oct. 14 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1976) Hall admitted that over the past 10 years, he continually and systematically misappropriated client and third-party funds from his attorney trust account for his own purposes. (Case No. SC10-1953)

Jay Clifton Halsema, 4446-1A Hendricks Ave., Suite 378, Jacksonville, suspended until further order, following a Nov. 8 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1998) According to a petition for emergency suspension, Halsema is the subject of several Bar disciplinary matters. He was also arrested in October and charged with organized fraud. (Case No. SC10-2112)

Frank J. Ingrassia, 8931 Wiles Road, Coral Springs, disbarred effective 30 days from an Oct. 27 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1997) Ingrassia admitted that he is the subject of an investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement with regard to his preparation of forged court orders. (Case No. SC10-2028)

Philip David Irish, 1920 N.W. 94th Ave., Miami, disbarred effective retroactive to Oct. 8, 2008, the date of his felony suspension, following a Nov. 4 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2003) Irish was adjudicated guilty in court of six felony charges involving drugs. He was sentenced to 30 months in prison. (Case Nos. SC08-1375, SC08-1552, SC08-1891 & SC08-2398)

Bruce Gregory Kaufmann, 1564 Oakadia Lane, Clearwater, suspended until further order, effective immediately, following an Oct. 27 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1988) According to a petition for emergency suspension, Kaufmann appeared to be causing great public harm and is the subject of several pending disciplinary cases. Kaufmann engaged in an intentional pattern of obtaining fees, controlling assets and forcing individuals to pay him before he would resign as trustee. (Case No. SC10-1973)

Scott Kramer, 6650 W. Indiantown Road, Suite 200, Jupiter, disbarred effective immediately, following an Oct. 11 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1982) Kramer admitted that he continually and systematically misappropriated client funds held in trust, including projected attorney's fees in some instances, before the settlement money had been received. A Bar compliance audit of Kramer's trust account from January 1, 2005, through April 30, 2010, showed ongoing shortages. (Case No. SC10-1925)

Paul David Lazarus, 1 Financial Plaza, Suite 2510, Fort Lauderdale, suspended for 60 days, effective 30 days from a Nov. 4 court order. Further, Lazarus shall pay restitution of $2,500.00 and be placed on probation for two years. (Admitted to practice: 1977) Lazarus handled two separate criminal appellate proceedings in the 11th Circuit Court of Appeal and he failed to provide adequate representation. Lazarus was indefinitely suspended from practicing before both the 11th Circuit Court of Appeal and the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. (Case No. SC10-826)

Guillermo Napoleon Lopez, 759 N.W. 22nd Avenue, Miami, disbarred effective immediately, following an Oct. 19 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2005) Lopez facilitated the misappropriation of funds by his sister, Maria Teresa Lopez, a now-disbarred attorney. Lopez also served as the settlement agent for numerous transactions in which he failed to disburse monies in accordance with the Housing and Urban Development settlement statements, including mortgages that were required to be satisfied at closing. (Case No. SC09-1803)

Gregory A. Meeks II, P.O. Box 353, Ocoee, disbarred effective immediately, following an Oct. 15 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2001) In November 2006, Meeks was suspended and unable to practice law in Florida. Meeks practiced law while suspended and he failed to inform the court or clients. In other instances, Meeks was retained by clients and failed to provide adequate representation. (Case Nos. SC09-437 & SC09-563)

Emmanuel Roy, 26 Court St., Suite 1503, Brooklyn, N.Y., disbarred effective retroactive to March 22, following an Oct. 19 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2003) Roy, who was also a member of the New York State Bar, surrendered his license to practice law in New York after being charged with 38 counts of misconduct. In October 2009, Roy was arrested and indicted by the federal government for his involvement in a multimillion-dollar mortgage fraud scam. (Case No. SC10-806)

James Patrick Tarquin, 1111 N.E. 25th Ave., Suite 501, Ocala, placed on probation for three years effective immediately, following an Oct. 12 court order. Further, Tarquin will participate in a program offered by Florida Lawyers Assistance, Inc., during the entire probation period. (Admitted to practice: 1991) The state of Florida charged Tarquin for driving while intoxicated; a misdemeanor, and for misdemeanor domestic battery. (Case No. (SC10-1918)

Sam Thankachen, 7144 Stirling Road, Hollywood, disbarred effective retroactive to February 17, 2010, the date of his emergency suspension, following a Nov. 1 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1997) Thankachen received money from clients and other persons in exchange for ownership in real property or other ventures. The complainants did not receive the real property or other items and they did not get their funds back. (Case No. SC10-712)

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) directed its staff on Wednesday to advertise new rule proposals requiring all hunters to tag harvested white-tailed deer and report the harvest to the FWC.

However, the commissioners directed staff to provide a menu of options regarding exempt hunters, showing how those hunters would report their harvest. Exempt hunters include individuals 65 and older and 16 and under.

Tagging and reporting game harvests is commonly done in many states, and FWC staff reviewed several other states’ harvest-reporting systems to see what might work well in Florida.

The FWC, along with its stakeholders, continues to craft a system where hunters would report their harvested deer, to better track where and how many deer are harvested in Florida.

FWC staff presented a draft proposal at five public meetings across the state and gathered input and feedback through an online poll.

The proposed harvest-reporting system would utilize a 24-hour, seven-days-a-week telephone and Internet system, and tags to attach to harvested deer.

Some of the information hunters would have to report includes their customer number, date of harvest, county, method of take, hunting with or without dogs, type of deer (antlered buck, button buck or doe) and number of antler points on bucks.  All compiled statewide harvest data would be available to the public online and updated daily, but would not include hunters’ personal information.

“We want to make this system as friendly as possible for Florida’s hunters,” said Cory Morea, FWC biologist and deer management program coordinator.  “We need the data to give Florida hunters what many of them have asked for – that is better management of the state’s deer herd, and at a more local level.  This will give us one of the tools to enable us to do that.”

The new rules could be approved for final adoption at the February 2011 Commission meeting and would become effective July 1, 2011, and apply to the 2011-12 hunting season

PUBLIC NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: NORTHWOOD TOWING & REPAIR gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 12/15/2010, 11:00 am at 1540 NW 53 AVE GAINESVILLE, FL 32653, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. NORTHWOOD TOWING & REPAIR reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids. 1FDRE14L3YHB07314 2000 FORD 1G3NL12E72C132038 2002 OLDSMOBILE 1G6KS52Y5RU829447 1994 CADILLAC 2G1WF52E729328287 2002 CHEVROLET 5KMMSG1Z455101950 2005 VENTO JT4RN70D7G0026660 1986 TOYOTA

(Published: Alachua County Today - December 02, 2010)

 

City of Alachua Request for Bids RFB 2011-01 Vacuum Power Circuit Breakers

The City of Alachua is requesting formal bids for the design, manufacture, testing and delivery of two (2) 15 KV Vacuum Power Circuit Breakers in accordance with the latest applicable NEMA, ANSI and IEEE Standards for power circuit breakers. Three (3) sealed RFB’s, one (1) original and two (2) copies, shall be submitted to the Administrative Services Department no later than 2:00 PM, 22 December 2010. Formal bids will not be accepted after this time and date. All bids shall be sealed and clearly marked with “RFB 2011-01, Vacuum Power Circuit Breakers”, and the name of the vendor. If submitted by mail, the envelope shall be enclosed in another envelope addressed to the Administrative Services Director. If submitted otherwise, it shall be delivered to the Administrative Services Department. Sealed bids are to be addressed as follows for either mail or hand delivery:

Mr Frank Sodek, III – Administrative Services Director City of Alachua FL PO Box 9 Alachua FL 32616-0009 15100 NW 142 Terrace Alachua FL 32615 386-418-6105 386-418-6107 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

NEED MORE RESPONSE? Advertise in Over 100 Florida Papers reaching MILLIONS of people. Advertising Networks of Florida, Put us to work for You! (866)742-1373 www.florida-classifieds.com.

SPECIAL EVENTS

 

Make your wedding special at a budget price!

Don’t let these tough times keep you from having your dream wedding. Weddings performed anywhere. Non-denominational , non judgmental, any and all marriages. Your choice of wedding vows, candle ceremonies, and sand ceremonies. Starting at $69. Many upgrades and wedding planner services available for an additional fee. Call us at (352)317-7340 or (352)317-0846.

SCHOOLS/INSTRUCTION

 

"Can You Dig It?" Heavy Equipment School. 3wk training program. Backhoes, Bulldozers, Trackhoes. Local Job placement asst. Start digging dirt Now. (866)362-6497

GOOD THINGS TO EAT

 

C&R Produce, 13789 NW US Hwy 441, Alachua. Fresh Cut Nortth Carolina Fir Christmas Trees.

Cucumbers, Florida Broccoli & Cauliflower, Acre Peas, Butter Beans, Bell Peppers, Shelled Pecans, Local Yellow Squash & Zucchini, Cabbage, Local Honey, Brown Eggs, Foothills Butter, Fresh Local Silver Queen Corn, Amish Jellies and Jams, N. Carolina Apples & Apple Cider.

Now accepting MasterCard, Visa, Discover, Debit/Credit.

Call 386-462-6158.

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

 

**ABLE TO TRAVEL** Hiring 6 people, Free to travel all states, resort areas. No experience necessary. Paid training/Transportation. OVER 18. Start ASAP. (866)734-5216

 

Drivers Hornady Transportation Miles Money & Home Time! Start up to .42 cpm Sign on Bonus Available Great Benefits!! Great Hometime!! OTR Experience Req’d. No felonies Lease Purchase Available (800)441-4271 X FL-100

 

CDL A Drivers: Regional Opportunity 100% Owner Operator Reefer Company. $2000 Sign-on bonus! Great rates and family atmosphere. Call (800)237-8288 or visit www.suncocarriers.com

 

Drivers - FOOD TANKER DRIVERS NEEDED OTR positions available NOW! CDL-A w/ Tanker REQ'D. Outstanding pay & Benefits! Call a recruiter TODAY! (877)882-6537 www.oakleytransport.com

Cash paid for junk cars. $150 and up. Running or not. Free pick up. 352-771-6191.

 

Drivers Earn up to 49¢/mi! 1 year minimum OTR experience qualifies you to be a trainer for our fleet! Call: (888)417-7564 CRST EXPEDITED www.JoinCRST.com

 

Colonial Life seeks entrepreneurial professional with sales experience to become a District Manager. Life/Health license is required. Substantial earnings potential. Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (904)424-5697

SERVICES OFFERED

FINANCIAL

 

CASH NOW! Cash for your structured settlement or annuity payments. Call J.G. Wentworth. 1-866-SETTLEMENT (1-866-738-8536). Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau.

 

$$$ ACCESS LAWSUIT CASH NOW!!! $$$ 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

FARM & LIVESTOCK

Hay For Sale

Fertilized Coastal Bermuda, barn stored, large round rolls, excellent quality. $45 per roll. Cow hay $30 per roll. 352-215-1018

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

Lots For Sale

 

BANK ORDERED ONSITE AUCTIONS: 677± acres. Commercial, timber and hunting land. Hamilton, Gilchrist and Clay counties. December 2nd and 3rd. Visit RowellAuctions.com -AU479/AB296

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

Rooms For Rent

Royal Inn - new owners. Micro/fridge, TV, quiet area. Low weekly rates (7 nights in a row). Call 386-462-3251 to reserve at Royal Inn Alachua.

Apartments For Rent

 

Alachua Villas Apartments 2 Bedroom Apt. Starting at $494/mo. Available NOW! Call 386-462-5832 TDD# 1-800-955-8771 “This institution is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.”

Business & Office Rentals

Office for lease. Downtown High Springs - 1400 sq ft - in historic brick building. Great window space for retail sales or professional office in addition to a large private office, porch and fenced back yard area. 1st / last plus, security deposit and references required. Contact 386-243-0825.

MERCHANDISE

Health/Beauty

 

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Garage Sales

Individual family yard sale for the Alachua Elementary Safety Patrol will be held Saturday, Dec. 4 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Hitchcock’s Shopping Center.

Miscellaneous

 

AIRLINES ARE HIRING - Train for high paying Aviation Maintenance 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. $150 and up. Running or not. Free pick up. 352-771-6191.


To Place a Classified Call 386-462-3355.

Band_Champion_2010For the second straight year, the Santa Fe High School band has brought home the state championship.

The Santa Fe Raider Regiment was named the 2010 Champion in Class 2A at the Florida Marching Band Championship, which was held this past weekend at the Tropicana Dome in St. Petersburg. This is the band’s eighth state championship, including the 2009 title. The school has now won more state championships than any other band in Florida.

“Never have I seen student musicians and color guard members perform with such passion,” said band director Nate Bisco. “These students have practiced countless numbers of hours since August, fighting through injuries and intense heat to fulfill their dream.”

“From the first note, I knew I would be holding a banner later that night,” said Hannah Zombory, Santa Fe Raider Regiment senior drum major of her band’s performance. “I've never been so proud of the Raider Regiment.  With only 58 members, we've made history."

Other local bands also made outstanding showings at the competition.  The Gainesville High School Hurricane Marching Band took second place in the Class 3A division, while the Buchholz High School Golden Regiment took third place in class 4A. Earlier in the competition, both schools had taken first place in their semi-final competitions, with Buchholz winning Best in Class Music, General Effect and Visual awards and GHS the winner of the Best in Class Music and General Effect awards.

The Newberry High School Band of Pride was among the top 20 semi-finalists in the Class 1A Division.

“I am so proud of our wonderful high school bands,” said Dan Boyd, Superintendent of Alachua County Public Schools. “To do so well at the state level requires an enormous amount of hard work and dedication from the students, staff and parents. They’ve certainly earned these honors.”

Q_-_Appreciation_Lunch__RevisedBRYAN BOUAKRI/Alachua County Today

L-R: Alan Hitchcock, Duane Helle and Ben Boukari, Jr. hand over a turkey and a quilt to City of Alachua employee John Stephenson.  Nearly all of the City of Alachua’s 110 plus employees gathered at the Hal Brady Recreation Complex on Thursday for a special luncheon.  An effort organized by Duane Helle and Alan Hitchcock, the get-together was their way of telling employees “thank you.”  Helle and Hitchcock were not alone however.  They were joined by a dozen other area residents and business people in serving up the feast which included prime rib, chicken, homemade green beans and dessert and a host of other sides.

As the employees enjoyed their meal, they also won various door prizes donated from area businesses and organizations.  The prizes included 40 turkeys, Alachua’s centennial quilts and dozens of gift cards to area restaurants and specialty shops.  Each employee walked away with a door prize and a smile.

Q_-_Irby_TG_Day_DSF2893REVISED

Bryan Boukari/Alachua County Today

Thanksgiving came two days early for kindergartners at Alachua’s Irby Elementary School.  Dressed in attire fit for Pilgrims and Indians, students in Mrs. Julie Bryan’s class geared up Tuesday for the Thanksgiving holiday with songs and holiday fare.  Youngsters were joined by parents and family members as they enjoyed a traditional feast of turkey, dressing and cranberry sauce.  The holiday dinner is an annual event at the school and reinforces history’s account of the first Thanksgiving when the Pilgrims and Indians of the Wampanoag tribe shared their food to celebrate a good harvest.

A city audit of electrical usages has revealed that some 1,500 street and security lights around Alachua are not connected to an electrical meter.

The audit, conducted by the city’s Public Works department, was focused on identifying security and street lighting that isn’t being billed to customers, but is being paid for by the City.

Completed in August, the audit identified 173 streetlights in the Turkey Creek neighborhood and 14 in Alachua Highlands/Shaw Farms neighborhoods.  While the vast majority of the 1,558 unmetered lights exist on public roads, those in Turkey Creek and Alachua Highlands/Shaw Farms are considered to be on private roadways because the maintenance of those streets is funded by those private developments.

Public Services Director Mike New said according to a City ordinance, bills for those 187 lights would be billed at $8.50 each to their respective developments beginning in January.  But commissioners quickly tossed that idea aside and scheduled a follow-up workshop in which they hope to meet with each of the neighborhoods in question to hash out a plan for dealing with the lights.

Noting that Turkey Creek had reportedly already adopted its 2011 budget, Commissioner Ben Boukari, Jr. said he wanted to see the City find a way to work with the neighborhoods.  Abruptly starting billing in January would be doing to them what Alachua County did to the City when it failed to adopt a long-discussed fire assessment fee earlier this year.

“I also understand if something is being used, it should be paid for,” Boukari said.

Commissioner Robert Wilford was also quick point out that little discussion about the issue had taken place in the public forum.  The Turkey Creek Master Owners Association Board met Nov. 17, but didn’t know anything about the issue until an e-mail from the City a day later.

Before making a motion to hold a workshop about the matter, Commissioner Gary Hardacre said, “It’s obvious all of us have some concerns.”

The issue drew a crowd as several residents and board members from all of the neighborhoods stepped forward Monday night.  Though largely appreciative that the commission postponed the January billing, they remained concerned with what would ultimately happen. 

Some residents of Turkey Creek referred to original development agreements as proof that their neighborhood was not supposed to pay recurring usage fees for the streetlights

It is anticipated that a workshop to discuss the street and security lights issue will not be scheduled before the end of 2010.

Q_-_NCCER_opening_RevisedBRYAN BOUKARI/Alachua County Today

L-R: Sid Martin Biotechnology Incubator Program Associate Director Patti Breedlove and Operations Manager Merrie Shaw and City of Alachua Mayor Gib Coerper joined NCCER President Don Whyte at a groundbreaking ceremony Monday afternoon.

Alachua’s Progress Corporate Park will soon be headquarters to the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER).  Affiliated with the University of Florida School of Building Construction, NCCER is a not-for-profit education foundation that was created by the construction industry to develop standardized curriculum and assessments with portable credentials and to help address the skilled construction workforce shortage. NCCER is recognized by the industry as the training, assessment, certification, and career development standard for the construction and maintenance craft professional.  The organization has been located in Gainesville since 1996.

At a groundbreaking ceremony Monday afternoon, NCCER officials, representatives from Progress Corporate Park and the City of Alachua came together at the site of the new facility to turn the earth, officially marking start of construction of the 31,000 square-foot building. The Haskell Company of Jacksonville is the design-build firm managing construction of the facility which will be designed to LEED silver certification, a national standard for high-performance green buildlings.

NCCER President Don Whyte was joined by Sid Martin Biotechnology Incubator Program Associate Director Patti Breedlove and Operations Manager Merrie Shaw, and City of Alachua Mayor Gib Coerper, City Manager Traci Cain and Commissioner Ben Boukari, Jr.

“NCCER is the leading workforce development organization for the construction and maintenance industry,” said Whyte.  “With the critical workforce challenges facing the industry as it moves from downturn to recovery, NCCER anticipates aggressive growth.”

Whyte estimates that the building will be operational in fall 2011 and will initially bring 40 jobs to the area, with 60 additional jobs to follow. “NCCER is pleased to be building a permanent home that will support the local economy and the city of Alachua,” said Whyte.  “We are excited about the opportunities as we continue to serve today’s craft professional and the industry for many years to come.”

Newberry city commissioners are scheduling a workshop to discuss whether they should make any exceptions to the law that farm animals are not allowed in neighborhoods.

The decision to hold a meeting to discuss the issue came about after Ron Dolbeck, a resident of Cottages of Country Way on SW 20th Avenue, pleaded with the commission to let him keep ducks in his yard, despite the fact that a neighbor had filed a complaint with code enforcement about them. Dolbeck, a father of three, has butterflies, rabbits, ducks and a pond in his back yard. He said that he keeps the animals for the children in the neighborhood to learn from and enjoy.

Dolbeck’s neighbor filed a complaint to code enforcement in October, stating that the ducks were noisy and causing a smell. The neighbor was invited to speak at the commission meeting on Monday evening, but did not attend. Dolbeck said that he has had the ducks for over a year and keeps his yard very tidy, cleaning the pond once a week.

“I don’t think that the rabbits and the ducks and the butterflies would be outside of the scope of what would be considered normal for where I live,” he said.

Commissioner Forte said that she didn’t see anything wrong with him having the ducks. City Manager Ashby also stood up for Dolbeck, saying that he was “taking his City Manager hat off for a minute to say that he doesn’t see an issue as a neighbor and a friend.” He described Dolbeck as a “pied piper of children in the neighborhood.” A letter that was written to the commission by Deborah Fulton, one of Dolbeck’s neighbors, attested that Dolbeck was a model neighbor.

“We truly enjoy visiting with him and these animals and have no concerns regarding cleanliness or violation of code. We think the pets add a lot to our neighborhood and strongly suggest that Ron be allowed to keep them,” she said.

Tripp Norfleet, whose family construction company built Cottages of Country Way, warned the commission to be careful with its decision. He said it would be hard to tell people that one thing is ok, but another is not. He also mentioned that residents might be worried about the animals decreasing their property value.

“If somebody spends that kind of money on a house, they would like to know that their investment is protected,” he said.

Commissioner Lawson pointed out that residents of other neighborhoods have complained about chickens, goats and potbellied pigs recently and that the code was enforced in those cases.

Lowell Garrett, city planner, said that he has noticed that the issue keeps coming up and recommended that the commission hold a workshop to discuss if there should be an exception for animals that are “more pets than farm animals.” The commission motioned to schedule a workshop and invited anyone in the community that wanted to speak out about the issue to attend. The date of the workshop will be advertised when it is selected.

The ducks will be allowed to stay for now. Action by code enforcement has been suspended pending the zoning change consideration.

 

Prior to the November election, four out of five members of the High Springs City Commission didn’t think Jim Drumm could handle the job as city manager.  And Acting City Manager Jenny Parham doesn’t want the job. The commission, including two newly elected commissioners, has now scheduled a special meeting for Tuesday, Nov. 30 at 3 p.m. at City Hall to discuss options.

The city, known for its small-town charm, has a chance at a fresh start.

Commissioners Sue Weller and Byran Williams spent much of their first meeting last Thursday rallying for community organizations, businesses and government to work with, rather than against, each other to improve the city.

But High Springs still needs a city manager, and the entire commission agreed it has to decide what to do about filling the position.

During the Nov. 18 regular meeting, new commissioner Sue Weller asked to add a new agenda item to discuss the city manager’s position. But before the meeting reached that item, a resident addressed the commission asking what had to be done to bring back Drumm.

Newly elected Mayor Larry Travis suggested, given the magnitude of the issue, they should hold a special meeting to address it properly.

Commissioners and city staff then determined the earliest date possible and even turned to the audience for approval before setting a time in the afternoon, which is usually avoided because it is within regular business hours when people are still at work. But no one objected.

Bruce Borders, an outspoken citizen who came to tears as he spoke against Drumm’s firing at a prior meeting, could be heard from the back of the room chanting “Do it now.”

Drumm was also in the audience but remained quiet.

He, like Borders and everyone else, will have to wait until next week to see if the commission will try to bring him back.

Virtually every industry and every neighborhood nationwide has felt the effects of the double-dip recession, and signs of a turn-around are still few and far between.

High Springs is no exception, but the city is hopeful. The local market can’t be fixed overnight, but a new referendum could give a much-needed leg up for business in the area.

Around the country, those who lost their jobs remain unemployed, and the lay-offs keep coming. Profits are a thing of the past, and the most many can hope for is just getting by in today’s economy.

The federal government, perhaps the most broke entity of all, has tried all sorts of stimulus tactics. Some have helped, but not enough.

In the November election, High Springs citizens voted in favor of authorizing the city government to grant ad valorem tax exemptions to qualified new and expanding businesses.

The referendum is designed as a tool for the city to use to offer an extra economic boost where it can, allowing the City Commission to offer tax breaks as incentive to attract new industry to High Springs and also to encourage growth and expansion for already established local companies.

At a Nov. 18 meeting, David Ramsey, senior director of economic development for the Council for Economic Outreach (CEO) at the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce, made recommendations for several minor revisions to the wording of the city ordinance instating the referendum.

The commission voted to adopt the ordinance with the recommended changes.

The CEO’s president and chief executive officer, Brent Christensen, told the commission it’s an exciting initiative for High Springs to have this new tool at its disposal.

High Springs is currently the only city in the area with this type of ordinance, making it that much more advantageous in the struggle to attract industry to the local area.

With the holidays upon us and millions of Americans hitting the roads, Alachua County Sheriff Sadie Darnell wants everyone to arrive safely at their destinations.  So, drivers and passengers be on the lookout, Alachua County Deputies will be out in force sending the strong message “Click It or Ticket.”

While seatbelt use is at a record high of 85 percent nationwide, 45 million Americans still fail to buckle up when they get in a motor vehicle.  According to statistics from the U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), on any given day about 38 passenger vehicle occupants who are not buckled up are killed in motor vehicle crashes.

Regular seat belt use is the single most effective way to protect people and reduce fatalities in motor vehicle crashes, according to NHTSA.  Research has shown that when lap and shoulder belts are used properly, the risk of fatal injury to front-seat passenger car occupants is reduced by 45 percent and the risk of moderate to serious injury is reduced by 50 percent. 

Patricia Ann Thigpin of Lake Butler, Fla., passed away on Saturday, November 20, 2010, at North Florida Regional Medical Center in Gainesville.  She was 77.

She was born on April 14, 1933, in Waco, Texas to Richard and Nora Yearwood.  She lived in Waco until the age of 7 when she and her mother moved to High Springs, Fla.

Her mother married William “Bill” Phifer. She lived in High Springs until she moved to Lake Butler, Fla. In the 1970s.

She was preceded in death by grandson, Wesley Clay Scott.

She is survived by her loving husband of over 35 years, William F. “Bill” Thigpin; three sons, James Brett (Carolyn) Waters of High Springs, Fla., William Bart (Tish) Waters of Alachua, Fla. and William F. “Billy” (Sheila) Thigpin of Keystone Heights; three daughters, Patricia Jayne (Jimmy) Buck of High Springs, Fla., Judy Thigpin of Gainesville, Fla., and Diane (Rowan) Thomas of Keystone Heights; 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren and many, many friends whom she deeply loved.

A memorial service will be held at a later date at the First Presbyterian Church of High Springs.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The First Presbyterian Church of High Springs Building Fund.

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

Esther Long of High Springs passed on Sunday, November 14, 2010.  She was 90.

She was born to the late Nathan Young and Lillie Bell Washington Young. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Long.

She is survived by her daughter, Lillie Jean Hammond of High Springs; brothers, Willie Young and Tom Young, both of LaCrosse; sisters, Ruby Lee Burkett and Bertha Canty, both of Gainesville; five grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild; a host of nieces; nephews; cousins; and friends.

The funeral service for Ms. Long will be held Sunday, November 21, 2010 at 13th Street Church of Christ at 3 p.m., Bro. Larry Darling officiating.

Viewing will be Sunday only at the church from 2-3 p.m.  Burial will follow in Damacus Cemetery.

Arrangement entrusted to A. Jerome Brown Funeral Home, 1560 NW 1st Avenue, High Springs, Fla.

Edna Beach Peterson, High Springs resident, passed away on Tuesday, November 16, 2010, at the North Florida Regional Medical Center.  She was 84.

She was retired from the U.S. Postal Service as a postal clerk, and a member of Northeast Church of Christ in High Springs.

She was preceded in death by her husband, M.E. “Gene” Peterson, and daughter, Sheila Peterson Emerson.

She is survived by one son, Mark (Cindy) Peterson; one daughter, Lori (Quinn) Presnell; one son-in-law, Wade Emerson; one brother, Doug Beach; one sister, Pat Anderson; and six grandchildren, Courtney Emerson, Ashley Peterson, Kyle Peterson, and fiancée, Jessica Hammond, Ivy (Jason) Barron, Jake Presnell and Ethan Presnell; one great-grandchild, Kristen Barron.

Visitation will be on Friday, November 19, 2010 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Evans-Carter Funeral Home.

Graveside service will be held on Saturday, November 20, 2010 at 11 a.m., at High Springs Cemetery with Mr. Mark Beans officiating.

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

Juanita M. Whiddon of Alachua passed away November 16, 2010 at North Florida Regional Medical Center in Gainesville. She was 79.

She was a member of Forest Grove Baptist Church in Alachua, and a bus driver for the Alachua County School System.

She is survived by two sons, Rudolph Watson and Ronnie Watson; daughters, Glenda W. Herrin, Shirley Smith and Charlotte Smith; one sister, Ellen Crenshaw; 17 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be on Thursday, November 18, 2010 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Forest Grove Baptist Church.

Funeral service will be on Friday, November 19, 2010 at 2 p.m. at the Forest Grove Baptist Church, with the Rev. Warren Chesser officiating.  Interment will be in Forest Grove Cemetery.

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

Othar G. Stanback, of High Springs, passed on Saturday, November 13, 2010. He was 91.

He was born to the late Walter Stanback and Suzanne Bradley Stanback in Mt. Gideon, North Carolina.

He served in the U S Army as a sergeant, a veteran of World War II, and he retired from the military and civil service.

Mr. Stanback was a member of St. James Myrtle United Methodist Church in El Paso, Texas.  Mr. Stanback moved to High Springs from Texas in February 2009.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Anna Stanback in May 2009.

Survived by his granddaughters and caregiver, Karen (Chad) Brown of High Springs, Kimberly Williams, and Brenda Williams; grandson, David Williams; sister, Evelyn Hill; great grandsons, Avery and Owen Brown.

Graveside services were held on Tuesday, November 16, 2010 in Pine Hill Cemetery, Minister Rodney Brown officiated.

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

lettersAs I get ready to begin my term as a School Board Member, I wanted to thank the citizens of Alachua County for voting to “get me on Board.”   I am humbled and honored by your show of support.  I would also like to thank my husband, Kevin, and sons, Stephen, Thomas and Andrew for being the best campaign manager and staff that a proud wife and mother could have asked for.  I will strive to do my best for all of the students in Alachua County.  I look forward to serving you as a member of the School Board.  Thank you again.

April Griffin

Alachua County School Board Member, District 1

 

Q---SanFelascoToned_DSF2805-copyThe opening ceremony for the San Felasco Conservation Corridor/Alachua phase nature trail was held Tuesday. Recent enhancements to the project site include a one-mile long nature trail, concession/restroom
facilities, scenic pond overlook and parking improvements.
Despite overcast rain clouds and windy weather, about 50 people came to the Tuesday morning celebration for the opening of San Felasco Conservation Corridor/Alachua phase nature trail.

The 24-acre corridor project, which began in 2002, creates a 10-mile wildlife corridor in northern Alachua County that will connect and protect over 25,000 acres of habitat.  Extending from the San Felasco Hammock State Park northward to the Santa Fe River, the corridor provides paths for wildlife to pass through leading to vital destinations such as rivers, wetlands and creeks.

The Alachua phase of the Corridor connects to the San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park near Progress Corporate Park in Alachua via conservation easements from the University of Florida Foundation, Innovation Partners, Ltd. and the Foundation for Environmental Research.  The recent enhancements to the project site include a one-mile long nature trail, concession/restroom facilities, scenic pond overlook and parking improvements.

Financial support for the enhancements came from the Florida Recreation Development & Assistance Program, Wild Spaces, Public Places funds and the City of Alachua.  The property was acquired by the City in 2004 with funding from the Florida Communities Trust program and the conservation easements provide integral connectivity to the San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park.  The new amenities to the site complement the existing baseball field.

The opening ceremony was held on site at J N “Preacher” Copeland Park & Progress Corporate Park. The short program included comments from Mayor Gib Coerper, Assistant City Manager Danielle J. Judd, and a guest speaker and environmental consultant Dr. David W. Hall.

“You are all friends of Alachua, friends of conservation, friends of recreation,” said Coerper to a crowd of city workers, conservationists and residents.

“We have been secretly conservative for a long time.”

The trail is approximately a mile long, allowing walkers to view Legacy Live Oak, Longleaf Flatwoods and a scenic pond overlook.

Assistant City Manager Judd played an important role in the creation of the trail.

“She walked the trail before there was a trail,” said Cain amidst laughs. “She assured me they have removed all the snakes.”

The City will continue improvements to the park over the coming years including the construction of a playground, picnic pavilion, interpretive signage and trailhead kiosk, among others

A citizen’s support group will be used for the maintenance of the trail, removing exotic plants and leading walking tours.

Environmentalist Dr. David Hall cited the open spaces as the most interesting aspect of the trail.  The spaces allow for walkers to see plants grow and for nature to occur from the ground up.

“I hope you enjoy the trail,” Hall said.  “Even though you may be using it as a respite from your normal lives, seeping into your consciousness is education.”

As Hall ended his short address, Commissioner Orien Hills was able to close the program just in time.  Nature took its course and it began to rain.

Q--Vets-DSC_0564Korean War Veteran Kirby Stewart and World War II Veteran Bob Gasche salute as Antoinette Hunt sings the
National Anthem Thursday afternoon at the High Springs Veterans Day event.

In 2008, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones spent upward of $1.3 billion to build a new stadium for his NFL team.  Meanwhile, the United States military struggled to provide soldiers fighting in the Middle East with the supplies and equipment they needed to survive.

Two years later, football stars are still being worshipped while American soldiers remain out of sight and out of mind.

The Event

Bob Barnas wanted to change that, so with the help of the Marine Corps League of Gainesville, he organized a Veterans Day event that took place last Thursday in High Springs, the city where he lives.

“It wasn’t as big as I would’ve liked,” he said, referring to the turnout, which he estimated was about 200 people.

But nonetheless he was pleased.

“You have to understand what vets do for this country…that people volunteer to defend this country,” Barnas said.

“They defend our right to be free and they deserve thanks.”

It was disappointing to him that High Springs City Hall didn’t post anything recognizing veterans on its marquee.

“[The city government of] High Springs just doesn’t get it.”

But he said when other vets thanked him for organizing the event last week, it gave him a sense of satisfaction that he had succeeded in his intentions to give local veterans the honor and recognition they deserve.

The Veterans

Steve Nolan was an Air Force officer embedded with army troops in Afghanistan after 9/11. He was one of the guest speakers at the High Springs event.            

Before making a statement that many in Alachua County would consider blasphemous, Nolan assured the crowd he was a football fan, and a Gators fanatic.

But then he told his audience, “Tim Tebow and Urban Meyer and Steve Spurrier are not heroes.”

A hero, he explained, is someone who risks his or her life for someone else. And America, he fears, has failed to understand that.

Nolan talked about a man he met in the airport when he first returned home. The man was aggravated and furious because his girlfriend’s flight was an hour late, and he announced this incredulously to Nolan expecting him to appreciate his frustration.

But Nolan was barely home and had just gotten word that one of his soldiers had been wounded and another killed— he refrained from responding to the man, but when he told the story his scorn for the stranger was evident.

During an interview after his speech, Nolan referenced Dallas’ multi-billion dollar football stadium as an example of questionable priorities.

For soldiers returning home, he said, “You turn on the TV and see Paris Hilton and think, ‘is America really interested in this?’”

“It’s really hard to adjust.”

Other speakers like World War II Marine Corps veteran Bob Gasche and Korean War veteran Kirby Stewart, recalled memories of battles and honoring fallen comrades who never returned home.

When Pete Herrick, a Naval reservist who served in Iraq after 9/11, spoke, he poked fun at himself and seemed to see a bright side to everything — even the wheelchair he now sits in, because he is paralyzed from the neck down.

In May 2004, only a month after being deployed to Iraq, Herrick was in Ramadi when his unit came under mortar fire.

He woke up six days later in a hospital in Bethesda, Md., and his first thought was “I’m home. I’m alright.” But he had shrapnel in his lung and his spinal cord, and one of his legs had to be amputated.

His wife, Diana, was there when he woke up, and she was with him as he spoke in High Springs. She laughed as he described joining the military as his first midlife crisis then told her to remove his hat to show everyone his second one: a freshly shaved Mohawk.

“All in all,” he said, “life is very good.”

Looking Ahead

In addition to the vets who spoke about their experiences, the day included food, a flyover by a World War II spotter plane and lots of music. A couple of local bands played, but Barnas thinks the musical highlight of the day was the show put on by the Santa Fe Raiders marching band.

He said he was glad that the people who came to the event enjoyed themselves, and next year he plans to do it bigger and better.

Word needs to get out to more people, he said, and he intends to be more proactive with fundraising now that he knows the full extent of costs.

Q---Memorial-Brick-COAL-R:  Adam Boukari and Jim Yakubsin lay bricks as part of the more than 100 engraved bricks being placed around a veterans memorial at Alachua City Hall recently.

The four by eight inch laser-engraved red brick pavers are part of a fundraiser to help fund the cost of a building for Gator Detachment 990 of the Marine Corps League.  The sandstone colored bricks are being placed in honor of veterans from Alachua County who made the ultimate sacrifice in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

With some 4,000 available brick spaces in front of City Hall, more than 100 have already been reserved and placed. 

Memorial bricks can be purchased through the Marine Corps League’s Gator Detachment at a cost of $110.  Each brick comes with a miniature replica for keepsake.

Anyone wishing to honor or memorialize a veteran through the brick paver program may do so by visiting the Gator Detachment Website at www.gatordet.com or by calling Jim Yakubsin at 386-462-0493.

A formal ceremony for placement of the bricks is expected to be scheduled in the next several months.

Hawthorne’s budget remained a contentious issue Thursday when the city held a special meeting to discuss how to resolve an imbalance in revenues and expenditures.

Originally adopted by a 3-to-2 vote of the Hawthorne City Commission in September, accounting errors amounting for up to a third of the budget have since been discovered.

Commissioners Deloris Roberts and William Carlton both voted against the budget.  But by the Nov. 11 special meeting, many more people had stepped forward to call into question the integrity of the adopted budget.

Assuring citizens that he wasn’t done reviewing the finances of the city, Commissioner Matthew Surrency went line by line through the budget Thursday night.

“I’m not saying we’re adopting this [the budget], we’re here tonight to ask questions,” Surrency said.

Changes were made across the board, most notably to reduce and account for the $329,000 blunder in which funds from utilities were shown as transfers into several departments but never taken out of the utility departments. 

But even after the lengthy meeting Thursday, the budget was still not ready for passage as there remained some accounting errors, disagreement on how the money would be spent and because it was not fully balanced.

The proposed budget provided at Thursday’s special meeting showed general fund sources to be $1,077,244. The appropriations, or expenditures, from that fund were $1,186,936, leaving a deficit of $109,691.

Commissioners all agreed that until the issues with the revised budget were resolved, they did not want to pass it.

While discussions ensued about how money was being spent in several areas of the budget, concerns seemed to be focused on the Parks and Recreation department. Surrency pointed out that the budgeted expenditure on utilities for Parks and Recreation seemed to be overestimated, putting at least that department in a deficit.

Citizens were also worried that some numbers were only estimates without any rationale or basis.

“There are no absolutes when it comes to revenue like this,” City Manager Ed Smyth said.

Several citizens in attendance vocalized their concerns, not only about the mistakes in the budget, but also because no copies of the latest proposed budget had been provided. There was also no copy of the budget online.  Only after residents complained at the meeting were copies of the budget provided.

Other citizens said they were shocked at the mismanagement of the budget.

“This makes us look like idiots,” Cheryl Elmore said.

Other residents at the meeting even called for the resignation of the city manager.

“You would fire someone that put out a piece of paper like this, wouldn’t you?” Lois Snowden, a concerned resident demanded. “It just doesn’t make sense that [the city manager is] getting away with this.”

Ray Daniel, the man who first caught the budgeting errors, said he agreed. Daniel said the commission needs to find another city manager who can solve these issues if the current manager cannot.

The meeting, which began at 6 p.m., lasted until shortly after10 p.m. as each commissioner sought answers for their questions surrounding the budget.

“The truth needs to be told on all these matters,” Commissioner Roberts said.

Q---ROBBERYSurveillance photo taken from video by a CVS security camera caught the robbery in progress.

Police don’t have any new leads on the man who robbed a High Springs drugstore Nov. 13.

A clerk at the CVS at 110 NW Santa Fe Boulevard called 911 around 5:30 p.m. to report the robbery.

According to the High Springs Police Department (HSPD), a man had approached the counter after walking around the store for several minutes, and he paid for a small candy item. Then he handed the clerk a note saying not to scream and that he had a gun.

The robber demanded cash from the register drawer and then ran from the store after pocketing an undisclosed amount of money.

The gun he claimed to have was never seen, and no one was hurt.

HSPD described the suspect as a white male in his mid to late twenties.  The robbery was caught on video by a CVS security camera.

The robber is estimated to be about 5’10 and between 165 and 185 lbs. He was wearing long jean shorts, a dark-colored Harry Potter T-shirt, running shoes and a grey Nike ball cap. He had a mustache and goatee.

HSPD Chief Jim Troiano said there were other customers in the store during the robbery who served as witnesses.  Troiano said the video is excellent and could potentially help catch the suspect.

The clerk did the right thing, he said, by giving the man the money and then calling police. She did exactly what law enforcement teaches as the proper response for most cases.

Troiano asked for anyone with any information about the case to please come forward. They can contact the HSPD at 386-454-1415, or remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 352-372-7867 (STOP). Callers are eligible to receive a reward up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest.

Volunteers locked out 

Recreation was center stage at Hawthorne’s commission meeting Tuesday as parents, volunteers and residents packed the chambers at City Hall to take issue with City Manager Ed Smyth’s treatment of volunteers during the weekend of Nov. 6.

In preparation for a county-wide soccer tournament to be held in Hawthorne, volunteers of Hawthorne Youth Sports (HYS) painted lines and performed maintenance on the city’s recreation fields. As sunlight began fading, volunteers reportedly called City Manager Ed Smyth to have the lights turned on at the fields. But after several calls to Smyth, the volunteers say they were told the lights could not be turned on due to financial reasons.

Heather Surrency, a member of HYS, reportedly went to City Hall to retrieve keys to the lights, but Smyth took them from her. Volunteers claim that Smyth told them the soccer tournament may have to be cancelled if the work on the fields was not finished.

Eventually, someone cut the locks although the identity of that person was not revealed. The soccer tournament went on as planned.

During the meeting, residents asked Smyth why the lights could not be turned on, and several residents addressed the commission asking for more cooperation.

“I implore you to do everything in your power to make it easier for volunteers,” said Cheryl Elmore.

In response, the commission unanimously voted not to take any action against the individual who cut the locks, and agreed to meet later to work on a contract with HYS.

Heather Surrency provided a presentation outlining the benefits of HYS and volunteers in general. She said that volunteers believed there was a mutual understanding that HYS would manage programming while the city maintained the grounds.

“The city manager wants us to pay to volunteer,” Surrency said. “He wants to charge volunteers to pay for the use of the fields.”

Commissioner Matthew Surrency said he wanted the city to officially recognize HYS as the programmer for youth sports and eventually get a written agreement with the group.

Surrency suggested that Parks and Recreation Manager Samuel Wynkoop be on the HYS board, but focused on aspects other than programming.

“We need to stretch our abilities,” he said.

Heather Surrency estimated that the city saved about $22,000 per year by utilizing the HYS.

She was also concerned that both HYS and the city scheduled a basketball league, potentially dividing the city.  But not everyone agreed with Surrency and HYS.

Wayne Thomas, a member of the Parks and Recreation advisory board, advocated for the city manager. He expressed concerns over HYS and inclusion of a cross-section of the community, mentioning that no African-Americans were on the HYS board.

“The main issue we’re having tonight is communication and inclusion,” Thomas said.

Hal Brady, Alachua Recreation Director, came to the meeting to stress the importance of volunteers within the parks and recreation department. He was impressed by the amount of support the department was receiving.

“For a very small town, you have a great group,” Brady said.

The commission decided that for the time being they would suspend the city basketball league and give HYS full control over basketball programming. Concerning other sports and a more formalized agreement between the city and HYS, the commission decided that a special meeting would need to be scheduled to cover the details.

Many of the parents and volunteers attending the meeting said they hoped the issue doesn’t get swept under the rug.

“I think we deserve some attention,” Linda Raye, a parent volunteer said.

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Cucumbers, Florida Broccoli & Cauliflower, Acre Peas, Butter Beans, Bell Peppers, Shelled Pecans, Local Yellow Squash & Zucchini, Cabbage, Local Honey, Brown Eggs, Foothills Butter, Fresh Local Silver Queen Corn, Amish Jellies and Jams, N. Carolina Apples & Apple Cider.

Now accepting MasterCard, Visa, Discover, Debit/Credit.

 

Call 386-462-6158

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

Single source dispatch. Daily or Weekly Pay. Dry Van and Refrigerated. Great benefits. CDL-A, 6 months recent experience. (800)414-9569 . www.driveknight.com

Driver - Steady Miles. NEW PAY PACKAGE!

to become a District Manager. Life/Health license is required. Substantial earnings potential. Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (904)424-5697

Colonial Life seeks entrepreneurial professional with sales experience

Start up to .42 cpm Sign on Bonus Available Great Benefits!! Great Hometime!! OTR Experience Req’d. No felonies Lease Purchase Available (800)441-4271 X FL-100

Drivers Hornady Transportation Miles Money & Home Time!

Cash paid for junk cars. $150 and up. Running or not. Free pick up. 352-771-6191

BARE International licensed 23 years. Fees start at $10/hr. Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (703)995-3106  or (800)296-6699 ext. 3106

Evaluators needed for market research projects.

OTR positions available NOW! CDL-A w/ Tanker REQ'D. Outstanding pay & Benefits! Call a recruiter TODAY! (877)484-3042 www.oakleytransport.com

Drivers - FOOD TANKER DRIVERS NEEDED

34-40 cpm. Excellent Benefits Need CDL-A & 3 mos recent OTR. (877)258-8782 www.meltontruck.com

ASAP! New Pay Increase!

Most earn $50K-$100K or more. Call our branch office at (866)896-1555 . Ask for Dennis Mayfield or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Visit www.insphereis-pensacola.com.

INSURANCE REPRESENTATIVE NEEDED.

SERVICES OFFERED

FINANCIAL

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

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Cash for your structured settlement or annuity payments. Call J.G. Wentworth. 1-866-SETTLEMENT (1-866-738-8536 Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau.

CASH NOW!

ADOPTIONS

A successful, financially secure, married couple seeks to adopt. Will be full-time mom & devoted dad. Expenses paid. Call Mindy & Rich. (ask for michelle/adam). (800)790-5260 . FL Bar# 0150789

Are you pregnant?

FARM & LIVESTOCK

Hay For Sale

Fertilized Coastal Bermuda, barn stored, large round rolls, excellent quality. $45 per roll. Cow hay $30 per roll. 352-215-1018

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

Waterfront Property

Riverfront-Divided View full details online! CertifiedLandAuction.com (800)711-9175 Certified Real Estate AUC-002792, GAL3046 10% Buyer's Premium

1267ac LAND AUCTION November 26th

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

Apartments For Rent

High Springs waterfront apartment in quiet, safe area next to river and state park. Great kayaking, hiking, close to town. 352-318-4602 leave a message.

 

Alachua Villas Apartments 2 Bedroom Apt. Starting at $494/mo. Available NOW! Call 386-462-5832 TDD# 1-800-955-8771 “This institution is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.”

MERCHANDISE

Guns & Rifles

GUN SHOW

 

Newberry American Legion Sat. Nov 20 9a.m.-5p.m., Sun. Nov. 21 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. GunTraders is now buying GOLD. Concealed Weapons Classes Daily. Bring your GUNS and GOLD to sell or trade. Located 26821 W. Newberry Rd.

 

www.GunTraderGunShows .com. 352-339-4780

Health/Beauty

40 Pills + 4 FREE for only $99. #1 Male Enhancement, Discreet Shipping. Save $500 Buy The Blue Pill Now! (888)777-9242

VIAGRA 100MG and CIALIS 20mg!!

For Sale

Solid Wood, never used, brand new in factory boxes. English Dovetail. Original cost $4500. Sell for $895. Can deliver. Call Tom (813)600-3653

CHERRY BEDROOM SET.

Miscellaneous

*Medical, *Business, *Paralegal, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV certified. Call (877)206-5165 , www.Centura.us.com

ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE from Home.

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

AIRLINES ARE HIRING

WANTED TO BUY

Cash paid for junk cars. $150 and up. Running or not. Free pick up. 352-771-6191

Auctions

and several artworks with no reserve! Chagall, Picasso, Dali, Miro, Max, Neiman, Tarkay, Maimon, Pino, Agam, Gockel and more! FREE food, drinks and raffle prizes BATERBYS ART AUCTION GALLERY - ORLANDO, Saturday, November 20 - 4pm Preview, 5pm Auction - 9101 International Dr., Unit 1008, Orlando, FL 32819. RSVP at www.baterbys.com or call (866) 537-1004 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. AB#2746 AU#3750

ART AUCTION TO BENEFIT CHILDREN'S CHARITY - NO BUYER'S PREMIUM

online bidding/live www.abalauction.com 3BD/2BA SF Home, Leon County (850)510-2501 Abal Auction Real Estate AB2387 AU3239

Absolute Real Estate Auction


To Place a Classified Call 386-462-3355.

 

 

columnGuest Column by Rodney Barreto, Chairman
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 

Barreto_small_BioHunting season is here again, and that means we’ll likely see reports of people shooting each other, shooting themselves or falling out of tree stands. This is not slapstick. It is a tragedy, because unfortunate incidents such as these are preventable.

Law enforcement first investigates hunting-related fatalities as homicides, not accidents. A hunting fatality last fall was no different. A man aimed and pulled the trigger. He thought it was a deer coming out of the brush, but it was a human. Police determined the incident was not a criminal homicide, so no charges were filed.

One of the 10 Commandments of Gun Safety:

§  Always identify your target before touching the trigger.

The victim, by the way, wasn’t wearing hunter orange. It wasn’t required on private land, but still …

          Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) law enforcement officers respond to all kinds of preventable hunting incidents, which is why hunter safety courses are so important.

Hunters seeking white-tailed deer are involved in the most hunting incidents, because this is the most-sought species.

By age, the biggest group of shooters written up in incident reports consists of seasoned, 40-49 year-olds (25 percent in two recent years). Statistics show a clear problem with careless handling of firearms, including dropping them.

In 2008-2009, seven hunters wounded themselves. A hunter walking through the woods with a loaded rifle slipped as he tried to cross a rain-swollen ditch and shot his foot when his rifle discharged. Another incident involved a man in a party of three hunters and 25 hunting dogs who was trying to catch a runaway dog and was shot by his own shotgun. He laid it down before the chase, but another dog stepped on the trigger, and the shotgun went off. Buckshot struck the man’s hand, as well as one of the dogs.

Here’s a troubling statistic. In addition to eight hunting incidents involving firearms last year, there were four that involved falls from tree stands. All four reports state, “The hunter was not using a Fall-Arrest System/Full Body Harness.” Unfortunately, one incident was fatal.

The first victim was an archery hunter. The 33-year-old was setting up a ladder stand and adjusting the strap when the stand tilted; he fell 17 feet and broke his leg.

Also last fall, the strap holding a hunter’s climbing stand broke, and he fell 25 feet, broke an ankle and had to hobble for three hours to get help.

Another hunter climbed to the top rung of her stand ladder and grabbed something to pull herself up. It gave, and she fell, landing flat on her back. She was airlifted from the woods for treatment.

If a tree stand isn’t properly secured to a tree, hunters can fall to their death, as happened in the fourth tree stand incident.

Despite these tragedies, the good news is that education is paying off. According to the FWC’s 2009-2010 Florida Hunting Incident Report, the number of hunting incidents and fatalities per 100,000 hunting licenses generally decreased from 1980 to 2010 – the decreases showing up after mandatory hunter education began in 1991 for everyone 16 years old or older and born after May 31, 1975.

Hunting safely pays. Follow these other commandments when handling firearms or standing near someone handling them:

§  Always point the gun in a safe direction.

§  Presume every firearm is loaded.

§  Unload firearms when not in use.

§  Never point a gun at anything you don’t want to shoot. This includes never using the scope as a pair of binoculars.

§  Don’t climb a fence or tree or jump a ditch with a loaded gun.

§  Never shoot at a flat, hard surface or water. Bullets ricochet.

§  Make sure the barrel and action are clear of obstructions.

§  Store firearms and ammunition separately and safely.

§  Don’t use alcohol or mood-altering drugs before or during hunting.

Accidents do happen. However, many hunting accidents could have been avoided if the shooter followed the 10 Commandments of Gun Safety.  Everyone should follow these rules. For more information, go to MyFWC.com/HunterSafety

A Putnam County man known for poaching deer has lost his privilege to hunt in Florida, and dozens of other states, for life.

John "Jay" Frederick Badger Jr. (DOB 07/20/70) of 412 Silver Lake Road, Palatka, pled guilty Oct. 7 to poaching and other charges filed against him last February by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) law enforcement officers.

Putnam County Judge Terry J. Larue found Badger guilty of both felony and misdemeanor violations - including armed trespass, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, taking deer during closed season, taking deer at night with gun and light, petty theft and driving while license is cancelled, suspended or revoked.

As part of his sentence, Badger will begin a six-month stay in the Putnam County Jail Nov. 5. After that, he will serve one year of house arrest, followed by three years on probation. He is also required to successfully complete six months of parenting classes, and he has forfeited to the FWC his guns and contraband, including his mounted heads of illegally killed deer. He also must pay about $500 in court-related costs.

During his court appearance, Badger was advised that the maximum penalty for his convictions is 10 years in state prison and a $10,000 fine, which his sentence will revert to if he violates the terms of his probation.

But the worst of it for Badger may be that the judge permanently suspended his privilege to hunt. Not only did he lose that privilege in Florida, but also in the dozens of other states that hold cooperative agreements for convicted poachers.

"This arrest and subsequent conviction of a well-known Putnam County poacher should send a strong message to other poachers of Putnam County: 'We are not playing,'" said FWC Officer Troy Starling.

Badger landed in the Putnam County Jail Feb. 26, charged with 17 felonies and misdemeanors for violations that occurred on Plum Creek Timber Co. property in Hollister, in his yard under a streetlight when he lived in Interlachen, and on public roads.

For several months prior to arresting Badger, Starling had been investigating the man, based on information about a deer he had killed illegally and had in his possession. At the same time, fellow FWC officers in Putnam County were using video surveillance equipment to watch Badger illegally accessing private property without permission, with a firearm, and using his 13-year-old-son as a lookout and driver.

With the help of the surveillance equipment, Capt. Gregg Eason finally apprehended Badger at night on Dec. 17, 2009, while Badger was leaving the Plum Creek Timber Co. property. Badger had his son with him and was driving without lights to avoid detection. Eason happened to be nearby and was able to respond quickly when he got a call that Badger was there.

As Badger left the property, Eason slipped in behind him with no lights. When Badger stopped at a stop sign, Eason turned on his lights, including the blue ones.

"It was one of those moments poachers dread," said Eason.

"Before the night was over, Badger confessed his crimes and, two months later, turned himself in to Starling, who booked him into the Putnam County Jail."

Previously, Badger was arrested by FWC officers and convicted in Putnam County in 1995 for attempting to take deer in a closed season, and again in 2003 for possession of doe deer.

Anyone with information about illegal fishing, hunting or other law violations involving fish and wildlife should call the FWC's Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922 right away. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward if their information leads to an arrest. The hotline is open 24 hours a day.

 

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO. 2010 CP-1267 IN RE: ESTATE OF Willie B. Manghram, Jr. deceased. __________/

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

 

The administration of the estate of Willie B. Manghram, Jr., deceased, Case Number 2010CP-1267, is pending in the Circuit Court for Alachua County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is J.K. "Buddy" Irby, Clerk of the Court, P.O. Box 600, Gainesville, FL 32602-0600. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the 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 has been served must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE TIME OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against the decedent's estate, must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is October 14, 2010. MICHAEL H. WILLISON, P.A. Michael H. Willison, Esquire 114 S. Lake Avenue Lakeland, Florida 33801 (863) 687-0567 Florida Bar No. 382787 Attorney for Personal Representative Beverly Manghram Personal Representative Addres: 7508 NW 181st Terrace Alachua, FL 32615

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - October 14 and 21, 2010)

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO: 2010-CA-002984 SUNTRUST BANK, a Georgia state chartered bank, Plaintiff, v. JOHN M. CURTIS, individually and GAIL W. CURTIS, individually, jointly and severally, and ALACHUA GATEWAY CENTER SURFACEWATER MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION, INC., a Florida non-profit corporation, Defendants. __________/

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, the Clerk of the Circuit Court for Alachua County, Fiorida, under and pursuant to the Final Summary Judgment in Favor of SunTrust Bank, a Georgia state chartered bank, heretofore entered on the 27th day of September, 2010, in that certain cause pending in the Circuit Court of the Eighth Judicial Circuit, in and for Alachua County, Florida, being Civil Action No. 2010-CA-002984, in which SUNTRUST BANK, a Georgia state chartered bank ("SunTrust") is the Plaintiff and JOHN M. CURTIS, individually ("John") and GAIL W. CURTIS, individually ("Gail"), jointly and severally, and ALACHUA GATEWAY CENTER SURFACEWATER MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION, INC., a Florida non-profit corporation ("Alachua Gateway") are the Defendants and under and pursuant to the terms of the said Final Summary Judgment in Favor of SunTrust will offer for sale at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for cash, in the lobby of the Alachua County/Family Justice Center, 201 E. University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32601, on the 29th day of October, 2010, at the hour of 11 :00 a.m. in the morning, the same being a legal sales day and the hour a legal hour of sale, the real and personal property situated in Alachua County, Florida and legally described as follows:

NOTICE OF SALE ON AMENDED COMPLAINT

 

 

A PORTION OF SECTION 9, TOWNSHIP 8 SOUTH, RANGE 18 EAST, ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA; BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCE AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF SECTION 9, TOWNSHIP 8 SOUTH, RANGE 18 EAST, ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA, AND RUN THENCE SOUTH 01°49'00" EAST, ALONG THE WEST BOUNDARY OF SAID SECTION, 1576.08 FEET; THENCE NORTH 88°33'13" EAST, 1300.20 FEET TO THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF THAT CERTAIN TRACT OF LAND AS DESCRIBED IN OFFICIAL RECORDS BOOK 503, PAGE 107 OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA; THENCE SOUTH 01°49'00" EAST, ALONG THE WEST LINE OF SAID CERTAIN TRACT OF LAND, 1347.44 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE CONTINUE SOUTH 01°49'00" EAST, ALONG SAID WEST LINE, 1000.00 FEET TO A POINT ON THE NORTHERLY RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE OF U.S. HIGHWAY NO. 441 (STATE ROAD NOS. 20 AND 25, 200' R/W); THENCE SOUTH 79°06'59" EAST, ALONG SAID RIGHT-Of-WAY LINE, 1279.84 FEET TO A POINT ON THE EAST LINE OF THAT CERTAIN TRACT OF LAND AS DESCRIBED IN OFFICIAL RECORDS BOOK 27, PAGE 296, ET SEQ., OF SAID PUBLIC RECORDS; THENCE NORTH 03°06'22" WEST, ALONG SAID EAST LINE, 1000.00 FEET; THENCE NORTH 78°52'47" WEST, 1257.95 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. LESS AND EXCEPT: A PORTION OF SECTION 9, TOWNSHIP 8 SOUTH, RANGE 18 EAST, ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA; BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCE AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF SECTION 9, TOWNSHIP 8 SOUTH, RANGE 18 EAST, ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA, AND RUN THENCE SOUTH 01°49'00" EAST, ALONG THE WEST BOUNDARY OF SAID SECTION, 1576.08 FEET; THENCE NORTH 88°33'13" EAST, 1300.20 FEET TO THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF THAT CERTAIN TRACT OF LAND AS DESCRIBED IN OFFICIAL RECORDS BOOK 503, PAGE 107 OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA; THENCE SOUTH 01°49'00" EAST, ALONG THE WEST LINE OF SAID CERTAIN TRACT OF LAND, 2347.44 FEET TO A POINT ON THE NORTHERLY RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE OF U.S. HIGHWAY NO. 441 (STATE ROAD NOS. 20 AND 25, 200' R/W); THENCE SOUTH 79°06'59" EAST, ALONG SAID RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE, 1022.19 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE CONTINUE SOUTH 79°06'59" EAST, ALONG SAID RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE, 257.64 FEET TO A POINT ON THE EAST LINE OF THAT CERTAIN TRACT OF LAND AS DESCRIBED IN OFFICIAL RECORDS BOOK 27, PAGE 296, ET SEQ., OF SAID PUBLIC RECORDS; THENCE NORTH 03°06'22" WEST, ALONG SAID EAST LINE, 260.82 FEET; THENCE NORTH 73°45'-46" WEST, 264.96 FEET, THENCE SOUTH 03°06'22" EAST, PARALLEL WITH SAID EAST LINE, 286.30 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. Together with all improvements, tenements, hereditaments and appurtenances pertaining thereto.

Real Property

 

 

Personal Property

 

a. Improvements. All buildings, structures, betterments, and other Improvements of any nature now or hereafter situated in whole or in part upon the lands in Alachua County, Florida, described on Exhibit "B" attached hereto (the "Land") regardless of whether physically affixed thereto or severed or capable of severance therefrom (the "Improvements"). b. Appurtenances. The benefit of all easements and other rights of any nature whatsoever appurtenant to the Land, the Improvements, or the use made or operations conducted upon the Land, and all rights of way, streets, alleys, passages, drainage rights, sewer rights, water rights and rights of ingress and egress to the Land, and all adjoining property, whether now existing or hereafter arising, together with the reversion or reversions, remainder or remainders, rents, issues, incomes, and profits of any of the foregoing. c. Tangible Property. All of Debtor's interest in all fixtures, equipment and tangible personal property of any nature whatsoever now or hereafter (i) attached or affixed to the Land or the Improvements, or both, regardless of whether physically affixed thereto or severed or capable of severance therefrom or (ii) regardless of where situated, used, usable, or intended to be used in connection with any present or future use or operation of or upon the Land. The foregoing includes all heating, air conditioning, lighting, incinerating, and power equipment; all engines, compressors, pipes, pumps, tanks, wells, water mains, laterals, manholes, motors, conduits, wiring, and switchboards; all plumbing, lifting, cleaning, fire prevention, fire extinguishing, refrigerating, ventilating, and communications apparatus; all boilers, furnaces, oil burners, vacuum cleaning systems, elevators, and escalators; all stoves, ovens, ranges, disposal units, dishwashers, water heaters, exhaust systems, refrigerators, cabinets, and partitions; all rugs and carpets; all laundry equipment; all building materials, all furniture, furnishings, office equipment, and office supplies (including stationery, letterheads, billheads, and items of a similar nature); and all additions, accessions, renewals, replacements, and substitutions of any or all of the foregoing (the "Tangible Property"). d. Income. All rents, issues, incomes, and profits in any manner arising from the Land, Improvements, or Tangible Property, or any combination, including Debtor's interest in and to all leases, licenses, franchises, and concessions of, or relating to, all or any portion of the Land, Improvements or Tangible Property, whether now existing or hereafter made, including all amendments, modifications, replacements, substitutions, extensions, renewals, or consolidations. The foregoing items are jointly and severally called the "Rents" in this instrument. e. Proceeds. All proceeds of the conversion, voluntary or involuntary, of any of the property described in this paragraph into cash or other liquidated claims, or that are otherwise payable for injury to, or the taking or requisitioning of, any such property, including all insurance and condemnation proceeds. f. Contract Rights. All of Debtor's right, title and interest in and to any and all contracts, written or oral, express or implied, now existing or hereafter entered into or arising, in any manner related to the Improvements, use, operation, sale, conversion, or other disposition of any interest in the Land, Improvements, Tangible Property, or the Rents, or any combination, including any and all deposits, prepaid Items, and payments due and to become due thereunder, and including construction contracts, service contracts, advertising contracts, purchase orders, and equipment leases. g. Other Intangibles. All contract rights, accounts, instruments and general intangibles, as such terms from time to time are defined in the Florida Uniform Commercial Code, in any manner related to the use, operation, sale, conversion, or other disposition (voluntary or involuntary) of the Land, Improvements, Tangible Property, or Rents including all permits, licenses, insurance policies, rights of action and other choses in action. h. Secondary Financing. All of Debtor's rights, power or privilege to further encumber any of the property described in this paragraph by debt. i. Construction Documents. The foregoing types of property include specifically all of the following: all contracts, plans and documents that concern the design and construction of the Improvements, including plans and specifications, drawings and architectural and/or engineering contracts, and construction contracts, together with all amendments, revisions, modifications and supplements. j. Other. Specifically included and not by way of limitation, the following is included in the definitions of Improvement, Contract Rights and Other Intangibles as set forth herein, to-wit: The Property aforesaid is being sold to satisfy SunTrust's claims under said Judgment. IF YOU ARE A PERSON CLAIMING A RIGHT TO FUNDS REMAINING AFTER THE SALE, YOU MUST FILE A CLAIM WITH THE CLERK NO LATER THAN 60 DAYS AFTER THE SALE. IF YOU FAIL TO FILE A CLAIM, YOU WILL NOT BE ENTITLED TO ANY REMAINING FUNDS. AFTER 60 DAYS, ONLY THE OWNER OF RECORD AS OF THE DATE OF THE LIS PENDENS MAY CLAIM THE SURPLUS. DATED this 7th day of October, 2010. J.K. "Buddy" Irby Clerk of the Circuit Court Alachua County, Florida By: /s/ Erika Powell Deputy Clerk

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - October 14 and 21, 2010)

CODE ENFORCEMENT Services  

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

 

The City of Hawthorne is seeking written proposals to provide contract code enforcement services. Term and compensation are negotiable --pending approval by City Commission.

 

RFP Package available at City Hall, 6700 SE 221st Street, between 8 a.m. & 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Also available at the City Web Site: www.cityofhawthorne.net. Call 352-481-2432  with questions.

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - October 14, 2010)

CASE NO.: 01-10-CA-2954 DIVISION: J REGIONS BANK, an Alabama banking corporation, Plaintiff, v. 235A PARTNERS, LLC, a Florida limited liability company, MICHAEL D. MESIANO, an individual, KEVIN L. TROUP, an individual, WILLIAM T. PYBURN, III, an individual, LAWRENCE R. TOWERS, an individual, and WARROOM PARTNERS, LLC, a Florida limited liability company, Defendants. ___________/

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT, EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA

NOTICE OF SALE

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to the Consent Final Judgment rendered on September 30, 2010, in that certain cause pending in the Circuit Court in and for Alachua County, Florida, wherein REGIONS BANK, an Alabama banking corporation, is plaintiff, and 235A PARTNERS, LLC, a Florida limited liability company, MICHAEL D. MESIANO, an individual, KEVIN L. TROUP, an individual, WILLIAM T. PYBURN, III, an individual, LAWRENCE R. TOWERS, an individual, and WARROOM PARTNERS, LLC, a Florida limited liability company, are defendants, in Civil Action Cause No. 01-10-CA-2954, J. K. "Buddy" Irby, Clerk of the aforesaid Court, will at 11:00 a.m., on November 2, 2010, offer for sale and sell to the highest and best bidder for cash in the lobby of the Alachua County Family/Civil Justice Center, 201 East University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida, the following described real property and personal property, situate and being in Alachua County, Florida to-wit: REAL PROPERTY DESCRIPTION:

SEE ATTACHED EXHIBIT A

 

PERSONAL PROPERTY DESCRIPTION:

SEE ATTACHED EXHIBIT B

 

Said sale will be made pursuant to and in order to satisfy the terms of said Consent Final Judgment. IF YOU ARE A PERSON CLAIMING A RIGHT TO FUNDS REMAINING AFTER THE SALE, YOU MUST FILE A CLAIM WITH THE CLERK NO LATER THAN 60 DAYS AFTER THE SALE. IF YOU FAIL TO FILE A CLAIM, YOU WILL NOT BE ENTITLED TO ANY REMAINING FUNDS. AFTER 60 DAYS, ONLY THE OWNER OF RECORD AS OF THE DATE OF THE LIS PENDENS MAY CLAIM THE SURPLUS. DATED this 11th day of October, 2010.

 

J. K. "BUDDY" IRBY

 

CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT By: /s/ Erika Powell Deputy Clerk

 

Attorneys for Plaintiff: Andrew M. Sodl Florida Bar Number: 0906891 Akerman Senterfitt 50 North Laura St., Suite 2500 Jacksonville, FL 32202 Telephone: (904) 798-3700

 

Facsimile: (904) 798-3730 Exhibit A

 

The Real Property

 

A tract of land situated in Sections 8 and 17, Township 8 South, Range 18 East, Alachua County, Florida, being more particularly described as follows: Commence at the Southeast corner of Section 8, being the Northeast corner of Section 17, Township 8 South, Range 18 East, and run S. 87°26'55"W., along the section line, a distance of 50.01 feet to the West right of way line of County Road No. 235-A (100 foot right of way) and the Point of Beginning; thence run S.01°45'18"E., along said right of way line, a distance of 571.16 feet to the North right of way line of the former Seaboard Coastline Railroad; thence run S.57°03'28"W., along said North right of way line, a distance of 1074.22 feet; thence run N.01°54'18"W., parallel with and one foot West of the West right of way line of the 20 foot wide American Telephone and Telegraph Company easement as described in Official Records Book 415, page 139 of the Public Records of Alachua County, Florida, a distance of 1114.62 feet to the South line of said Section 8; thence run S.87°26'55"W., along said South line, a distance of 360.41 feet; thence run N.01°54'18"W., a distance of 611.28 feet to the Southwest corner of the lands described in Official Records Book 2918, page 1475 of the Public Records; thence run N.87°27'04"E., along the South line of said lands, and along the South line of the lands described in Official Records Book 2241, page 1384 of said Public Records, a distance of 1283.53 feet to the aforementioned West right of way line of County Road No. 235-A; thence run S.01°47'55"E., along said right of way line, a distance of 611.24 feet to the Point of Beginning.

The Personal Property

Exhibit B

 

1. All buildings, structures, and other improvements now or hereafter located on the Real Property more particularly described on Exhibit A hereto and by this reference incorporated herein, or any part thereof (the “Real Property”); together with All rights-of-way, streets, alleys, passages, riparian and littoral rights, waters, water courses, sewer rights, rights, liberties, privileges, tenements, hereditaments, easements, and appurtenances thereunto belonging or in anyway appertaining, whether now owned or hereafter acquired by 235A Partners, and including all rights of ingress and egress to and from the Real Property and all adjoining property (whether such rights now exist or subsequently arise), together with the reversion or reversions, remainder and remainders, rents, issues and profits thereof; together with All machinery, apparatus, equipment, fittings, and fixtures, whether actually or constructively attached to the Real Property and all building materials of every kind and nature, and all trade, domestic, and ornamental fixtures and all personal property now or hereafter located in, upon, over, or under the Real Property or any part thereof on or off-site benefiting the Real Property and used or usable or intended to be used in connection with any present or future operation of said Real Property, including, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing: all heating, air-conditioning, lighting, incinerating, and power equipment; all engines, compressors, pipes, pumps, tanks, motors, conduits and switchboards; all plumbing, lifting, cleaning, fire prevention, fire extinguishing, refrigerating, ventilating, and communications apparatus; all boilers, furnaces, oil burners, vacuum cleaning systems, elevators, and escalators; all built-in stoves, ovens, ranges, disposal units, dishwashers, water heaters, exhaust systems, refrigerators, cabinets, and partitions; all rugs and carpets; laundry equipment; together with all contract rights to acquire any of the foregoing and all deposits and payments made under contracts for the acquisition of same; together with all additions and accessions thereto and replacements thereof and proceeds therefrom.

 

* * *

 

2. a. All contracts, now existing or hereafter executed, with general contractors, subcontractors, surveyors, materialmen, suppliers and/or laborers in connection with or pertaining to the construction of buildings or any other improvements on the Real Property; b. Any agreements for architectural/ engineering services between 235A Partners and any architect/engineer which is hereinafter entered into with respect to the construction of improvements on the Real Property; c. Drawings, plans and specifications prepared by any architect/engineer in connection with the construction of improvements on the Real Property; d. Any and all building permits, governmental permits, licenses or other governmental authorizations in favor of or in the name of 235A Partners now existing or hereafter executed, authorizing the construction of the improvements on the Real Property, including, but not limited to, stormwater permits, water distribution system permits, Department of Transportation permits, sewage collection system permits, and concurrency reservation certificates; e. Any and all utility service agreements wherein a utility company, utility provider and/or the appropriate governmental entity has agreed to provide utilities to the Real Property; f. All contracts, binders or other agreements between 235A Partners and a buyer of the Real Property for the purchase and sale of the Real Property or an individual lot(s) within the Real Property and further including such contract binders or other agreements which may hereafter come into existence with respect to any portion of the Real Property and including all deposits, letters of credit and other monies paid or payable under any of the above.

 

* * *

 

3. All entire interest in and to any and all leases, rental agreements and agreements for the use and/or occupancy of any part of the Real Property (said leases, rental agreements and other agreements are herein referred to as the “Leases”) now existing or hereafter entered into which affect the Real Property or any part thereof, together with all rents, income and profits arising from said Leases and renewals thereof and all rents, income and profits for use and occupation of the Real Property and from all such Leases upon said Real Property and to any and all monies, rents, issues and profits of every kind and nature whether arising from Leases or otherwise.

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - October 14 and 21, 2010)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

GOOD THINGS TO EAT

, 13789 NW US Hwy 441, Alachua. Georgia Peaches, Cucumbers, Florida Broccoli & Cauliflower, Acre Peas, Butter Beans & Fordhooks, Bell Peppers, Organic Glueberries, Shelled Pecans, Local Yellow Squash & Zucchini, Cabbage, Local Honey, Brown Eggs, Foothills Butter, Fresh Local Silver Queen Corn, Amish Jellies and Jams, N. Carolina Apples & Apple Cider. CANNING QUANTITIES AVAILABLE. Call 386-462-6158.

C&R Produce

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

Cash paid for junk cars. $150 and up. Running or not. Free pick up. 352-771-6191.

with sales experience to become a District Manager. Life/Health license is required. Substantial earnings potential. Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (904)424-5697

Colonial Life seeks entrepreneurial professional

Part time cleaner/floor tech needed for commerical office building on US 441. Must have floor experience, ability to lift over 40 lbs and pass background check. $7.50/hour. Call Pat at 352-870-0363.

OTR positions available NOW! CDL-A w/ Tanker REQ'D. Outstanding pay & Benefits! Call a recruiter TODAY! (877)484-3042 www.oakleytransport.com

Drivers - FOOD TANKER DRIVERS NEEDED

, Assistant Managers, Managers and District Managers. Experience with antiques, collectibles, coins, precious metals and sales are highly desired. Must be willing to travel and potentially relocate. Earn 35K-125K. To apply go to www.thrassociates.com/careers

THR & Associates, the world's largest traveling road show, is seeking Buyers

Start up to .42 CPM. Good Home Time and Benefits. OTR Experience Required. No Felonies. Lease Purchase Available. (800)441-4271 x FL-100

Drivers-CDL/A $2,000 SIGN-ON BONUS!

Earn $500 a Day, Great Agent Benefits. Commissions Paid Daily, Liberal Underwriting. Leads, Leads, Leads. LIFE INSURANCE, LICENSE REQUIRED. Call (888)713-6020

WANTED: LIFE AGENTS.

Excellent Benefits Latest Technology. Need CDL-A & 3 mos recent OTR. (877)258-8782 www.meltontruck.com

13 DRIVERS NEEDED! Top 5% Pay!

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

OWN A RED HOT! DOLLAR, DOLLAR PLUS, MAILBOX OR DISCOUNT PARTY STORE FROM $51,900 WORLDWIDE! 100% TURNKEY CALL NOW (800)518-3064 WWW.DRSS4.COM

THINK CHRISTMAS - START NOW!

SERVICES OFFERED

FINANCIAL

Lump sums paid for structured settlement or fixed annuity payments. Rapid, high payouts. Call J.G. Wentworth. (866)294-8772. A+ Better Business Bureau rating.

IT'S YOUR MONEY!

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

$$$ ACCESS LAWSUIT CASH NOW!!! $$$

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

 

NEW Norwood SAWMILLS-LumberMate-Pro handles logs 34" diameter, mills boards 28" wide. Automated quick-cycle-sawing increases efficiency up to 40%! www.NorwoodSawmills.com/300N (800)661-7746 Ext 300N

ADOPTIONS

A childless, successful, woman seeks to adopt & needs your help! Financially secure. Expenses paid. Call Margie. (ask for michelle/adam). (800)790-5260. FL Bar# 0150789

Pregnant? Considering adoption?

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, no down payment. $49,900. $513/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 $256/mo. Total $24,900. Call 352-215-1018.

, 2.6 acres, private, large public lake 5 min away, owner must sell, only $25,500, call (866)275-0442.

NC Mountain Land Mountain top tract

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.

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

For Rent

Enjoy country living. Ten minutes to Gainesville. Fenced, 3BR/1.5BA, SWMH, 30x40 carport. Very nice, must see. $725/month. By appointment only. 352-485-1445 or cell 352-494-3199.

Apartments For Rent

 

Alachua Villas Apartments 2 Bedroom Apt. Starting at $494/mo. Available NOW! Call 386-462-5832 TDD# 1-800-955-8771 “This institution is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.”

MERCHANDISE

Garage Sales

LaCrosse Baptist Church is holding their annual Yard Sale on Friday and Saturday, October 15&16. All proceeds of the sale will benefit the Building Fund. Yard Sale will start at 8:00 am until 3:00 pm with a wide variety of items, including children's clothes and toys, appliances, etc. Hamburgers and Hot Dogs will be available for purchase also. The sale will be held at the Church off SR121 in downtown LaCrosse (follow the signs).

 

Yard Sale Sat & Sun, Oct 16 & 17 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 17014 NW County Road 235A Just past Santa Fe Hills Lots of name brand little girl clothes, furniture, antiques and lots more!!!

St. Madeleine Catholic Church will hold its annual flea market on Nov. 6 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Over 70 vendors are expected to be selling their wares and local residents are encouraged to take advantage of the flea market to get rid of unwanted items. Breakfast and lunch will be served by the Knights of Columbus and Lillly’s Country store and the garden, book and toy shops will all be open. The flea market will be held on the church grounds located at 17155 NW Hwy. 441 in High Springs. Call the church office at 386-454-2358.

Miscellaneous

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

AIRLINES ARE HIRING

WANTED TO BUY

Cash paid for junk cars. $150 and up. Running or not. Free pick up. 352-771-6191.


To Place a Classified Call 386-462-3355.

lettersThe actions taken on Monday, Sept. 27 at a budget reading meeting are perplexing.

Mayor Coughlin, If Jim Drumm was doing such a poor job, why not make a public statement with details and evidence for a strong position, having done the research and perhaps place him on probation? 

Why not have evidence to support your decision so that the other commissioners - and the citizens that you serve - have information that would help us understand this action.  Certainly in a normal business situation - while Florida is a “fire at will” state and an employer can legally terminate an employee without giving a reason - it's a rarely followed practice. 

It concerns me that in addition to not supplying any evidence or clear reason, other than “there are many,” tthat there does not appear to be any City department heads in agreement with you.  If Jim Drumm were doing such a poor job, wouldn't it stand to reason that they too would like to see a change?  And yet, Jenny Parham herself told me that Jim Drumm's leadership is missed, that his knowledge in City management is needed.  While I am confident that Jenny can fill the role as an interim, it sounds like she would like Jim Drumm back at work.  Others I've spoken with are of the same sentiment.

And so now, the taxpayers of High Springs are paying for a city manager who isn't working - where is the sense in that?  I understand that a majority of the currently seated commission wishes not to renew Jim Drumm's contract in January - and that would be the respected right of the commission - but why terminate him now? 

In addition to being an additional financial burden the taxpayers shouldn't be saddled with, why would this commission make that determination and not leave it up to the post-election commission with two new commissioners to be seated.  How is it fair to them?

Please speak to your actions - you owe us that much... and we should not have to wait until Oct. 20.

Heather N. Clarich

High Springs, Fla.

I want to support Lucie Regensdorf’s excellent letter in support of Jim Drumm, High Springs City Manager in the Alachua Today paper.

Lucy took time to articulate and outline many of Jim’s successes. I think the High Springs Commission acted unprofessionally and provided no documentation to support his firing.

I urge you to re-instate Jim Drumm as City Manager. It is not the job of the commission to run the day-to-day management of the city. That is the City Manager’s job. Your job is to professionally, respectfully oversee that position. Please act like responsible city leaders.

Marilyn Mesh, M.Ed, M.Ac.

High Springs, Fla.

I am writing this letter in support of Bob Barnas for City Commissioner.  Mr Barnas has stood up for the taxpayers of the town for many years.  As a business owner in High Springs, he has a vested interest in the city's well being.  Mr Barnas takes the time to visit local merchants on a regular basis,  he asked questions and willingly listens to their concerns.   He has proven himself to be a good representative of the people and the merchants.

He has supported and organized many community events, such as the Girls World Series Softball playoffs and Veterans Day in High Springs.  With the recent expansion of the sewer system, Mr Barnas has begun the fight for fair and equitable billing for all users of the system.,  When the "Tweeners" were left out of the original sewer system funding and told they would have to pay $10,000, Mr Barnas spoke tirelessly on their behalf.   While others gave up on the issue Mr.  Barnas did not give up and continued to speak out until the funding finally became available.

Mr Barnas has been the vocal conscience of this community for many, many years.  He speaks at many commission meeting when other remain silent. 

Mr. Barnas has been a champion of the people for years it is now time for him to take a seat on the commission.

 

Carol Pratt

High Springs, Fla.

lettersThis response is in regard to Mr. Helle's letter questioning my decision to vote against approving the "first reading" of the city's FY 10/11 annual budget at the Sept. 13 city commission meeting. First off, my "no" vote was cast not because my fellow city commissioners did  not agree with my motion to support an initiative sponsored by Rebuilding Together North Central Florida  (RTNCF) to bring teenage youth from Ala., Ga., and Fla., to Alachua next summer as part of a volunteer outreach and housing rehabilitation initiative.

 This volunteer initiative in no way would have hindered our local residents from employment opportunities. This heartfelt initiative, in fact, would have increased spending in the city and brought additional revenue to "The Good Life Community." It would also show that we in Alachua embrace bringing youth to our community as a viable example of volunteerism at its best.

 Had my motion been seconded for discussion purposes, I was going to recommend certain non-critical line items be reduced in the budget to fund this worthwhile project. Admittedly, I did not do a very good job in presenting my ideas regarding RTNCF's proposal for which I apologized to my fellow commissioners, city staff, and the residents of Alachua, at the Sept. 27 city commission meeting.

 The primary reasons I voted against passing the FY 10/11 city budget on first reading were: (1) a "phased in" approach was not effectuated in raising water and wastewater rates for Alachua's citizens, which I believed was unfair, and (2) a new two-year contract was awarded our current city attorney without a formal bidding process, Request for Qualifications (RFQ's), and/or Request for Proposals (RFP'S), being undertaken.

 Ms. Rush is an outstanding attorney and represents the city quite well. I truly do consider her a tremendous asset for the City of Alachua. However, I am a strong proponent of employing a formal competitive bidding process and simply voted my conscience in this budget matter. I was prepared to make a motion to extend Ms. Rush's contract through Dec. 31, 2010, until such time the city commission could study this matter in more detail.

 My colleagues on the city commission disagreed with me on the RTNCF initiative, "phasing in" increases in water and wastewater rates, and seeking bids for legal services. I accept their decision. This is democracy at its finest – majority rule with minority views accepted without condemnation.

 In the spirit of cooperation and consensus, and after I carefully analyzed the recommended FY 10/11 budget for an additional two weeks, I did vote yes for final passage of this budget at the Sept. 27 city commission meeting. I also thanked staff for their hard work in presenting an austere budget.

 I sincerely thank Mr. Helle for his comments. Alachua residents should hold elected officials accountable and transparent for their actions as we seek to be faithful stewards of the tax dollars placed in our trust in conducting city business.

 Robert W. Wilford

Alachua City Commissioner

The case challenging the constitutionality of a proposed Alachua County charter amendment has been closed, and Amendment 3 will remain on the November ballot.

Amendment 3, if passed, would require that an amendment to the Alachua County Charter affecting the power of a municipality would have to be approved by a countywide vote as well as a majority vote within the given municipality in order for it to go into effect within that city.

Retired University of Florida physics professor and Alachua County resident Dwight E. Adams filed a lawsuit claiming that Amendment 3 would conflict with the Florida State Constitution, and should therefore be removed from the ballot.

Joe Little, a practicing attorney and professor at the University of Florida Levin College of Law, was representing Adams.  Little was also one of the 15 members appointed to the County Charter Review Commission to review proposed charter amendments for placement on the November ballot.

Little adamantly opposed placing Amendment 3 on the ballot, but the majority ruled in favor that it would be forwarded to voters to decide.

On Oct. 5, Circuit Judge Victor L. Hulslander dismissed the lawsuit based on Adams’ lack of standing. The motion to dismiss the case was filed by the Gainesville city attorney, who was representing several cities within the county in defending the constitutionality of Amendment 3.

The legal requirement for ‘standing,’ explained Gainesville litigation attorney Liz Waratuke, is that someone can’t sue unless they can show that they have or will suffer injuries as a direct cause of the issue at hand.

The cities argued that because Adams, as the plaintiff, did not show adequate proof that he would be personally harmed by the passage of Amendment 3, his case should not be heard.

Waratuke added that Adams never attended any of the hearings pertaining to the lawsuit.

According to Little, Adams believes the judge is wrong. Little said that Florida law clearly states that citizens and taxpayers have the right to challenge amendments.

He said that if this decision stands, it would put people in this circuit at a disadvantage to citizens in the rest of the state, because it sets a precedent that they don’t have the right to question the law.

Waratuke disagrees. She said the judge’s order didn’t set a new precedent.

Hulslander based his decision, in part, on the 2003 case Alachua County v. Scharps, wherein a judge dismissed a citizen’s suit to withhold a proposed amendment from the ballot on the same grounds.

Florida law provides that a plaintiff must show how something directly harms them in order to file suit against it, she explained.

Local governments had to spend time and money to litigate over something that, Little feels, never should have been approved for the ballot. This, he said, is one of the negative effects the amendment has already caused to citizens.

He pointed out that the independent attorney who acted as legal advisor to the Charter Review Commission, Sarah Bleakley, said she believed the amendment would be unconstitutional. But the Review Commission voted to place it on the ballot regardless.

Bleakley agreed this was what she told the Charter Review Commission, but declined further comment on the lawsuit because her involvement ended when the Review Commission finished.

Little did not say whether Adams plans to appeal at this time.

Hawthorne-Hogfest_DSC0120

Seven-year-old Cameron Pedro reacts with excitement after winning the pig chasing contest at Saturday’s Hawthorne Hogfest.  Pedro and 7-year-old Jacob Upshaw captured the 7 to 8-year old division in a tag team effort.

The smoke wafting from barbeque pits blended with the dust from the back road, both adding to the haze of a sticky-hot Florida Saturday in Hawthorne.

The annual Hogfest had begun.

On Oct. 9 visitors of Hogfest tried to escape the heat by mingling under the trees and one pavilion at the festival. After the hottest hours, however, music and a lively atmosphere coaxed visitors to enjoy all Hogfest had to offer.

According to Heather Surrency, the mastermind behind the event, seven food booths, 35 craft/vendor booths and several inflatable bounce houses and mazes were at the fair. Music was also provided and local talent could perform for the nearly 1000 people who attended the event.

Surrency was elated by the event’s attendance, which she says gets bigger and bigger every year.  She hopes this will help Hawthorne’s image.

“Hogfest gives Hawthorne exposure; it gives Hawthorne a name,” Surrency said.

Hogfest started seven years ago as a barbeque cook-off, but has evolved into today’s community get together and fundraiser which contributes to the city’s recreation funds. These funds help provide scholarships to student athletes as well as contributing money for equipment for those who cannot afford to buy their own.

This year Surrency estimated that the event raised $2,500. This year’s money will help purchase soccer goals, which are needed for a planned soccer tournament to be held in the same area on Nov. 6.  

The two main events of the festival are hands-down the hog calling contest and the hog chasing contest. Both events are for the children.

The hog calling contest consists of children going up on stage and offering their best oink, snort or ‘Su—ey’ sound. This year Destiny Dunaway, 11, won the contest.

Surrency said that in the past they have had run-ins with protestors about the hog chasing event, but she says protestors are more than welcome to come and give their opinion, as long as they stay civil.

“We just kill them with kindness,” Surrency said.

This year, however, no protestors were visible at the event.

That’s just fine with the man, known as Cowboy Eddie, who provides the hogs for the event.

Cowboy Eddie is a classic character, from his cowboy hat to his dusty jeans with a permanent Skoal ring in his back pocket, down to his boots.

Eddie thinks the hog chasing contest is a great experience for the children.

“Most of these kids have never seen a hog before or pig before,” Eddie said. “It’s pretty cool that they get to experience what a real pig looks like.”

As far as past protests, Eddie pointed out that the hogs don’t really get hurt during the hog chase. The 58- year-old said that since he was a young boy they’ve been running pigs, and that it is a tradition in much of the country.

“It doesn’t hurt anything, anybody or the pigs for them to come out here,” Eddie said.

The hog chase is split into three age groups: 5 to 7 year-olds, 8 to 9 year-olds and 10 to 12 year-olds.

Cowboy Eddie and his assistant grabbed the pigs out of the truck, and let them loose in an enclosed field. Then, unless one wants to be stampeded, it is wise to simply get out of the way.

A throng of children ran at the pig, faces twisted in concentration, frustration and exhilaration. Some dove for the pigs, others tried to maneuver in front, and finally someone managed to grab the startled animal.

Eddie hoisted the pig away from the children then and puts it back in his truck. He says when the hogs go home they’ll be given food, water and then they’ll sleep.

Cameron Pedro, 7, and Jacob Upshaw, 7, won their division of the hog chase in a tag team effort. Pedro and Upshaw said it’s all about the technique.

“You have to find out where the hog is going and find the shortcut of it,” Cameron said.

Jacob interrupts with his technique.

“Grab its legs!” Jacob said.

The other winners included 9-year-old Trevor Okrasinski, of the 8 to 9 year-old division and 12-year-old Conner Henry, in the 10 to 12 year-old division.

The smiling faces, barbeque stained and breaking into song now and then, are evidence that the event was a success. The true test, however, comes from the children. Jacob not-so-solemnly gives his verdict.

“It’s just plain fun!”

The City of Alachua could save more than $200,000 over last year on a fire services contract with Alachua County.

City commissioners in Alachua approved an amended interlocal agreement between the city and county for fire and rescue services at $475,000, well below the $677,000 the city paid the county for the same services last year.  But the amended agreement is far from final.

City officials did meet and negotiate the terms of the agreement with county officials, but county commissioners have not yet formally considered the matter.

The payment for fire and emergency medical services would have been covered under an enhanced fire assessment fee on property tax bills.  City of Alachua commissioners, along with several other cities, approved the county-initiated fire assessment fee earlier this year.  But it was the county commission that failed to adopt the fire assessment fee.

And while the city of Alachua paid out nearly $700,000 for fire and rescue services for the 2009/10 fiscal year, the fire assessment fee on Alachua tax parcels would only have generated about $430,000 in the 2010/11 fiscal year.  The city had planned to pitch in approximately $25,000 more to cover properties which were exempt from the proposed fee.

When county commissioners began wavering on their support for the fire assessment at a July meeting, Alachua commissioner Ben Boukari, Jr. told the county commission, “How can you come to us and say it’s going to cost us more than the $430,000 that you said it’s going to cost our citizens for fire services?” Boukari said.

“How can you come to us with $670,000 again?”

Assistant City Manager Danielle Judd told commissioners Monday that the city had already budgeted and adopted the property tax millage rate to include just $475,000 for the fire and rescue services. City and county officials had several negotiation sessions to reach an agreement on the reduced contract fee.

Vice-Mayor Gary Hardacre said, “I’m glad we’re out of the fire, so to speak, for this year.” 

He also said he was interested in looking into the possibility of the city having its own fire services and working with other nearby cities to accomplish that.

Boukari thanked the City of High Springs for working with Alachua to find ways to fill any gaps in coverage in the event the county halted fire and rescue services.

County commissioners are expected to consider the amended agreement at a meeting later this month.

An independent attorney was selected Tuesday by the High Springs City Commission to oversee the process of terminating Jim Drumm’s city manager contract.

During the special meeting Tuesday afternoon, commissioners agreed to appoint Scott Walker to provide legal counsel to the City throughout the proceedings to terminate the contract, particularly in reviewing what severance or settlement to which Drumm may be entitled.

The meeting was held at the request of Mayor Bill Coughlin, who made the motion to fire Drumm during the City’s final budget meeting several weeks ago.

City attorney Tom Depeter was not present at Tuesday’s meeting because he was on vacation, Coughlin said.  He was expected to return to town later this week, but as of Wednesday he could not be reached for comment.

During the meeting, Coughlin said he didn’t think Depeter would be offended or mind having Walker’s assistance because of Walker’s experience and because of Depeter’s position and his working relationship with Drumm.

Coughlin didn’t elaborate further.

The estimated cost for Walker’s services is about $2,500.

Commissioner Larry Travis voiced a concern regarding where that money would come from, but Coughlin said it would probably come from the city’s general fund, but that is yet to be determined.

Coughlin then suggested that he act as a representative for the commission, to meet with the attorneys to discuss Drumm’s contract, rather than conducting public meetings with the whole commission.

Coughlin suggested the other commissioners could contact the attorneys to stay up to date with the process.

After the commissioners agreed to Coughlin’s proposal, he also urged them not to discuss anything pertaining to the matter with the media and not to make any public statements for the time being.

The 16-field Nations Baseball Park is projected to open in the fall of next year, according to Newberry City Manager Keith Ashby.

The City of Newberry is currently in the process of accepting proposals for the $7 million dollar complex that will be built on 80 acres of land donated by Stefan Davis. The money for the project will be coming from bed taxes that are paid by those staying in hotels throughout Alachua County.

Newberry Recreation Director Richard Blalock estimated that the park will draw around 1,600 teams per year once it opens. If the park is a success, plans for a phase two are already in the works. The second phase of the complex would double the number of fields from 16 to 32, making it the largest baseball field in the country.

Ashby said that the park will stimulate the local economy and provide an opportunity for new businesses to come in, adding that he has been approached with ideas for hotels, restaurants and even a water park.

“It could drive a lot of economic spin-offs if it’s done right,” he said.

In addition to bringing in people from outside the area, Blalock noted that the field will also benefit local families because they will not have to travel to other fields.

“It’s going to put money back into the pockets of our families and the kids are going to have a state-of-the-art facility to play at,” he said.

After failed attempts at mediation with Alachua County, the City of Waldo has opted instead to file a lawsuit.  The decision to file the complaint was approved at the Oct. 12 city commission meeting.

“The City does not wish to go into court for this, but we feel we’re due some money,” Waldo Police Chief Mike Szabo said.

The complaint charged the County with inappropriate use of its Intergovernmental Radio Communication Program, better known as the “$12.50 fund.”  Money for this fund is derived in part from tickets written by the Waldo Police Department and is supposed to help pay for inter-county communications, thus the official name of the program.

“There is no ‘inter-government’ about it,” Waldo City Attorney John McPherson, said.

The problem started when the County connected police radios through Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) at a cost to the City of Waldo of $60.11 per radio per month.

None of the money from the $12.50 fund has gone to help alleviate the cost of the GRU connection fees for Waldo.

Now City officials want what they believe is their due – the money from the $12.50 fund.

“We’re not benefiting [from the $12.50 fund],” Chief Szabo said.

He believes that the fund was not originally created to simply take money from municipal police departments, but rather to create opportunities and provide better communications for every department in the County.

Chief Szabo pointed out the difficulties involved in the case, as there is no case law involving this type of situation. He said in researching other small cities in the state, they all said their communications was taken care of.

“No one else in the state has this problem, that I know of,” Chief Szabo said.

He believes that the City of Waldo has no choice but to go in front of a judge. He also believes that Waldo has nothing to lose, and Alachua County does. 

Exactly $571,897 is what Alachua County stands to lose if a judge awards the City what it is asking.

Still, Chief Szabo wanted to emphasize that the City is suing the County as a last resort.

“We’re backed into a corner.”

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tooth decay is the leading and most preventable childhood disease. It deemed water fluoridation “one of the 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century” for its role in preventing tooth decay.

However, Newberry is not among the majority of communities in Florida that have elected to add fluoride to their water systems.

Dr. Scott Tomar, a professor at the University of Florida’s College of Dentistry, spoke to the Newberry City Commission about the benefits of water fluoridation Monday night.

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that can be found in almost every body of water. Tomar, a fluoride expert who previously worked for the CDC, defined fluoridation as the process of adjusting the existing fluoride levels in drinking water to prevent tooth decay.

Tomar explained that plaque produces acids that remove the mineral content of a tooth’s enamel. He said that fluoride inhibits this process and promotes re-mineralization.

Fluoride is particularly important to the dental health of children, Tomar said. In 1951, the National Research Council recommended that “any communities with a child of sufficient size, and that obtained their water from sources free from or low in fluoride, should consider adjusting the concentration to optimum levels for oral health."

Gainesville became the first city in Florida to fluoridate its water in 1949. Since then, 78 percent of the people in Florida are now receiving fluoridated water, according to the CDC. Nationally, 72 percent of people drinking from a public water system have fluoridated water.

“Water fluoridation is still considered the first step in the direction of the oral health of the population,” Tomar said.

He added that water fluoridation is also cost effective. A study that he conducted along with two other colleagues estimated that for every dollar spent on community water fluoridation, it saves between $8 and $49 in averted dental treatment. He projected that water fluoridation saves the country around $4.6 billion annually.

“It’s one of the few public health measures that not only prevents disease but actually saves money,” Tomar said.

Water fluoridation is approved by the World Health Organization, the Office of the Surgeon General and the American Dental Association. For all of its supporters, it also has its opponents. Tony Lopez, the Wastewater Treatment Facilities manager for Newberry, was present at the commission meeting to provide a counterpoint to Tomar’s presentation.

“If we put this into the water, we are not giving anyone a choice,” Lopez said.

Lopez cited a link between water fluoridation and problems such as tooth discoloration and bone cancer as reasons to not put fluoride in the city’s water. He suggested that the money used for water fluoridation would be better spent on dental care facilities that would treat children who are on Medicaid.

City Manager Keith Ashby and Mayor Harry Nichols both said that they had not received any response from residents concerning the issue, but if there was a demand for water fluoridation, the commission would consider it.

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

CITY OF HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the following Item(s) will be heard at a meeting held by the City Commission of the City of Hawthorne, Florida, at a public hearing on October 19, 2010 at 6:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter can be heard, in the Commission Meeting Room, City Hall located at 6700 Southeast 221st Street, Hawthorne, Florida. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, ALACHUA COUNTY FLORIDA, AMENDING PART II, CHAPTER 22, ARTICLE II OF THE CITY CODE OF ORDINANCES BY CLARIFYING THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF EACH PROPERTY OWNER TO MAINTAIN THEIR PROPERTY, INCLUDING PORTIONS OF RIGHT-OF-WAYS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF CONFLICTING ORDINANCES; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. On the date, time and place first above mentioned, all interested persons may appear and be heard with respect to the proposed actions. This/ These ordinance(s) may be inspected by the public prior to the hearing at City Hall located at the address above. (Published: Alachua County Today - October 07, 2010)

City of Alachua Surplus Property Sale The City of Alachua will be accepting sealed bids on six (6) surplus vehicles. Three (3) of these vehicles are police pursuit Ford Crown Vics, '99, '01 & '02; one (1) '91 GMC pick up truck; one (1) '92 GMC Jimmy; and one (1) '89 Chevy S10 Blazer. All vehicles are in running condition and will be sold "as is" to the highest bidder on an individual item basis with no warranty expressed or implied. There are also two (2) equipment trailers with no titles that will be sold as scrap/salvage. On-site inspection of vehicles will be on 13 Oct 2010 from 8:00 AM until 4:30 PM behind the Alachua Police Department. The trailers are located near the electric substation at the end of Cellon Creek Blvd off US 441. Bid sheets will be made available during this time. All sealed bids must be received in City Hall by 5:00 PM on 14 Oct 2010. Bids should be addressed to Frank Sodek, Administrative Services Director. Successful bidders will be notified on Monday, 18 June 2010. Payment will be by either certified check or money order made payable to the City of Alachua. (Published: October 07, 2010)

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: NORTHWOOD TOWING & REPAIR gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 10/20/2010, 11:00 am at 1540 NW 53 AVE GAINESVILLE, FL 32653, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. NORTHWOOD TOWING & REPAIR reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids. 1FMZU63P21UB23229 2001 FORD 1G2NW12E6YM817727 2000 PONTIAC 1G3NL52TXXC351377 1999 OLDSMOBILE 1HGEJ8147VL137687 1997 HONDA 2MEBP95F0GX633758 1986 MERCURY (Published: Alachua County Today - October 7, 2010)

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. Georgia Peaches, Cucumbers, Florida Broccoli & Cauliflower, Acre Peas, Butter Beans & Fordhooks, Bell Peppers, Organic Glueberries, Shelled Pecans, Local Yellow Squash & Zucchini, Cabbage, Local Honey, Brown Eggs, Foothills Butter, Fresh Local Silver Queen Corn, Amish Jellies and Jams, N. Carolina Apples & Apple Cider. CANNING QUANTITIES AVAILABLE. Call 386-462-6158 EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

CITY OF HIGH SPRINGS POLICE OFFICER – (2) POSITIONS . Applicants must have a Law Enforcement Certificate issued by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Criminal Justice Standards & Training Commission. Successful applicants must undergo pre-employment physical, psychological testing, substance testing, and background investigation prior to final approval. All applications subject to Florida Public Records Laws. Apply at High Springs City Hall, 110 NW 1st Avenue, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Applications accepted through Friday, October 15, 2010. THE CITY OF HIGH SPRINGS IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER! (Published: Alachua County - September 30 and October 7,2010)

TRAVEL, WORK, PARTY, PLAY! Now hiring 18-24 guys/gals to travel w/fun young biz group. NY LA MIAMI. 2wks PAID Training! Hotel/Transportation provided. Return guaranteed. Call today/Start today! (800)245-1892

Part time cleaner/floor tech needed for commerical office building on US 441. Must have floor experience, ability to lift over 40 lbs and pass background check. $7.50/hour. Call Pat at 352-870-0363.

Drivers - FOOD TANKER DRIVERS NEEDED OTR positions available NOW! CDL-A w/ Tanker REQ'D. Outstanding pay & Benefits! Call a recruiter TODAY! (877)484-3042 www.oakleytransport.com

ATTN: DRIVERS! Top 5% Pay! Excellent Benefits Latest Technology. Need CDL-A & 3 mos recent OTR. (877)258-8782 www.meltontruck.com

Colonial Life seeks entrepreneurial professional with sales experience to become a District Manager. Life/Health license is required. Substantial earnings potential. Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (904)424-5697

Cash paid for junk cars. $150 and up. Running or not. Free pick up. 352-771-6191.

Drivers-CDL/A $2,000 SIGN-ON BONUS! Start up to .42 CPM. Good Home Time and Benefits. OTR Experience Required. No Felonies. Lease Purchase Available. (800)441-4271 x FL-100

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

WORK FROM HOME: Proven Moneymaker 10+ years! Pre-Employment Screening, Background Checks. Easy, Inexpensive, Needed Business Service. www.detectivefromhome.com

WORK FROM HOME: Proven Moneymaker 10+ years! Pre-Employment Screening, Background Checks. Easy, Inexpensive, Needed Business Service. www.detectivefromhome.com

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

IT'S YOUR MONEY! Lump sums paid for structured settlement or fixed annuity payments. Rapid, high payouts. Call J.G. Wentworth. (866)294-8772. A+ Better Business Bureau rating.

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

NEW Norwood SAWMILLS-LumberMate-Pro handles logs 34" diameter, mills boards 28" wide. Automated quick-cycle-sawing increases efficiency up to 40%! www.NorwoodSawmills.com/300N (800)661-7746 Ext 300N

ADOPTIONS

Pregnant? Considering adoption? A childless, successful, woman seeks to adopt & needs your help! Financially secure. Expenses paid. Call Margie. (ask for michelle/adam). (800)790-5260. FL Bar# 0150789

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, no down payment. $49,900. $513/mo. 352-215-1018  www.LandOwnerFinancing .com.

Acreage & Farms

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.

BUY N.C. MOUNTAIN LAND NOW! Lowest prices ever! Bryson City 2.5acres, spectacular views, paved road. High altitude. Easily accessible, secluded. $45,000. Owner financing: (800)810-1590 www.wildcatknob.

BANK ORDERED AUCTIONS: Oct. 21 - 294. 16+/-ac. Camden Co., GA Oct. 22 - 48 ac. & 94 ac. Morgan & Meriwether Co., GA 10% BP - GAL AU-C002594 RowellAuctions.com

1 AC GILCHRIST COUNTY Paved road frontage on CR 138. Cleared homesite. High and Dry! OWNER FINANCING! NO DOWN PAYMENT! Only $256/mo. Total $24,900. Call 352-215-1018.

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

For Rent

Enjoy country living. Ten minutes to Gainesville. Fenced, 3BR/1.5BA, SWMH, 30x40 carport. Very nice, must see. $725/month. By appointment only. 352-485-1445 or cell 352-494-3199.

Apartments For Rent

Alachua Villas Apartments 2 Bedroom Apt. Starting at $494/mo. Available NOW! Call 386-462-5832 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 386-462-5832 end_of_the_skype_highlighting TDD# 1-800-955-8771. "This institution is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer."

High Springs - great apartment in private setting close to tow, on river and state park. Excellent kayaking and bicycling. $500/month 352-318-4602 leave message.

MERCHANDISE

Garage Sales

St. Madeleine Catholic Church will hold its annual flea market on Nov. 6 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Over 70 vendors are expected to be selling their wares and local residents are encouraged to take advantage of the flea market to get rid of unwanted items. Breakfast and lunch will be served by the Knights of Columbus and Lillly's Country store and the garden, book and toy shops will all be open. The flea market will be held on the church grounds located at 17155 NW Hwy. 441 in High Springs. Call the church office at 386-454-2358 for more information.

LaCrosse Baptist Church is holding their annual Yard Sale on Friday and Saturday, October 15&16. All proceeds of the sale will benefit the Building Fund. Yard Sale will start at 8:00 am until 3:00 pm with a wide variety of items, including children's clothes and toys, appliances, etc. Hamburgers and Hot Dogs will be available for purchase also. The sale will be held at the Church off SR121 in downtown LaCrosse (follow the signs).

YARD SALE-Saturday, Oct.9th 8am-12pm @ Fellowship Church 16916 NW US HWY 441 between High Springs and Alachua.

A rummage sale to raise money for the Archer Youth Athelic Scholarships will be held on Saturday, Oct. 2nd and Oct. 9th from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Old Fire Station on the cormer of State Road 45 (US27) and 137th Ave. in Archer. Donations are needed and appreciated. Please call Sara Brannon at 352-514-8431 to arrange delivery or pick up of donations.

Miscellaneous

AIRLINES ARE HIRING - Train for high paying Aviation Maintenance 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. $150 and up. Running or not. Free pick up. 352-771-6191.

Auctions

BANKRUPTCY AUCTION, Powder Horn Estates, (25)Tracts, 3-11 Acres. Sat., Nov.6th, 11am. Gated Community. Clubhouse, pool, tennis, (3)lakes. Near Boone, Blowing Rock, NC. (800)442-7906 www.RogersAuctionGroup.com NCAL#685

CAMPING

CAMPERS & TRAILERS

PUBLIC AUCTION 150+ Travel Trailers & Camp Houses Online Bidding Avail. NO MINIMUM PRICE Saturday, October 9th 10am Philadelphia, MS www.hendersonauctions.com (225)686-2252 Lic#266 Firm Lic#462F

To Place a Classified Call 386-462-3355.

Alachua County Public School officials are reminding parents that student attendance is particularly critical next week, Oct. 11 through the 14. Local schools are closed Friday, Oct. 15 for the University of Florida Homecoming.

This is the first time during the school year that all public school students in Florida are counted and the numbers sent to Tallahassee. Because school districts are funded based on the number of students actually in school during FTE week (FTE stands for ‘full-time equivalent,’ the official designation for the funding a district receives for a full-time student), absences mean lost dollars. Even if a student is in attendance during the rest of the school year, a district receives no funding for that student if he or she is absent during the October FTE week or during the next FTE week in February. A student must be in attendance at least one day during FTE week to be included in the count.

“Regular attendance is always important to a child’s academic success,” said Superintendent Dan Boyd. “For two weeks in the school year, it’s also critical to the district’s financial health.”

Alachua County Public Schools lost funding for about 60 students during the 2009-10 school year, which represents about $400,000.

“Staff at the district and in the schools will be working very hard to ensure that all students in the district are accounted for,” said Keith Birkett, Assistant Superintendent for Planning, Budgeting and Systems Accountability. “With school budgets so tight, we need every dollar to provide a high quality education for our students.”

lettersLast month on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend, I was driving around High Springs and noticed Jim Drumm mowing the lawn.  Not surprising, right?  Perhaps, but the lawn he was mowing was not his own.  I stopped and asked, humorously, if he was trying to earn some extra money.  No, Jim said, this property is in foreclosure and the tall grass made the other properties look bad.  So, he spent his Labor Day weekend Sunday afternoon, which he could have been spending with his family, mowing someone else’s lawn so that the neighborhood looked better.

I agree that is not (automatically) a reason to keep a city manager, but Jim Drumm’s actions do express a love and dedication to High Springs that is unparalleled.  So let’s talk about the positive impact Jim Drumm has had on the City of High Springs: 

  1. As City Manager, Mr. Drumm upgraded the City’s technology, replacing an antiquated system with new software and hardware, which led to more accurate financial record keeping. 
  2. High Springs has enjoyed exemplary independent audits for the past several years and, for the past two, has maintained perfect independent audits. 
  3. Mr. Drumm has always been fiscally responsible.  Nothing has been taken from reserves in the general fund and funds have actually been added.  Under his management, the City has never spent the entire City budget to $-0- and rarely has he spent reserve funds unless it was to replace equipment.
  4. Mr. Drumm managed Phases One, Two and Three of the Sewer System – a system that was voted in and brought to High Springs by the City Commissioners.
  5. He has done a great deal to professionalize City staff including sending existing personnel to training.  New appointments have had a higher level of experience and education.
  6. Mr. Drumm’s staffing decisions have led to a professional fire department.
  7. He worked with planning consultants to conduct community visioning meetings and include the feedback for a more workable comprehensive plan.
  8. Mr. Drumm worked with the City Commission to create citizen advisory boards to allow more residents ownership and involvement in City government.  These boards included The Mayor’s Youth Council, The Parks and Recreation Board, The Housing Needs and Improvement Committee and The Tree Board. 
  9. He worked with State and Federal officials to gain grant funds for several City projects, including the old High Springs Elementary School, the downtown parking project, new homes for low income residents living in sub-standard housing and the construction of the sewer system.  The School project demonstrated Mr. Drumm’s interest in preserving the history of High Springs.
  10. He organized the recent update of the Civic Center bathrooms using specially designated recreation funding from the Wild Spaces grant money.
  11. In order to encourage more building in High Springs without the delays associated with Alachua County bureaucracy, Mr. Drumm hired a Building Official in 2006.
  12. On his own time, he has served on the Board of The Chamber of Commerce for many years, thereby demonstrating his interest in making High Springs a welcoming place for visitors and businesses. 
  13. Demonstrating his knowledge and understanding of revenue sources and the City’s needs, Mr. Drumm has prepared budgets from 2004 through 2010 that mapped out the goals of the City Commissioners at the time. 

City Manager Drumm is a consummate professional who cares very deeply about the citizens, the history and the needs of High Springs.  Let’s not forget that. 

Lucie Regensdorf

High Springs, Fla.

Von Fraser, Couny tax collector embraces service

Feature-Von-Fraser

Photo/GLENN COINE/Alachua County Today

At age 72, Alachua County Tax Collector Von Fraser has been on the job for nearly 30 years, and he takes great pride in keeping his employees happy. Frasier says the office is female-dominated, adding that they're all great women.

He’s a Georgia man.  His hands have picked cotton and cropped tobacco.  His dark blue suit jacket is adorned with various pins, proclaiming membership or support of numerous causes.  At 72, he has seen Alachua County grow; he experienced football tragedy and triumph, shaken the hands of poor men to politicians, but most of all, he has made a difference.

Von Fraser is the local tax collector.  When someone needs to renew a vehicle registration or pay property taxes, he is the man to see.  While his office is near the back of the building, occasionally he will work the counter, typing in information and shaking hands, not because he has to, but because he wants to.

“Even though I am management,” Fraser said, “I am a laborer at heart.”

His business is money; his passion is helping.  In his own words, he “shattered the view of the tax collector.”

On any given day Fraser can be found at a local elementary school, where he is a part of the PTAs, SACs, Arts Council and numerous other programs.

“My three groups are seniors, babies and young adults,” Fraser said. “Everyone else is on their own.”

Fraser makes sure to attend as many events held for children as possible, reading and supporting in any way that he can.

“‘Mr. Fraser, you missed our last play’ they all said in unison,’” Fraser recalled laughing.  The children of a local elementary school made it known that his presence was missing and they had noticed. 

“Young people are our hope,” Fraser said before going into another story about the local school children.

He is a lifetime member of the Alachua County Education Association, placing education as one of his top priorities.

“Education is key to freedom. I don’t just want them to graduate from high school and go to college to get their Bachelor’s; I want them to get their Ph.D.,” said Fraser. “I want the children to reach their highest potential.”

As he sits, his hands move, helping to tell countless stories about the individuals he’s met, the children who have hugged him around the legs, or the possibilities of a better tomorrow.  Despite being born in 1938, Von Fraser is not a man to take things sitting down.

“The only way a public official can solve problems is to get out in the street,” Fraser explained. “You can’t solve anything from behind your desk.”

At his office, Fraser got his employees to become involved in Cell phones for Soldiers, a national cell phone recycling program, which donates calling cards to soldiers stationed overseas.  The office collects used cell phones, which are then sent to a recycling center.  The center pays for the phones, allowing Cell phones for Soldiers to buy enough calling cards for the soldiers. 

Out of the 1,531 sites participating in Florida, the Alachua County Tax Collector’s office is number one as they approach nearly 10,000 donated phones.

Fraser is passionate about military families, as he spent three years in the Army, and is part of three veterans’ organizations.

“I don’t go looking for recognition,” Fraser said. “I let it find me.”

Through his work in the community, he has been honored numerous times and is a member of UF’s prestigious Florida Blue Key.  While he attended UF for his bachelor’s in business administration he worked full time, putting himself through college.

“I took 11 years to get from a small Georgia school to UF,” Fraser recalled. “I took 21 hours the first four semesters; I didn’t know there was an hour’s limit.  My social life was church on Sunday.”

Fraser still goes to church, connecting himself with many pastors and religious leaders in the community, going not to campaign, but to worship.

“I pride myself on only having left a service early once, and I asked the congregation for permission,” Fraser said. “I go because I want to worship with them, not come to just speak and leave.”

As he spoke, his voiced filled with soft tones of adoration and love for the community he calls home.

“I almost wish I had been raised here,” said the Doerun, Ga., native.

In his work life, it is easy to be detached, concentrating on the numbers rather than the people, but Fraser doesn’t want it to be that way.

“They have done a lot for me and I try and give it back,” Fraser said.

Fraser’s office only sold 38 properties out of 100,000 last year for back taxes, compared to neighboring counties that sold 600 and 800.  The most the county has sold with him in office is 50, and Fraser wants to make sure the number does not get any bigger than that.

“I have been here almost 30 years and we have never sold a Mom and Pop homestead,” Fraser said. “I will do everything in my power to not sell.”

As he bustles around Alachua County, Fraser hopes to not just make a difference but influence others to do so as well.

“I am the guy you will see at most events,” Fraser admitted. “But I just like taking care of my community, I have adopted these people.”

He urges people to just be as “one-third active” as he is, helping to strengthen the youth into “taxpayers, not tax takers.”

He is cautious with how money is spent at his office, wanting to be conscious of money that comes in and money that goes out.

“I am not frugal, I am stingy,” Fraser said with a laugh. “I am generous with my staff; I am generous in my community.  I believe in sharing the wealth.  If I made a difference in government, so can you.”

In Orange County, the current tax collector is 93 years old.  Fraser wants to be the first to be 100.

“I want to be here for the people. I pray to the Lord to give me a long life,” Fraser said softly. “I love people; my goal in life is to help as many people as I can before I leave Earth.”

With each hand he shakes, or with each child he reads a book, Fraser is doing just that.

“I am an elected official, but I am still earning it,” Fraser said. “Helping people is what I do.”

11th annual white cane safety walk

White-CaneDSC08160

This past Saturday dozens of area residents, young and old, many with their eyes blindfolded, learned what it was like to live a day in the life of a blind or visually impaired person as they made the annual trek from the now-vacant lot near Alachua’s fire station to the Troop 88 Boy Scout hut. 

Every seven minutes another person loses their ability to see.  Today there are 15 million blind and visually impaired people in the United States.  And for 11 years, the Alachua County Council of the Blind (ACCB) in conjunction with local Boy Scout Troop 88, Alachua Police Explorers and the Alachua Lions Club have been educating the public about Florida’s White Cane Law.

Each October in the city of Alachua, the ACCB, scouts, Lions Club members and community leaders join for the annual trek from the now-vacant lot near Alachua’s fire station to the Troop 88 Boy Scout hut.  The awareness campaign offers the general public a glimpse into life as a blind person with the hope that more people will adhere to the White Cane Law, Statute No. 316.1301.  That law requires all drivers to come to a complete stop when approaching a blind or visually impaired pedestrian attempting to cross the street - and the visual demonstration is the white cane.

As on Saturday in years past, Alachua’s annual White Cane Walk kicked off with sighted participants taking a two-block walk along U.S. Highway 441 – while blindfolded.  Organizers of the event led the group of area residents as they experienced a world of darkness.  The Alachua community answered the challenge issued years ago by visually impaired Jack Varnon to “walk a mile in my shoes” through participation in the annual white cane safety awareness walk.

Saturday’s walk was a family affair for 10-year-old Webelos scout Jarrod Sanders whose younger brothers also attended the event.

“There was a surprise at the end of the walk for everyone – hotdogs and sodas and chips,” Sanders said. 

The youngster also said he learned a lot about how challenging it is for a visually impaired person do the same things he takes for granted. 

Imagine pouring a glass of water, counting money, or unlocking a door in total darkness.  Yet, every day, millions of blind or visually impaired people do just that – and more.  Consider using a computer, voting, or crossing the street in total darkness.  Everyday tasks that sighted people take for granted present special challenges for the visually impaired, and unfortunately, in the case of crossing the street, can lead to injury or death.

Participants learned how a blind person counts out change without being able to see it and had the unique opportunity of having their names written in Braille.

The “blind walk” began 11 years ago as area resident Adam Boukari’s Eagle Scout project designed to create awareness about the Florida White Cane Law.  Over the course of the past 11 years, the ACCB has teamed up with the Alachua Lions Club, Boy Scout Troop 88, Cub Scout Pack 88 and the Alachua Police Department (APD) to bring the message of safety to the public.

Among area residents on hand for this year’s walk were city officials including Alachua Mayor Gib Coerper, Commissioner Orien Hills, City Manager Traci Cain and Chief of Police Joel DeCoursey.  This was just the latest such walk for Hills, who has the distinction of participating in the event each year, from the first step of the inaugural walk in October 2000.

This past Saturday dozens of area residents, young and old, many with their eyes blindfolded, learned what it was like to live a day in the life of a blind or visually impaired person.

Even with a sour economy, some bits of news continue to shine through the clouds.  A recent Yahoo Finance article named Alachua as the second in wage increases nationally from December 2008 to December 2009.  With a 10.1 percent increase in wages, Alachua was among 15 cities noted in the findings, which are based on census data.

In the Yahoo article titled “15 Up-and-Coming Cities,” only Douglas County, Colorado rated higher on the increased wages front.  With a 9.5 percent increase in wages over the same time, Durham, North Carolina trailed Alachua.  The article also rated the biggest increase in employment, the fastest growing cities, highest migration and largest increase in income.

The increased wages may not have been generated within the city of Alachua, but are at least attributable to those living in the rural town of about 9,400 residents.  Although it is not clear where the wages were earned, the city of Alachua has proven to be a biotechnology and biomedical hub, which employs hundreds of highly-skilled and highly-educated workers.

In 2009, Santa Fe College opened a satellite campus in Alachua, focusing on biotechnology training and offering one of the college’s first bachelor’s degree programs at the location.  That facility is located along U.S. Highway 441, across from Progress Corporate Park, home to University of Florida Sid Martin Biotechnology Incubator and dozens of biotech companies.

Dozens of Alachua companies have been catapulted to success in recent years.  The largest company in Progress Corporate Park, RTI Biologics, got its beginnings as the University of Florida Tissue Bank before becoming Regeneration Technologies, Inc.  The company later merged with Tutogen Medical, another tenant in the park, and the two became RTI Biologics, a worldwide leader in sterile surgical implants.

In recent months, several million dollars in grants have been awarded to biotechnology companies in Alachua.  Most recently, Banyan Biomarkers, Inc. announced Tuesday that it had been awarded $26 million by the Department of Defense to develop a diagnostic test for traumatic brain injury (TBI).  It is estimated that up to 20 percent of combat veterans serving in Iraq and Afghanistan have been afflicted with TBI as a result of bomb blasts.

Last month, Applied Genetic Technologies, Corp. was awarded with $2 million in grants to find treatments for emphysema and blindness resulting from genetics.

The Yahoo Finance article published Sept. 17 is not the first time the spotlight has been shined on Alachua.  In 2007, the Sid Martin Biotechnology Incubator was first runner-up in competition for National Business Incubator Association’s (NBIA) Incubator of the Year – Technology Category.  The Alachua incubator was edged out by Montpellier Business and Innovation Center in Montpellier, France.

In addition to Alachua’s thriving biotechnology industry, the city has also been home to three major distribution centers run by Dollar General, Wal-Mart and Sysco Foods.  Those distribution centers employ in excess of a thousand workers.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has cleared the City of High Springs of illegal activities with respect to expenditure of grant funds allocated by the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO).   

After a resident alleged that High Springs had committed fraud in the use of Byrne Grant funds, ACSO forwarded the informal complaint to the FDLE for review. Though the documented findings indicate the sheriff’s office initiated a complaint, Alachua County Sheriff Sadie Darnell clarified that is not true.

But as a result of the forwarded complaint, FDLE officials visited both the City of High Springs and ACSO to conduct an administrative review of the grant.

Robyn Rush, a High Springs resident who has raised concerns about various issues regarding local government and law enforcement, approached the city commission several weeks ago about the Byrne Grant.  At that time she claimed the police department was requesting grant reimbursements from the sheriff for money that was never spent.

The findings of the administrative review, which High Springs police chief Jim Troiano received in the mail Wednesday morning, state “The office of executive investigations found no evidence of criminal misconduct that would warrant further investigation. Therefore, this case will be administratively closed.”

In response to the FDLE’s findings, Troiano said, “I hope this answers Ms. Rush’s questions.”

The review did find several instances where High Springs had incorrectly reported hours for reserve and part-time officers who did not work overtime, and another officer’s timesheet did not match up with overtime paid.

These mistakes will amount to a total of about $400 in grant funds that have to be paid back by Oct. 31.

However, the findings also indicate that other municipalities, including the Gainesville Police Department, had similar issues, and ultimately, it falls to the sheriff’s office to ensure that grant money is not misallocated.

“It is my understanding,” said Troiano, “these are common errors – it just happens.”

He said he hopes that in the future there will be better communication between the sheriff’s office and the police department to help prevent such misunderstandings.

Sheriff Darnell, who was en route from Tallahassee Wednesday afternoon, had not yet seen the findings when she commented, but she said she disagrees that there is any problem with communication.

She said the Byrne Grant and the process and rules that go along with it have been in place for several years, and there is no reason anyone should be having misunderstandings at this point.

She was pleased to hear that the review confirmed what both she and Troiano were confident of, which was there had been no illegal expenditures from grant monies.

Sam-WHawthorne City Manager Ed Smyth used Tuesday night’s commission meeting to announce that the City has a new parks and recreation manager.  Samuel (Sam) Wynkoop, previously from Sussex County, New Jersey, has lived in Gainesville for the past nine years. He received his Bachelors Degree from the University of Florida in Recreation Programming and is currently working on a Masters in Natural Resource Recreation at Florida. He was self employed as a trim carpenter during college and more recently worked for the Florida State Parks at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park before coming to work at Hawthorne as the Parks and Recreation Manager.

In addition to recreation, the meeting focused on the status of various grants and projects the city has been working on as well as beautification of the community.

City manager Ed Smyth reported that grant terms for the city’s fishing pier and dock had been accepted, which is the first step toward approval. If the city is successful in garnering the funding, the grant would provide money to repair the pier and dock. Although it is a competitive grant, Smyth believes the city has a good chance of success.

The wastewater plant is still in its earliest stage and no site plan or engineering drawings have been created. A presentation on the preliminary engineering of the plant will be held at the commission meeting on Nov. 2.

Several citizens approached the commission with complaints of unsightly weeds and overgrown brush, as well as dilapidated buildings around the city.

Smyth said that the old theater building and the old grocery store have been cleaned out and are soon going to be sold. The old wooden building, however, was in such a state of disrepair that it will be demolished.

Vice Mayor Matthew Surrency ended the meeting with a reminder to residents to come out to the city’s annual Hog Fest on Saturday, Oct. 9, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

McKoy_DSF2662

Blessed Hope Foundation founder Evelyn McKoy relies on her faith and resolve to help less fortunate members of the community.  The organization provides food, clothing, blankets, heaters and furniture as well as financial assistance for rent or utility bills.

As founder of the Blessed Hope Foundation, Evelyn McKoy doesn’t just feed the homeless – she invites them over to sleep on her couch.

McKoy, 72, has opened her heart and her home to people from all walks of life, from former bank executives to convicts and the mentally ill. She’s also not one to shy away from pulling over to offer her assistance if she sees that someone’s car has broken down.

“I’m always looking on the side of the road to see if anyone is out there thumbin’,” she said.

What may seem like a death wish to some, McKoy explains as an unrelenting faith in God and a compulsion to do his work.

Before Blessed Hope, McKoy owned a convenience store in Newberry called “Nubby’s” and worked as an assistant manager at a Goodwill store in Gainesville. She said that she didn’t feel that she was able to reach people on the level that she wanted to in either of her previous positions.

“I never saw that one on one connection,” she said.

In 2000, McKoy started giving away food and clothing out of a watermelon shed on a piece of property that was lent to her by a friend.

Margaret Daub had only been in Newberry for about two months when she lost her job, her house and her car. To make matters worse, her husband was sent off to war and she found out that she was suffering from end stage renal failure. She had never asked a stranger for help before, but without another option, she took the locals’ advice and went to see “Ms. Evelyn.”

Daub said that McKoy didn’t just give her food, she gave her hope. She has since been able to get back on her feet and is now a volunteer in the pantry section at Blessed Hope.

McKoy, Daub and seven other volunteers hand out food to the community on the first and third Tuesday of every month. As the only organization of its kind in Newberry, Blessed Hope supplies the less fortunate members of the community with all of the supplies that they need to survive.

“We don’t have the base like Gainesville or some of the larger cities. When people are homeless here, there is nowhere to go,” Daub said.

In addition to food, Blessed hope gives away a number of other items including clothing, blankets, heaters and furniture. It also provides monetary assistance for those who need help paying rent or utility bills.

Over the years, Blessed Hope has expanded into one building and six storage sheds, all of which are located on the original property. Operating entirely on revenue from its thrift store and a combined total of $475 in donations from the City of Newberry, local churches and individual donors, Blessed Hope gave food to 759 people last month. In addition, it aided 200 more people with monetary assistance and other supplies. Daub said that the number of people coming to Blessed Hope for help has almost tripled in the past two years.

Mckoy was honored with a proclamation of appreciation by the City of Newberry on Sept. 27. Upon presenting her with the award, Mayor Harry Nichols called McKoy a “saint if there ever was one.”

“She must have the word sucker written across her head because every time someone tells her a sad story she falls for it,” he joked.

McKoy said that although she was grateful for the recognition, she felt guilty accepting the award because she the praise should go to God and the other volunteers.

“I just love people and I try to put myself in their position,” she said.

Drumm on paid suspension until public hearing

City Manager Jim Drumm may be out of work after High Springs commissioners voted to fire him pending a hearing scheduled in October.

 Mayor Bill Coughlin made the motion to terminate Drumm’s employment.  That motion passed in a 4-1 vote.  Commissioner Larry Travis did not support the move.

 Some commissioners’ confidence in Drumm began slipping recently, especially in light of a recent discovery that an accounting mishap left the city short by $600,000 of what it thought was in the bank.

At last week’s commission meeting, a heated discussion ensued regarding who may be to blame for the oversight.

Although commissioners voted to fire Drumm, their action cannot be finalized until a mandatory public hearing is conducted.  Commissioners scheduled that hearing for Oct. 21, placing Drumm on a paid suspension until that time.

The commission voted unanimously to appoint Deputy Clerk Jenny Parham as the interim city manager and city clerk.

For details and the complete story, see the Sept. 30 print edition of Alachua County Today.

An Alachua County judge ruled that the Gainesville City Attorney’s Office will be allowed to defend the constitutionality of the proposed county charter Amendment 3.

                The ‘home rule’ amendment, as it is known, would require a majority approval countywide as well as within the municipality effected to pass future amendments affecting the powers of municipalities.

                Joe Little, a Gainesville attorney and professor at UF’s Levin College of Law, filed suit against the legality of Amendment 3 in July, as the representative of plaintiff Dwight E. Adams, a retired UF physics professor.

                On Sept. 2, a motion was filed to grant the Gainesville City Attorney permission to join the lawsuit in order to argue for the constitutionality of the amendment.

                The defendants named by the lawsuit are the Alachua County Board of Commissioners and the Alachua County Supervisor of Elections.

                Both of these parties are represented by the county attorney, and the commission gave council instructions to only speak to their responsibility to follow the direction of the Charter Review Commission, which recommended Amendment 3 for placement on the November ballot earlier this summer.

                The county attorney was told to take a neutral stance on the constitutionality of the amendment.

                The City of Gainesville has taken the stance that citizens should not be denied the right to decide whether they want this change to the charter, and the city attorney will speak for the nine municipalities, including Gainesville, that are in favor of defending this position.

                The nine cities originally entered into an agreement together with the Alachua County League of Cities to jointly fund the defense, but during a High Springs commission meeting last week, City commissioner and League of Cities president Larry Travis announced that the League of Cities will be covering the entire legal bill.

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

 

CITY OF HAWTHORNE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

 

On Tuesday, September 28th at 6:00 pm at 6700 SE 221st St. Hawthorne, FL, the Planning and Zoning Board will hold a public hearing regarding the following ordinances:

 

ORDINANCE

 

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA AMENDING THE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS IN THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE CODE OF ORDINANCES, PART III, RELATING TO THE REGULATION OF THE USE AND DEVELOPMENT OF LAND IN THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA; AMENDING ARTICLE 2 SECTION 2.1, AMENDING THE DEFINITION OF ‘DWELLING, MOBILE HOME’ AND CREATING A DEFINITION FOR ‘MANUFACTURED BUILDING’; PROVIDING SEVERABILITY; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

ORDINANCE

 

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA, RELATING TO UPDATING THE CAPIAL IMPROVEMENTS ELEMENT OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE; PROVIDING SEVERABILITY; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.  

 

Copies of the proposed actions may be inspected by the public at City Hall on SE 221st St. The hearing will be open to the public and interested parties may appear at the hearing to be heard regarding the proposed action.

 

Published: Alachua County Today - September 16, 2010

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 10/12/2010, 10:00 a.m. at 14515 NW PEGGY RD, ALACHUA, FL 32615-5449, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids. 2G1WF52EX59182021 2005 CHEVROLET

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - September 16, 2010)

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION

 

File Number: 2010-CP-1188 Division: A IN RE: ESTATE OF JAMES D. GAMMAGE, DECEASED.

 

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

 

The administration of the estate of JAMES D. GAMMAGE, deceased, whose date of death was August 2, 2010, and whose social security number is 265-20-5032, is pending in the Circuit Court for Alachua County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 201 East University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida, 32601. The names and addresses of the personal representatives and the personal representatives' 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 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 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 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 FLORIDA 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 the first publication of this Notice is September 16, 2010. Attorney for Personal Representative /s/ Peter C.K. Enwall PETER C.K. ENWALL, P.A. Attorney for Petitioners 4110 NW 37th Place, Suite B Post Office Box 357117 Gainesville, FL 32635-7117 (352) 376-6163 Florida Bar No. 161601 Personal Representative: /s/ Catherine G. Collins CATHERINE G. COLLINS, Petitioner 1415 NW 12th Road Gainesville, FL 32605 /s/ Bethany G. Willis, Petitioner BETHANY G. WILLIS, Petitioner P.O. Box 1546 Lake City, FL 32056 (Published: Alachua County Today - September 16 and 23, 2010)

 

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 10 a.m. on Tuesday, September 28, 2010 or thereafter. Units are believed to contain household goods, unless otherwise listed. Interstate Mini Storage, 2707 SW 40th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32608. Ph. (352) 371-0852. UNIT F8 VERONICA TYLER UNIT M13 TANIKO SCOTT UNIT F15 DAVID PHARO UNIT I4 DAVID XU UNIT I16 KRISTINE NAGY UNIT L29 ROBBIE ROBERTS

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - September 09 and 16, 2010)

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 10/13/2010, 10:00 a.m. at 14515 NW PEGGY RD, ALACHUA, FL 32615-5449, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids. 1G1ZT618X6F225997 2006 CHEVROLET

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - September 16, 2010)

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 10/11/2010, 10:00 a.m. at 14515 NW PEGGY RD, ALACHUA, FL 32615-5449, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids. 1FASP15J5SW132656 1995 FORD 1FMDU34X3NUB24693 1992 FORD 1N4AB41D2VC732732 1997 NISSAN 1N4DL01D1WC221985 1998 NISSAN 2P4GP4537VR304634 1997 PLYMOUTH KNADC123616050399 2001 KIA

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - September 16, 2010)

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 01-10-CA-1155 RBC BANK (USA), Plaintiff, v. TONEY SULLIVAN CONSTRUCTION, INC., a Florida corporation, BRYTAN ASSOCIATION, INC., a Florida non-profit corporation, BUILDERS FIRSTSOURCE - FLORIDA, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, EVERGREEN LANDSCAPING & IRRIGATION, INC., a Florida corporation, CEMEX CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS FLORIDA, LLC, a Delaware limited company, JAMES T. SULLIVAN, an individual, VONDLA D. SULLIVAN, an individual, and JAMES T. SULLIVAN, II, an individual, Defendants. _________/

 

NOTICE OF SALE

  

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Default Final Judgment rendered on August 26, 2010, in that certain cause pending in the Circuit Court in and for Alachua County, Florida, wherein RBC BANK (USA) is the Plaintiff, and granted against the Defendants, Toney Sullivan, Inc., a Florida Corporation, a/k/a James T. Sullivan, et al., in Case No. 2010-CA-1155, J.K. Irby, Clerk of the Court of the aforesaid Court, will at 11:00 a.m. on September 29, 2010, offer for sale and sell to the highest and best bidder for cash in the lobby of the Alachua County Courthouse. 201 East University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32601, the following described real and personal property, situate and being in Alachua County, Florida to-wit:

 

REAL PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: SEE ATTACHED EXHIBIT "A"

  

PERSONAL PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: SEE ATTACHED EXHIBIT "B"

 

Said sale will be made pursuant to and in order to satisfy the terms of said Default Final Judgment. IF YOU ARE A PERSON CLAIMING A RIGHT TO FUNDS REMAINING AFTER THE SALE, YOU MUST FILE A CLAIM WITH THE CLERK NO LATER THAN 60 DAYS AFTER THE SALE. IF YOU FAIL TO FILE A CLAIM, YOU WILL NOT BE ENTITLED TO ANY REMAINING FUNDS. AFTER 60 DAYS, ONLY THE OWNER OF RECORD AS OF THE DATE OF THE LIS PENDENS MAY CLAIM THE SURPLUS.

 

DATED this 2nd day of September, 2010

 

J.K. Irby Clerk of the Court By: /s/ Erika Powell Attorneys for Plaintiff: Christopher S. Linde, Esq. Florida Bar Number: 0026393 Burr & Forman, LLP 450 S. Orange Avenue, Suite 200 Orlando, FL 32801 Phone: (407) 244-0888 Fax: (407) 244-0889

 

REAL PROPERTY DESCRIPTION

 

Lot 83, BRYTAN PLANNED DEVELOPMENT - PHASE 1, as per plat thereof recorded in Plat Book 27, Pages(s) 58-64, of the Public Records of Alachua County, Florida. 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

PERSONAL PROPERTY DESCRIPTION

 

All right, title and interest of Debtors in and to the following described real and other property, together with all substitutions for and all replacements, reversions and remainders of such property and all appurtenances and additions thereto, whether now owned or hereafter acquired by Debtors (collectively, the "Property"): All of the land in the County of Alachua, Florida described below (the "Land"): Lot 83 of BRYTAN PLANNED DEVELOPMENT - PHASE 1, as per plat thereof recorded in Plat Book 27, Page(s) 58 through 64, of the Public Records of Alachua County, Florida. (a) All rights, privileges, tenements, hereditaments, right-of-way, easements, appendages, appurtenances or riparian or littoral rights, now or hereafter belonging or in anywise appertaining to the land; and (b) All rights, title, and interest of Mortgagor in and to any streets, ways, alleys, strips or gores of land, now or hereafter adjoining the land; and (c) All Mortgagor's right, title and interest in and to any award or awards hereto or hereafter made by any municipal, county, state or federal authority or board to the present and all subsequent owners of the land, including any grant or awards for change or changes of grade of any street or leases affecting the land; and (d) All of the estate right, title, interest, claims or demand whatsoever of Mortgagor either at law or in equity in and to the land; and (e) All rents, profits, issues, and revenues of the land from time to time accruing whether under leases or tenancies, now existing or hereafter created; and (f) All right, title, and interest of Mortgagor in any contract for the purchase and sale of any portion of the land; and (g) All personal property and fixtures, as defined in the Mortgage or described in any financing statement filed in connection with the Mortgage, now or hereafter located on the land.

 

EXHIBIT B (Published: September 09 and 16, 2010)

 

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.

 

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. Georgia Peaches, Cucumbers, Florida Broccoli & Cauliflower, Acre Peas, Butter Beans & Fordhooks, Bell Peppers, Organic Glueberries, Shelled Pecans, Local Yellow Squash & Zucchini, Cabbage, Local Honey, Brown Eggs, Foothills Butter, Fresh Local Silver Queen Corn, Amish Jellies and Jams, N. Carolina Apples & Apple Cider. CANNING QUANTITIES AVAILABLE. Call 386-462-6158.

 

EMPLOYMENT

 

 

Help Wanted

 

 

Drivers- Flatbed CDL/A $2,000 Sign On bonus. NEW TRUCKS ARRIVING! Lease Purchase Available. 6 months Experience Required. No felonies. Hornady Transportation (800)441-4271 x FL-100

Cash paid for junk cars. $150 and up. Running or not. Free pick up. 352-771-6191.

 

DRIVERS: CRST NEEDS YOU! IMMEDIATE opportunities! No CDL, No problem! CDL Training Available. Great Benefits & Start Earning $750-800/wk! Call Today! 1-866-457-6236

 

DRIVERS--ASAP! New Pay Increase! 37-43 cpm Fuel Bonus -up to 4cpm! Need CDL-A & 3 mos recent OTR (877)258-8782 www.meltontruck.com

 

Drivers - FOOD TANKER DRIVERS NEEDED OTR positions available NOW! CDL-A w/ Tanker REQ'D. Outstanding pay & Benefits! Call a recruiter TODAY! (877)484-3042 www.oakleytransport.com

 

Professional Help Wanted

 

 

Police Lieutenant City of High Springs $41,500-49,500 + Ben., DOQ

 

 Supervisory, administrative and professional law enforcement position. Serves as division commander (Patrol/Investigations). Schedules staff, leads programs and projects. Assists with hiring of staff, procurement and budget preparation/management. Conducts investigations and general law enforcement duties as required. BS/BA degree preferred. AA/AS degree required. (5) years supervisory experience in law enforcement, two of which may be substituted by a BA/BS degree. CJSTC/FDLE Law Enforcement Cert. required. Further details, requirements and applications can be obtained at www.highsprings.us. Return completed applications to City Hall, 110 NW 1st Avenue, 2nd Floor, High Springs, FL by September 24, 2010. Drug Free Workplace and EOE.

 

SERVICES OFFERED

 

 

MEDICAL SERVICES

 

In-home care for your loved one. Professional caregiver with one year CNA experience and two years EMT experience in the Alachua area wants to help you. Willing to travel. Please call Lauren 352-817-1243.

 

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

 

$Lawsuit Cash$ Advances. Waiting for a legal settlement? Get Cash NOW! Lowest Fees! Fast Approval! (888)495-8931

 

IT'S YOUR MONEY! Lump sums paid for structured settlement or fixed annuity payments. Rapid, high payouts. Call J.G. Wentworth. (866)294-8772. A+ by the Better Business Bureau rating.

 

Buried in Debt? Want to Save Thousands & Eliminate Your Debt up to 60%? We Can HELP! Call NOW for a FREE Consultation! (888)496-3167 Rated "A" with the BBB!

 

Are you behind on your Mortgage payment? Do you have an adjustable rate mortgage? FREE Evaluation and Advice. Call Express Audits today! (877)270-4415

 

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

 

 

NEW Norwood SAWMILLS-LumberMate-Pro handles logs 34" diameter, mills boards 28" wide. Automated quick-cycle-sawing increases efficiency up to 40%! www.NorwoodSawmills.com/300N (800)661-7746 Ext 300N

 

ADOPTIONS

 

 

Pregnant? Considering adoption? A childless, successful, woman seeks to adopt & needs your help! Financially secure. Expenses paid. Call Margie. (ask for michelle/adam). (800)790-5260. FL Bar# 0150789

 

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

 

 

Waterfront Property

 

 

LAKEFRONT BARGAIN! Only $44,900 Adjacent lakefront sold for $149,900. Beautiful estate size homesite in prestigious, gated coastal community w/ direct ocean access. Enjoy pool, clubhouse, FREE boat slips, more. ALL utilities completed. Only one! Easy financing. Call now (877)888-1415, x 2639.

 

Acreage & Farms

 

 

BUY MOUNTAIN LAND NOW! Lowest prices ever! N.C. Bryson City 2.5acres, spectacular views, paved road. High altitude. Easily accessible, secluded. $45,000. Owner financing: (800)810-1590 www.wildcatknob.com

 

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

 

 

Apartments For Rent

 

 

Alachua Villas Apartments 2 Bedroom Apt. Starting at $494/mo. Available NOW! Call 386-462-5832 TDD# 1-800-955-8771 “This institution is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.”

 

MERCHANDISE

 

 

Garage Sales

 

A rummage sale to raise money for the Archer Youth Athelic Scholarships will be held on Saturday, Oct. 2nd and Oct. 9th from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Old Fire Station on the cormer of State Road 45 (US27) and 137th Ave. in Archer. Donations are needed and appreciated. Please call Sara Brannon at 352-514-8431 to arrange delivery or pick up of donations.

 

Miscellaneous

 

 

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

 

Miscellaneous For Sale

 

 

Government Sponsored Program Subject: Your Electric Bill Must Be A Home Owner, (No Renters) Get a $3,000.00 tax credit - 2011 Call 1(877)791-6142

 

WANTED TO BUY

 

Cash paid for junk cars. $150 and up. Running or not. Free pick up. 352-771-6191.

 


To Place a Classified Call 386-462-3355.

A grape vineyard, a full-time job

Loftus_grapesWhen Don Loftus began planning for his retirement about five years ago, he had no idea he would be working full-time at his own grape vineyard.  But as he got further into the venture during his off-time he soon realized just how much work was involved with maintaining the grape growing operation.

After retiring from the University of Florida earlier this summer, Loftus is dedicating his retirement to the Loftus Family Farm which includes the muscadine grape vineyard he has built and grown from scratch.  In 2004, Loftus first started converting the field that once grew persimmons into 1.5 acres of grapes. 

The u-pick farm is one of a handful in the area and is open to the public.  For now, the Loftus Family Farm is specializing in the ison and supreme varieties of muscadine grapes.  Loftus said he plans to expand the vineyard by another half-acre, probably including golden muscadine varieties.  For now, he has his hands full, carefully attending to the 14 rows of grape vines, each several hundred feet long and none of which are sprayed with potentially dangerous chemicals and pesticides.

Indigenous to the southeast region of North America, muscadine grapes are ripe for the picking right now, especially at Loftus’ vineyard, where thousands of pounds of the juicy dark purple and black grapes await eager pickers.

The vineyard had already become a popular spot among many people who are aware of the u-pick farm.  Loftus credits some of that success to the well-manicured rows of grapes and relaxing atmosphere at his family’s farm.  Loftus said many pickers like to eat the grapes as they are, some use them for producing wine and others for making jelly and sauces and freezing for later consumption.

The Loftus Family Farm keeps it simple, charging an even $1 per pound of grapes. 

The address for the vineyard is 15585 NW 29 Street, Gainesville.  East of Alachua on NW 156th Avenue, the farm is at the midway point between State Road 121 and County Road 231.

Generally open from mid-August to early October, pickers are welcome on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. and on Sundays from 1 until 6 p.m.  Appointments are also available Monday through Friday for anyone wishing to arrange a picking party.

Additional photos, health benefits and uses for muscadine grapes and information are available at LoftusFamilyFarm.com.

A telephone that may have been stolen from the 96-year-old woman who was beaten in July has been declared an item of interest by the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO).

 Lila Leach, of Newberry, was severely beaten in her home at 322 NW 259th Terrace on July 16 and died on Sept. 6 after being taken off of life support.

Leach had been hospitalized at Shands at the University of Florida since the attack. She incurred several fractures and broken bones and suffered brain damage as a result of the beating.

According to Lt. Steve Maynard, spokesman for ACSO, investigators are waiting for autopsy results to determine the cause of death. If Leach’s death is determined to be a direct result of the beating, anyone charged with her attack could face murder charges.

Leach lived in Newberry from 1975 to 1993 before moving to Gainesville. She returned to Newberry in May 2010 in order to be closer to her daughter, Elaine May, and to be part of the Newberry community again.

The attack occurred during the afternoon of July 16 in between routine visits from her family. It is being investigated as a potential burglary interrupted because her house was left in a state of disarray.

Deputies will be canvassing neighborhoods and businesses throughout the city of Newberry on Friday starting at 7 a.m. in hopes of finding more leads in the case.

“Somewhere out there some person knows something about this attack,” Maynard said.

One question that remains is why a burglar would need to savagely beat an elderly woman in order to rob the home.

“There was absolutely no reason for it,” Maynard said. “Anyone could have walked in her house, taken anything they wanted and walked out.”

Anyone with information about this case can call ACSO at 352-955-1818. Callers may remain anonymous and may be eligible to receive a reward of up to $1,000 by calling Crime Stoppers at 352-372-STOP.

 Although the subject of considerable criticism over financial woes in recent months, the City of Alachua is planning to keep its property tax rate at 5.500 mills, the same as last year. 

Dropping property values means the city would have had to increase taxes to the “rollback rate” of 5.9635 mills to generate the same amount of property tax revenue as it had last year.  Instead of moving the tax rate up, the city commission and administration opted to cut the budget by the more than $351,000 that it lost as a result of falling property values.

Alachua City Manager Traci Cain said the reason for not increasing the millage rate to the “rollback rate” was to offer tax relief in the current economic climate.

Although the city is facing reduced revenues in the upcoming year, officials are budgeting a $350,000 contribution to its debt service reserves, an account which garnered the attention of auditors earlier this year due to its lack of adequate funding.

In a 4-1 vote, commissioners approved the city’s proposed 2010/11 fiscal year budget at $36,897,118, almost $10 million less than the 2009/10 fiscal year budget which was $46,063,110.

Commissioner Robert Wilford cast the lone dissenting vote Monday.  He later commented that he felt a $20,000 allocation should be made in the budget for Rebuilding Together, an organization that would help repair homes in the area.  A representative from the organization said the goal would be to fix at least five homes in Alachua using volunteer help from mostly high school students traveling from Alabama, Georgia and other areas of Florida.

Wilford made a motion to include the funds in the budget, but no other commissioner supported that move which ultimately died for a lack of a second.

Among the cuts made to budget was funding for a long-running summer recreation program.  Cain said there were many opportunities for recreation over the summer at many of the city’s public facilities and through public/private partnerships that did not exist several years ago when the recreation program began.

The city budgets an expense of $30,000 and matching revenues of $30,000 for the program, but Cain said upon further computation, the city found that due to city staff labor, the result was significantly higher costs to the city.

Also cut from the budget were employee fringe benefits, except for health, dental and vision coverage.  Finance Director Marcian Brown said cost of living adjustments (COLA) and merit pay increases have been eliminated from the budget. 

A second public hearing on the budget is set for Sept. 27.  The budget is set to take effect Oct. 1.

The owner of Newberry’s Backyard BBQ stood before the city commission Monday night and asked to have a median on SW 254th Street removed so that he could add a pick-up area to his restaurant.

“We’re trying to keep our doors open,” he said of why he wanted to add the new feature to his restaurant.

Backyard BBQ has being doing its take-out business through a side door that faces SW 254th Street, requiring customers to pull in and wait for their food to be brought to them. Voglio was warned by the Newberry Fire Department that the practice was a safety hazard that could disrupt the flow of traffic on a street that is already narrow due to the placement of the median.

Voglio added that that the island on the median is a “menace” that has become a run-down breeding ground for termites. He said that Backyard BBQ has donated money to try to improve the appearance of the island, only to see it deteriorating again.

The general consensus among the citizens that showed up to discuss Voglio’s proposal was that although they enjoy eating at Backyard BBQ, they do not think that the median should be removed to help its take-out business.

Citizens cited traffic and safety concerns and historical preservation among the reasons for keeping the median.

Charles Jones, who lives behind Backyard BBQ on SW 254th Street, said that he was concerned about the precedent that would be set by changing a public right-of-way for commercial purposes.

“If we do it for one, then we’re going to have to do it for all,” he said.

Joann Humburg, another resident of SW 254th Street, said that “there can and should be other options that are less egregious to the citizens.”

She suggested that Voglio put a parking space in the back of the restaurant for customers who are picking up orders.

Gene Elliott, a member of the beautification committee, said that while he was unhappy with the current state of the island on the median, he did not think that it should be removed.

“We think that with a little bit of work, the design could be reincorporated and that could be a beautiful piece of ground again,” he said of the committee’s stance on the issue.

After hearing the citizens’ comments, the commissioners were in agreement that the median should stay.

City Commissioner Aleana Lawson recommended that Voglio look into making arrangements for a takeout space in the back of the restaurant.

Despite a sharp decline in state tax revenues allotted to the City of Newberry and a $70,000 decrease in property taxes, the City of Newberry is holding its tax rate at 3.85 mills for the upcoming fiscal year.

With an $11 million drop in overall property values in Newberry, the city is facing the same obstacle as many others across the state – figuring out where to make the cuts.

The budget for the 2009/10 fiscal year was about $17,396,000. The 2010/11 budget will be within $40,000 of that, Newberry City Manager Keith Ashby said.

Ashby said that cuts in several departments and a $700,000 grant for repaving made it possible to keep the budget roughly the same size, despite the reduction in state tax revenues and property tax revenues. In total, the city is getting more than $1 million in grants for the 2010/11 fiscal year, he said.

The city was hit with a 22 percent employee health insurance hike. On Monday, commissioners scrapped a plan that would have had each employee contribute $40 per month to their health insurance. Through other cuts, the city was able to absorb the increase in health insurance costs, which rose by $35,000 this year.

An increase in funding for lime rock to maintain grated roads has also been worked into the budget, but how much can be allocated remains unknown until other portions of the budget are finalized.

“I’m very proud of the fact that last year’s and this year’s tax rates are the same,” Ashby said.

He added that the grant writer that he hired 2.5 years ago has really paid off.

The commission approved the proposed budget with some tweaks on its first reading Monday and is scheduled to have a second, and likely final, public hearing on the budget Sept. 27.

 High Springs residents will have to find a way to stay afloat despite higher billing rates in the coming year.

Despite efforts to avoid it, the High Springs City Commission voted last week to adopt a tentative budget that includes a $3 monthly rate increase for water, making the base rate for billing $6.03, rather than the current $3.03.

Since the beginning of August, the commission has met numerous times to tackle balancing the budget for fiscal year 2010-2011.

Staff and commissioners stayed at City Hall as late as midnight on more than one occasion, debating cuts and crunching numbers.

From the beginning of the budget process, all four commissioners, as well as the mayor, emphasized their priority to keep the financial burden on citizens to a minimum. Before the initial draft was presented, they directed City Manager Jim Drumm to prepare the budget with that in mind.  

Leading up to and going through budget revisions, the commission didn’t raise the ad valorem tax rate, and they didn’t increase the fire assessment fee. They also opted to extend the city’s temporary suspension of sewer impact fees, and agreed on pay cuts for the commission and city staff.

As commissioners continued to struggle to come up with ways for the city to make ends meet without increasing residents’ expenses, it became apparent that they would have to make a choice.

Because High Springs property values have dropped for the second year in a row, this year a decrease of about eight percent, the same tax rate will yield less revenue in the coming year.

The city is also experiencing a drop in tax revenue due to foreclosures, along with increased expenses for utilities.

Facing a budget shortfall, commissioners could not agree on an alternative to the water rate increase.

There will be one additional public hearing, scheduled to be held Sept. 27, after which the budget will be finalized.

The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) has reported that a 21-year-old white male was shot in the head in Newberry Wednesday night, and has been airlifted to Shands Hospital in Gainesville.  Authorities report that the shooting suspect has been described as a black male. More details to follow as information is released by ACSO.

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, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Bronze Bombshell Sunless Tanning located at 5402 NW 8th Avenue, in the County of Alachua, in the City of Gainesville, Florida 32605 intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated this 27 day of August, 2010. Owners: Kimberly Bauer and Stephanie Bauer

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - September 09, 2010)

PUBLIC NOTICE

CITY OF HAWTHORNE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

 

On Tuesday, September 21st at 6:30pm at 6700 SE 221st St. Hawthorne, FL, the City Commission will hold a public hearing regarding the following ordinances:

 

ORDINANCE

 

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA, RELATING TO AN AMENDMENT OF TEN OR LESS ACRES OF LAND TO THE FUTURE LAND USE PLAN MAP OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, AS AMENDED, PURSUANT TO AN APPLICATION BY THE PROPERTY OWNERS, UNDER THE AMENDMENT PROCEDURES ESTABLISHED IN SECTIONS 163.3161 THROUGH 163.3215, FLORIDA STATUTES, AS AMENDED; PROVIDING FOR CHANGING THE LAND USE CLASSIFICATION FROM RESIDENTIAL MEDIUM DENSITY TO COMMERCIAL OF CERTAIN LANDS WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA; PROVIDING SEVERABILITY; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

ORDINANCE

 

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA, RELATING TO AN AMENDMENT OF TEN OR LESS ACRES OF LAND TO THE FUTURE LAND USE PLAN MAP OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, AS AMENDED, PURSUANT TO AN APPLICATION BY THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, UNDER THE AMENDMENT PROCEDURES ESTABLISHED IN SECTIONS 163.3161 THROUGH 163.3215, FLORIDA STATUTES, AS AMENDED; PROVIDING FOR CHANGING THE LAND USE CLASSIFICATION FROM RESIDENTIAL MEDIUM DENSITY TO COMMERCIAL OF CERTAIN LANDS WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA; PROVIDING SEVERABILITY; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

ORDINANCE

 

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA, RELATING TO THE REZONING OF LESS THAN TEN CONTIGUOUS ACRES OF LAND, PURSUANT TO AN APPLICATION BY THE PROPERTY OWNER OF SAID ACREAGE; AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING ATLAS OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS, PROVIDING FOR REZONING FROM RESIDENTIAL MULTI-FAMILY (RMF-1) TO COMMERCIAL CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT (C-CBD) OF CERTAIN LANDS WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA; PROVIDING SEVERABILITY; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

ORDINANCE

 

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA, RELATING TO THE REZONING OF LESS THAN TEN CONTIGUOUS ACRES OF LAND, PURSUANT TO AN APPLICATION BY THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE; AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING ATLAS OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS, PROVIDING FOR REZONING FROM ‘RSF-3’ (RESIDENTIAL SINGLE FAMILY) DISTRICT TO ‘CN’ (COMMERCIAL, NEIGHBORHOOD) DISTRICT OF CERTAIN LANDS WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA; PROVIDING SEVERABILITY; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

Copies of the proposed actions may be inspected by the public at City Hall on SE 221st St. The hearing will be open to the public and interested parties may appear at the hearing to be heard regarding the proposed action.

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - September 09, 2010

 

CITY OF NEWBERRY REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL: DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN 457(b)

 

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT IN COMPLAINCE WITH REQUIREMENTS OF CHAPTER 287.055, LAWS OF FLORIDA, CONSULTANTS COMPETITIVE NEGOTIATION ACT, AS AMENDED

 

The City of Newberry desires to obtain full-service recordkeeping and administration Professional Retirement Representation in regard to Deferred Compensation 457(b) Plan for Public Sector entities such as: States, Cities, Counties or Fire Districts.

 

Questions may be directed to: Deborah Starr, Human Resources, Post Office Box 369, Newberry, Florida 32669 Telephone (352) 472-2446 x-112.

 

Submittal Information:

 

Firms desiring to provide these professional services to the City must submit SEVEN COPIES IN A SEALED ENVELOPE and a Letter of Interest labeled DEFERRED COMPENSATION 457(b) PLAN addressing:

 

Qualifications of your firm Contact information for your firm Your firm’s certification Mail all submittals to: Gayle Pons, City Clerk, City of Newberry, P O Box 369, Newberry, Florida 32669.

DEADLINE: NO LATER THAN 2:00 P.M. ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2010.

(Published: Alachua County Today - September 09, 2010)

 

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 01-10-CA-1155 RBC BANK (USA), Plaintiff, v. TONEY SULLIVAN CONSTRUCTION, INC., a Florida corporation, BRYTAN ASSOCIATION, INC., a Florida non-profit corporation, BUILDERS FIRSTSOURCE - FLORIDA, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, EVERGREEN LANDSCAPING & IRRIGATION, INC., a Florida corporation, CEMEX CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS FLORIDA, LLC, a Delaware limited company, JAMES T. SULLIVAN, an individual, VONDLA D. SULLIVAN, an individual, and JAMES T. SULLIVAN, II, an individual, Defendants. _________/

that pursuant to a Default Final Judgment rendered on August 26, 2010, in that certain cause pending in the Circuit Court in and for Alachua County, Florida, wherein RBC BANK (USA) is the Plaintiff, and granted against the Defendants, Toney Sullivan, Inc., a Florida Corporation, a/k/a James T. Sullivan, et al., in Case No. 2010-CA-1155, J.K. Irby, Clerk of the Court of the aforesaid Court, will at 11:00 a.m. on September 29, 2010, offer for sale and sell to the highest and best bidder for cash in the lobby of the Alachua County Courthouse. 201 East University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32601, the following described real and personal property, situate and being in Alachua County, Florida to-wit:

NOTICE OF SALE

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN

REAL PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: SEE ATTACHED EXHIBIT "A"

 

PERSONAL PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: SEE ATTACHED EXHIBIT "B"

 

Said sale will be made pursuant to and in order to satisfy the terms of said Default Final Judgment. IF YOU ARE A PERSON CLAIMING A RIGHT TO FUNDS REMAINING AFTER THE SALE, YOU MUST FILE A CLAIM WITH THE CLERK NO LATER THAN 60 DAYS AFTER THE SALE. IF YOU FAIL TO FILE A CLAIM, YOU WILL NOT BE ENTITLED TO ANY REMAINING FUNDS. AFTER 60 DAYS, ONLY THE OWNER OF RECORD AS OF THE DATE OF THE LIS PENDENS MAY CLAIM THE SURPLUS.

 

DATED this 2nd day of September, 2010

 

J.K. Irby Clerk of the Court By: /s/ Erika Powell Attorneys for Plaintiff: Christopher S. Linde, Esq. Florida Bar Number: 0026393 Burr & Forman, LLP 450 S. Orange Avenue, Suite 200 Orlando, FL 32801 Phone: (407) 244-0888 Fax: (407) 244-0889

REAL PROPERTY DESCRIPTION

 

Lot 83, BRYTAN PLANNED DEVELOPMENT - PHASE 1, as per plat thereof recorded in Plat Book 27, Pages(s) 58-64, of the Public Records of Alachua County, Florida. 

EXHIBIT A

 

PERSONAL PROPERTY DESCRIPTION

 

All right, title and interest of Debtors in and to the following described real and other property, together with all substitutions for and all replacements, reversions and remainders of such property and all appurtenances and additions thereto, whether now owned or hereafter acquired by Debtors (collectively, the "Property"): All of the land in the County of Alachua, Florida described below (the "Land"): Lot 83 of BRYTAN PLANNED DEVELOPMENT - PHASE 1, as per plat thereof recorded in Plat Book 27, Page(s) 58 through 64, of the Public Records of Alachua County, Florida. (a) All rights, privileges, tenements, hereditaments, right-of-way, easements, appendages, appurtenances or riparian or littoral rights, now or hereafter belonging or in anywise appertaining to the land; and (b) All rights, title, and interest of Mortgagor in and to any streets, ways, alleys, strips or gores of land, now or hereafter adjoining the land; and (c) All Mortgagor's right, title and interest in and to any award or awards hereto or hereafter made by any municipal, county, state or federal authority or board to the present and all subsequent owners of the land, including any grant or awards for change or changes of grade of any street or leases affecting the land; and (d) All of the estate right, title, interest, claims or demand whatsoever of Mortgagor either at law or in equity in and to the land; and (e) All rents, profits, issues, and revenues of the land from time to time accruing whether under leases or tenancies, now existing or hereafter created; and (f) All right, title, and interest of Mortgagor in any contract for the purchase and sale of any portion of the land; and (g) All personal property and fixtures, as defined in the Mortgage or described in any financing statement filed in connection with the Mortgage, now or hereafter located on the land.

EXHIBIT B (Published: September 09 and 16, 2010)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA

 

CASE NO.: 2010-CA-0708 DIVISION: “K” REBECCA F. BUTLER, Petitioner, v. JOENATHAN BUTLER, Respondent. _________/

NOTICE OF RE-SCHEDULED SALE

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to an Amended Summary Final Judgment of Partition in favor of Petitioner dated July 7, 2010, and entered in Case No.: 01-2010-CA-0708 of the Circuit Court of the EIGHTH Judicial Circuit, in and for ALACHUA County, Florida, and an Order Re-scheduling Sale, wherein REBECCA F. BUTLER, is the Petitioner, and JOENATHAN BUTLER, is the Respondent, I will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash in the Lobby of the Alachua County Civil Courthouse, 201 East University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida, at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, September 17, 2010, the following described property: LOT SIXTY-TWO (62), a replat of NORTHWOOD PINES, UNIT FIVE (5), a subdivision, as per plat recorded in Plat Book I, pages 56 of the Public Records of Alachua County, Florida. IF YOU ARE A PERSON CLAIMING A RIGHT TO FUNDS REMAINING AFTER THE SALE, YOU MUST FILE A CLAIM WITH THE CLERK NO LATER THAN 60 DAYS AFTER THE SALE. IF YOU FAIL TO FILE A CLAIM, YOU WILL NOT BE ENTITLED TO ANY REMAINING FUNDS. AFTER 60 DAYS, ONLY THE OWNER OF RECORD AS OF THE DATE OF THE LIS PENDENS MAY CLAIM THE SURPLUS. WITNESS MY HAND and the seal of this Court on the 25th day of August, 2010, J.K. "Buddy" Irby Clerk of the Circuit Court By: /s/ Erika Powell Deputy Clerk (Published: Alachua County Today - September 02 and 09, 2010)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA

 

CASE NO. 0l-10-CA-553 CAMPUS USA CREDIT UNION, Plaintiff, vs. DIANE H. THOMPSON, UNKNOWN SPOUSE, UNKNOWN TENANT(S) IN POSSESSION and SECOND UNKNOWN TENANT(S) IN POSSESSION, Defendants. ________/

NOTICE OF SALE

 

NOTICE IS HERE BY GIVEN that on the 22nd day of September, 2010, at 11:00 A.M. in the Lobby at the Alachua County Family/Civil Justice Center, 201 E. University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601, the undersigned Clerk will offer for sale the following real and personal property more particularly described as: All of Lot 3 and Lot 2 LESS the East 53.92 feet of W.R. JONES REPLAT OF LOT 19 OF D.E. WHETSTONE ESTATE ADDITION TO HIGH SPRINGS as per Plat thereof recorded in Plat Book "A," Page 126 of the Public Records of Alachua County, Florida, also the North 1/2 of a 20 foot wide alley adjoining the above described property on the Southern boundary thereof. TOGETHER WITH that portion of land more particularly described as follows: That certain portion of Northeast Second Avenue (NE 2ND AVENUE) lying North and adjacent to lots 2 and 3, of Block 19, G.M. WHETSTONE ESTATES, A SUBDIVISION, as per plat Book "A," Page 46 1/2, Public Record of Alachua County, Florida. Between Northeast Fourth Street (NE 4th Street) and the Southerly Right-of-Way Line of U.S. Highway Number 441, is hereby closed, vacated and abandoned as a Public Right-of-Way by the City of High Springs. LESS AND EXCEPT any portion of the above described Northeast Second Avenue (NE 2nd Avenue) lying North of and adjacent to the West 28.92 feet of the East 53.92 feet of said Lot 2, Block 19. TOGETHER WITH: all the improvements now or hereafter erected on the property, and all easements, appurtenances, and fixtures now or hereafter a part of the property. The aforesaid sale will be made pursuant to the Final Judgment entered in Civil No. 01-10-CA-553 now pending in the Circuit Court of the Eighth Judicial Circuit in and for Alachua County, Florida. IF YOU ARE A PERSON CLAIMING A RIGHT TO FUNDS REMAINING AFTER THE SALE, YOU MUST FILE A CLAIM WITH THE CLERK NO LATER THAN 60 DAYS AFTER THE SALE. IF YOU FAIL TO FILE A CLAIM, YOU WILL NOT BE ENTITLED TO ANY REMAINING FUNDS. AFTER 60 DAYS, ONLY THE OWNER OF RECORD AS OF THE DATE OF THE LIS PENDENS MAY CLAIM THE SURPLUS. DATED this 24th day of August, 2010. J.K. Irby Clerk of Court By: /s/ Julia Rogers As Deputy Clerk Meredith L. Minkus, Esquire Florida Bar No.: 41656 BURR & FORMAN LLP Post Office Drawer 1690 Winter Park, Florida 32790 Telephone: (407) 647-4455 Attorneys for Plaintiff

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - September 02 and 09, 2010)

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 10 a.m. on Tuesday, September 28, 2010 or thereafter. Units are believed to contain household goods, unless otherwise listed. Interstate Mini Storage, 2707 SW 40th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32608. Ph. (352) 371-0852 . UNIT F8 VERONICA TYLER UNIT M13 TANIKO SCOTT UNIT F15 DAVID PHARO UNIT I4 DAVID XU UNIT I16 KRISTINE NAGY UNIT L29 ROBBIE ROBERTS

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - September 09 and 16, 2010)

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

 

The City of High Springs is seeking qualifications for architectural and design services for the implementation of the Douglass Neighborhood Redevelopment Plan. More information may be obtained at the City Manager’s Office, 110 NW 1st Avenue, High Springs, Florida. Qualification packet must be completed and submitted to the Office of the City Manager by 1:00 pm, September 16, 2010. THE CITY OF HIGH SPRINGS RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SELECT THE ARCHITECT WITH QUALIFICATIONS THAT BEST MATCH THIS PROJECT.

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - September 09, 2010)

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

, 13789 NW US Hwy 441, Alachua. Georgia Peaches, Cucumbers, Florida Broccoli & Cauliflower, Acre Peas, Butter Beans & Fordhooks, Bell Peppers, Organic Glueberries, Shelled Pecans, Local Yellow Squash & Zucchini, Cabbage, Local Honey, Brown Eggs, Foothills Butter, Fresh Local Silver Queen Corn, Amish Jellies and Jams, N. Carolina Apples & Apple Cider. CANNING QUANTITIES AVAILABLE. Call 386-462-6158 .

C&R Produce

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

to become a District Manager. Life/Health license is required. Substantial earnings potential. Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (904)424-5697

Colonial Life seeks entrepreneurial professional with sales experience

DRIVERS--ASAP! New Pay Increase! 37-43 cpm Fuel Bonus -up to 4cpm! Need CDL-A & 3 mos recent OTR (877)258-8782 www.meltontruck.com

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

Drivers - FOOD TANKER DRIVERS NEEDED OTR positions available NOW! CDL-A w/ Tanker REQ'D. Outstanding pay & Benefits! Call a recruiter TODAY! (877)484-3042  www.oakleytransport.com

Drivers- Flatbed CDL/A $2,000 Sign On bonus. NEW TRUCKS ARRIVING! Lease Purchase Available. 6 months Experience Required. No felonies. Hornady Transportation (800)441-4271 x FL-100

Cash paid for junk cars. $150 and up. Running or not. Free pick up. 352-771-6191

 

Need two people to pick up chestnuts. Five miles south of Alachua. About six weeks work, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., three times a week, Monday, Wednesday, Friday. $7.25/hr. (352)395-7611

Asphalt Laborer Needed F/T. Experience a plus! DFWP. Apply within Andrews Paving, 6327 NW 123rd Place, Gainesville, FL or email resume to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Vac Truck Driver/Operator Needed F/T. Experience a must! CDL Class B with Tanker and Hazmat endorsements required. DFWP. Apply within Andrews Paving, 6327 NW 123rd Place, Gainesville, FL or email resume to send.resume @hotmail.com

 

DRIVERS: CRST NEEDS YOU! IMMEDIATE opportunities! No CDL, No problem! CDL Training Available. Great Benefits & Start Earning $750-800/wk! Call Today! 1-866-457-6236

Professional Help Wanted

Supervisory, administrative and professional law enforcement position. Serves as division commander (Patrol/Investigations). Schedules staff, leads programs and projects. Assists with hiring of staff, procurement and budget preparation/management. Conducts investigations and general law enforcement duties as required. BS/BA degree preferred. AA/AS degree required. (5) years supervisory experience in law enforcement, two of which may be substituted by a BA/BS degree. CJSTC/FDLE Law Enforcement Cert. required. Further details, requirements and applications can be obtained at www.highsprings.us. Return completed applications to City Hall, 110 NW 1st Avenue, 2nd Floor, High Springs, FL by September 24, 2010. Drug Free Workplace and EOE.

Police Lieutenant City of High Springs $41,500-49,500 + Ben., DOQ

 

 

SERVICES OFFERED

FINANCIAL

Are you behind on your Mortgage payment? Do you have an adjustable rate mortgage? FREE Evaluation and Advice. Call Express Audits today! (877)270-4415

Buried in Debt? Want to Save Thousands & Eliminate Your Debt up to 60%? We Can HELP! Call NOW for a FREE Consultation! (888)496-3167 Rated "A" with the BBB!

CASH NOW! Get cash for your structured settlement or annuity payments. High payouts. Call J.G. Wentworth. 1-866-SETTLEMENT (1-866-738-8536 ). Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau.

$$$ ACCESS LAWSUIT CASH NOW!!! $$$ 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

NEW Norwood SAWMILLS-LumberMate-Pro handles logs 34" diameter, mills boards 28" wide. Automated quick-cycle-sawing increases efficiency up to 40%! www.NorwoodSawmills.com/300N (800)661-7746 Ext 300N

ADOPTIONS

Pregnant? Considering adoption? A childless, successful, woman seeks to adopt & needs your help! Financially secure. Expenses paid. Call Margie. (ask for michelle/adam). (800)790-5260 . FL Bar# 0150789

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

Waterfront Property

Unbelievable Coastal Bargain! Only $34,900 with FREE Boat Slip. Adjoining lot sold for $99,900! Beautifully wooded building lot in premier gated waterfront community. Enjoy direct access to Atlantic! All amenities complete! Paved roads, underground utilities, club house, pool. Excellent financing. Call Now (877)888-1415 , x 2627

WATERFRONT, 152’ WATERFRONT, North Alabama, Scottsboro. 1.8 Acres, 3000 sq.ft. Home, enclosed inground pool, boathouse, pier, electric lifts for boat / jet ski. Debbie Mathis Realty (256)599-5910

Homes For Sale

FORECLOSED HOME AUCTION 1400+ FL Homes | Auction: 9/18 Open House: Sept 4, 11 & 12 REDC | View Full Listings www.Auction.com RE Brkr CQ1031187

Acreage & Farms

, 2 Barns, fenced, Large Kennel, 3500 sq.ft. Home, sell for Appraisal Price $329,000. Debbie Mathis Realty (256)599-5910

NORTH ALABAMA FARM: 33 ACRES

VIRGINIA MOUNTAIN LAND-20 acres!- Galax area, 2hrs from Charlotte, views, gentle sloping for great layout, springs, creeks, private, reduced $199,500! Call owner, (866)789-8535

NORTH ALABAMA LAND: 480 Acres. Joins the Tennessee River! Pasture, Bluff, Road Frontage, Trees. $2500.00 /Acre. Close to Chattanooga, TN & GA. Debbie Mathis Realty (256)599-5910

1 AC GILCHRIST COUNTY

 

Paved road frontage on CR 138. Cleared homesite. High and Dry! OWNER FINANCING! NO DOWN PAYMENT! Only $256/mo. Total $24,900. Call 352-215-1018

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

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

Apartments For Rent

 

Alachua Villas Apartments 2 Bedroom Apt. Starting at $494/mo. Available NOW! Call 386-462-5832 TDD# 1-800-955-8771 “This institution is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.”

Vacation Properties

BUY MOUNTAIN LAND NOW! Lowest prices ever! N.C. Bryson City 2.5acres, spectacular views, paved road. High altitude. Easily accessible, secluded. $45,000. Owner financing: (800)810-1590     www.wildcatknob.com

MERCHANDISE

Garage Sales

A rummage sale to raise money for the Archer Youth Athelic Scholarships will be held on Saturday, Oct. 2nd and Oct. 9th from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Old Fire Station on the cormer of State Road 45 (US27) and 137th Ave. in Archer. Donations are needed and appreciated. Please call Sara Brannon at 352-514-8431 to arrange delivery or pick up of donations.

For Sale

CHERRY BEDROOM SET. Solid Wood, never used, brand new in factory boxes. English Dovetail. Original cost $4500. Sell for $895. Can deliver. Call Tom (813)600-3653

Miscellaneous

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

Miscellaneous For Sale

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lettersOver the summer, Carol Jackson and Dollean Perkins have been hard at work infusing the community with local live theatre.

They have taken a small group of interested people and turned a vision into a great reality. Alachua, while most known for its sports, is alive and well in the arts.  In addition to bringing theatre to the community, the production company has become a beacon for young actors.  They learn about all of the aspects of putting on a production such as acting, lighting, and staging, but more importantly, the young actors learn about themselves. 

I have seen some of them go from being shy to confident enough to perform in front of an audience.  The children leave the productions with a greater sense of self-esteem and what more can a children's activity provide?

Thank you to all of those who were key in bringing this most loved form of art to Alachua.  I look forward to the upcoming theatre season.

Maureen Shankman

Alachua, Fla.

Mebane_GunThe student who brought a BB gun to school on Tuesday is facing severe punishment according to the School Board of Alachua County’s (SBAC) student code of conduct.

The female eighth-grader at Mebane Middle School will be recommended for expulsion, SBAC spokeswoman Jackie Johnson said Wednesday.  The punishment also calls for a mandatory 10-day suspension.  The recommendation for expulsion will be made to a hearing officer who will then make a final determination, Johnson said.

Another student alerted school authorities to the presence of the gun.  Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) deputy Mike Moore, the school’s resource officer, along with Mebane Principal Manda Bessner, located the student, who, coincidentally, was on her way to the dean’s office on an unrelated disciplinary issue.

“That student who reported the gun did exactly what they should have done,” Johnson said.

The eighth-grader was subsequently questioned and arrested around 9:55 a.m. after the gun was located in her backpack.  She was released into the custody of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice.  School officials would not release the identity of the student.

School and ACSO officials said they did not know why the student brought the gun to the school.

The gun is described as a black plastic BB gun in the shape of a handgun.  It has an orange tip, generally indicating it as a toy.  It is believed the gun shoots plastic pellets, said Art Forgey, ACSO public information officer.

“Any sort of weapon or perceived weapon at a school is taken very seriously, and there is zero tolerance for it by the Sheriff’s Office and school officials,” Forgey said.

Incidents like the one at Mebane occur a few times each year but typically involve weapons such as knives, not BB guns, Forgey said.  The incident at Mebane on Tuesday was the first this year at Alachua County’s schools, he said.

“We can use this incident as a teachable moment,” Johnson said.

“Parents need to talk with their children and encourage them to report to school officials anytime they see or hear about a weapon at school.

Fenwick D. “Mac” McCormick is among those to be inducted into the Florida FFA Hall of Fame.  McCormick, a former teacher at Santa Fe High School, was an agriculture teacher and FFA advisor in Levy County and Alachua County for 10 years before joining the Florida Department of Education in 1971. 

After 16 years as a regional supervisor of agricultural education McCormick served as director of vocational-technical and adult education in Marion County schools for another 16 years before retiring in 2003.  He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degree in agriculture from the University of Florida and also served two years in the U.S. Army.  He and his agriculture students received many state and national honors, including 45 state-winning FFA teams and 10 state FFA officers.  As local vocational education director, McCormick added agriculture as a career orientation subject at every middle school in the county and expanded agriculture at all high schools.

“Florida FFA owes an immense debt of gratitude to these outstanding leaders,” said Charlie Bronson, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture.  “Their dedicated service in agriculture education helped make FFA the outstanding student organization recognized throughout the State.”

They will be inducted into the Florida FFA Hall of Fame during the fourth annual awards celebration Oct. 5 at the Florida FFA Leadership Training Center in Haines City.

“These individuals are responsible for the tradition of excellence that our FFA members have come to expect,” said Clay Sapp, 2010 State President of the Florida FFA Association.

The Florida FFA Hall of Fame began in 2007 to pay tribute to those outstanding individuals who have helped make the Florida FFA Association the premier youth leadership organization in the state.

Residents of the Ashley Oaks subdivision came to the Hawthorne City Commission meeting on Tuesday to speak out about why they do not want a section of property located in the front of their neighborhood to be rezoned for commercial use.

Several property owners voiced concerns about how allowing businesses to move into their neighborhood would create more traffic and compromise the safety of the residents and their children.

“It’s already a difficult area to come and go from because of the structure of the streets and where it joins on to 20,” said Nancy Kirkland, an Ashley Oaks resident. “Any kind of commercial development would really complicate the situation.”

The 2.64-acre piece of land is owned by Ben Campen, the owner of Campen auctions. It is currently divided into six vacant lots, which are all zoned as “residential single family.”

According to Campen, who had the subdivision annexed into the city and helped develop it in 1975, his land was originally zoned for commercial use. Campen said that he never had the property rezoned and that it was a scrivener’s error that caused the zoning of the land to be changed from commercial to residential.

Campen said that the change in zoning has devalued his property and violated his rights as a property owner.

“I am simply trying to take something that was wronged and make it right,” Campen said.

A representative from the planning and zoning board confirmed that there is no record of the property being rezoned.

The first record of the property being zoned as residential appeared in 1991 when the city commission adopted a comprehensive plan for development that included a future land use map.

Some residents argued that rezoning the land for commercial use would not be fair to those who bought property under the impression that the neighborhood was strictly residential.

“I don’t think most of us would have bought homes there if we knew that they were going to put in businesses,” said Jennifer Tozzo.

City Commissioner Deloris Roberts said that she did not approve of making the land commercial because the city would not be able to control what type of businesses could be built there.

“Unless we were able to say this can come here and this can’t, I would not be in favor of it because we all have residential area and homes that we would not like to be invaded by things that could come in,” she said.

Roberts noted that if any type of business was allowed to be built there, even a porn shop or Café Risque could be put in front of the neighborhood.

Vice Mayor Matthew Surrency said that while he was apologetic to Campen for any wrongs that he may have incurred from a previous administration, he was also concerned about being able to regulate what could be built on the land. He suggested that a low-impact business such as a real estate office might be acceptable.

The planning and zoning board representative advised the city commission that it could adopt a new policy that would give a conditional land use designation to a property that was zoned for “commercial neighborhood.”

Campen first came to the city commission for an approval to have his land rezoned in 2005 and was denied.

Pat McCloud, who owns two pieces of property in Ashley Oaks, questioned why Campen hadn’t pointed out the error sooner.

“I don’t know what took so long for him to point this out, because it should have showed up on his tax record,” he said.

The city commission voted to postpone making a decision about the rezoning until city staff and Campen can get together and come up with a proper designation for the property.

What started as a citizen’s suggestion manifested in a decision that will save the city between $40,000 and $50,000 in the coming year, said High Springs City Manager Jim Drumm.

During a Sept. 7 budget meeting, city commissioners listened to John White, a representative from the city’s contracted insurance broker, Bouchard Insurance, as he presented a total of 12 alternative options to the city’s current health insurance plan.

After several hours of debate, the commission agreed to switch from the city’s current provider, United Healthcare, to a new insurance plan with Aetna.

Number five on the list of 12 proposals, this plan is the closest to the coverage city employees currently have under United Healthcare. The $500 deductible for individuals and the $1,500 deductible for families are the same. But the new plan does not cover out-of-network care, and going to a doctor not affiliated with Aetna will mean paying out of pocket.

White said there are hundreds of in-network doctors to choose from in the greater Gainesville area.

While there are some other variations in coverage between the current plan and the new one, the rate for the Aetna plan is 1 percent lower than the city’s current rate with United Healthcare, which is about 4 percent, and if the city renews the current plan, the rate is expected to go up to about 18.43 percent.

This ‘Option 5’ plan is not at all what local resident Robyn Rush had in mind when she made the suggestion several weeks ago that the commission take a look at the benefits associated with health savings accounts (HSAs) as a possible answer to balancing the 2010-2011 budget.   

HSAs are accounts tied to high-deductible insurance plans, maintained for the employer and employee to deposit pre-tax dollars which can then be used at any time by the employee for any qualified health cost.

An employer, such as the City of High Springs, takes a portion of the money saved from the plan’s lower rates and deposits it into employees’ health savings accounts. This money can then be used as a reserve to help the employee when they have to pay out-of-pocket because of the high deductibles.

White did present one HSA plan, which he said was the only one offered that included an HSA component and fit all the city’s criteria.

The commission came to the conclusion that the deductibles for the HSA option might not be affordable for most city employees, and agreed they were not comfortable with the moral obligation they would feel to continue to make deposits of equal or higher amounts each year to employees’ accounts even though it is not required.

Commissioner John Hill emphasized the notion that if people get a certain amount of money from the city one year, they will expect the same amount the next year.

Despite the estimated $100,000 the city would save, the commission decided there were too many issues that could arise from the HSA plan.

Another key issue addressed were possible implications regarding the city’s contract with the Police Benevolent Association (PBA), which provides that the city pay 100 percent of police department employees’ health benefits.

All other city employees are required to pay $20 toward their coverage. This difference conflicts with a federal healthcare reform requirement that all employees are offered equal coverage.

White said the city would not have to come into compliance with this until its contract with the PBA is up for renewal, which will be in two years. However, the commission intends to attempt to renegotiate this at an earlier date if possible.

The commission opted to cut dental coverage entirely. This could become an issue if the PBA decides to contest it, because according to the contract, the city cannot reduce union member benefits.

Two High Springs men are dead after one attempted to pass a bicyclist on U.S. Highway 441 Saturday afternoon, resulting in a head-on collision.

According to a Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) report, Troy E. Bond, 49, was traveling south on U.S. 441 when he crossed the center line to pass a bicyclist also traveling south.  Bond’s 1993 Ford Ranger XLT struck a 1997 Ford F-150 traveling north, driven by Allan Delroy Witt, 71.

According to the report, when the left side of Bond’s vehicle hit the left side of Witt’s vehicle, both vehicles spun counterclockwise.  The Ford Ranger rested on its left side on the west shoulder of the road, while Witt’s F-150 stopped on the east shoulder.

Both motorists were pronounced dead at the scene by Columbia County Emergency Medical Services.  FHP reported that Witt was wearing a seatbelt, while Bond was not.

Bond was a longtime area mechanic, having worked for several years at Roger’s Tire in Alachua.  Considered a jovial person by those who knew him, Bond worked in other area auto parts stores in recent years.

Witt was a lifelong area resident, having been born in High Springs and graduated from Santa Fe High School.  He later became a Gainesville Police Department officer and Alachua County Sheriff’s Office deputy before retiring.

An investigation into the accident is ongoing and will include toxicology testing, according to FHP reports.

High Springs Police Chief Jim Troiano will receive a 24-hour unpaid suspension after an outside investigation found that he had violated several city policies.

Questions of appropriate tone, language and professional conduct were the issues that prompted High Springs City Manager Jim Drumm to hire an independent agent to investigate what happened during two July 14 phone conversations between Troiano and Alachua County Sheriff’s Office grants administrator Kelly Amerson.

Holly A. Dincman from the law firm of Coppins, Monroe, Adkins and Dincman, P.A., who conducted the investigation, returned her findings to the city Aug. 31. Dincman didn’t agree that Troiano reacted with a “Mel Gibson-like tirade,” as Amerson originally described when she informed Sheriff Sadie Darnell of the phone calls that had left her shaky and flustered.

But she did find that his conduct during the two conversations amounted to five separate violations of city policy, including use of improper language, which is a level five violation.

Other violations include a level three violation of private and professional conduct, which provides “Members shall conduct their private and professional lives in such a manner as not to bring discredit to the High Springs Police Department;” a level two violation of proper conduct toward the public; a level one violation of agreement to adhere to the High Springs Personnel Manual; and a violation of the High Springs Personnel Manual, “which establishes the following as grounds for disciplinary action —‘Rudeness or acts of disrespect to the public, elected officials, co-workers, or supervisors.’”

Upon receiving the investigative findings, Drumm explained the next step would be for him to hold a pre-disciplinary hearing with Troiano.

Drumm said this meeting affords the defendant in any complaint one last opportunity to defend him or herself and to answer to any of the findings, if they so choose. They may also bring forth any significant new information or evidence they feel might make a difference in their case.

However, Troiano waived his right to this hearing, leaving Drumm to allocate appropriate disciplinary action based on the results of the investigation.

He presented his decision to Troinano Wednesday evening with a formal letter explaining his reasoning.

Drumm said that based on the investigation, which includes witness testimony on both sides, he found Troiano behaved unprofessionally, and he elected to issue him a 24-hour unpaid suspension.

Sheriff Darnell, who was the first to request that Drumm look into the matter of how her employee was treated, declined to comment on the results because she has not been contacted by the City of High Springs.

The 96-year-old Newberry woman who was severely beaten in her home on July 16 died on Monday morning after being taken off of life support.

The victim, Lila Leach, had been hospitalized at Shands at the University of Florida since the attack. She incurred several fractures and broken bones and suffered from brain damage as a result of the beating.

column

Guest Column by Robert W. Wilford, Alachua City Commissioner

I would like to set the record straight regarding the “no” vote which was cast by me at the city commission meeting on Aug. 23 in regard to the Alachua City Commission entering into a new two-year contract with its current city attorney.

You indicated in an article on Aug. 26 that: "Wilford was the dissenting vote, stating he wanted to have more time to perform his own research on the costs for a fulltime city attorney.".

Although employing a fulltime city attorney was briefly mentioned at the city commission meeting conducted on Aug. 23, since it was my intention to make a motion at this meeting to extend the existing city attorney contract through Dec. 31, 2010, I clearly indicated that I was caught by complete surprise with an agenda item offering the current city attorney a new two-year contract. 

In addition, I succinctly stated that I had personally started researching financial arrangements other municipalities followed in obtaining legal services. This research was/is being done in Alachua County and with a number of municipalities around the state having similar populations to Alachua.

The primary purpose of my research, as articulated in the city commission meeting, was to ensure that Alachua receives the “biggest bang for its buck” in acquiring legal services whether it is on a contractual basis or as a result of employing a fulltime city attorney on staff.

It is my firm belief that, as an elected public servant serving as a member of the Alachua City Commission, I have both an awesome and a gratifying fiduciary responsibility in efficiently managing and frugally spending the tax dollars placed in my trust by the fine folks who call Alachua home.

Therefore, just because it “appears” the costs for legal services may be reduced in a new contract, in rendering my vote, I did not have sufficient research data and empirical documentation substantiating this less costly premise nor to evaluate whether the city had been receiving the most cost effective legal services over the past six to seven years. Consequently, in following my conscience, I had no other choice than to vote “no” on the motion to enter into a new two-year contract with the current city attorney.

Since I truly hold my colleagues serving with me on the Alachua City Commission in very high regard as well as being an adherent to time-honored parliamentary procedures and in keeping with the guidelines specified in Robert’s Rules of Order, Revised, I do respect their decision. American democracy through majority rule was most definitely on display in these city commission proceedings.

However, I rendered a ""no" vote, exercising my right to offer a minority opinion, to enter into a new two-year contract with our current city attorney since my research was not complete. It should be finalized within the next two to three weeks.

It is important to note that my “no” vote was not a pronouncement meant to impugn the integrity nor question the knowledge, abilities, and expertise of our current city attorney. Quite simply, I passionately believe it is an “ethical principle of competitive fairness” to seek bids and/or Request for Qualifications (RFQ’s)/Request for Proposals (RFP’s) for contractual professionals on a periodic basis.

In my opinion, a competitive bidding, RFQ, or RFP, process should be conducted on a predetermined schedule in acquiring the services of city attorneys, auditors, insurance agents of record, banking institutions, and investment firms, as well as, when applicable, other contractual entities.

As an Alachua City Commissioner, I am unwavering in my commitment to: (1) performing my duties and responsibilities to the very best of my abilities, (2) accepting without hesitation personal accountability for my actions on behalf of the citizens of Alachua, and (3) being “transparent, transparent, and even more transparent” in everything I do on behalf of “The Good Life Community.”

On occasion it may take a “no” vote for me to be true to these three very personal commitments.

 

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 owners, Jennifer Wiesen and John Orcutt, 3620 NW 40 Terrace, Gainesville, FL, 32606, doing business under the firm name of: GAINESVILLE GATES located at 3620 NW 40 Terrace, 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 30th day of August, 2010.

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - September 02, 2010)

 

PUBLIC NOTICE

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO: 01-2010-DR-4186 DIVISION "AA" IN RE: The Marriage of: THEODORE LEROY LEE, Husband, and MICHELLE MARIE LEE, Wife. ____/ NOTICE OF ACTION To: MICHELLE MARIE LEE, also known as MICHELLE MARIE PETTIJOHN address unknown YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action has been filed against you, and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Peter C. K. Enwall, Esq., the Plaintiff's attorney, whose address is 4110 NW 37th Place, Suite B, Gainesville, Florida 32606, on or before thirty (30) days from the date hereof, and to file the original with this Clerk of Court either before service on Husband's attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Petition. WITNESS my hand and the seal of this Court this 16th day of August, 2010. J.K. "Buddy" Irby Clerk of the Circuit Court P.O. Box 600 Gainesville, FL 32602 B: /s/ S. Brown Deputy Clerk

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - August 26, 2010 and September 02, 2010)

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA

 

CASE NO.: 2010-CA-0708 DIVISION: “K” REBECCA F. BUTLER, Petitioner, v. JOENATHAN BUTLER, Respondent. _________/

 

NOTICE OF RE-SCHEDULED SALE

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to an Amended Summary Final Judgment of Partition in favor of Petitioner dated July 7, 2010, and entered in Case No.: 01-2010-CA-0708 of the Circuit Court of the EIGHTH Judicial Circuit, in and for ALACHUA County, Florida, and an Order Re-scheduling Sale, wherein REBECCA F. BUTLER, is the Petitioner, and JOENATHAN BUTLER, is the Respondent, I will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash in the Lobby of the Alachua County Civil Courthouse, 201 East University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida, at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, September 17, 2010, the following described property: LOT SIXTY-TWO (62), a replat of NORTHWOOD PINES, UNIT FIVE (5), a subdivision, as per plat recorded in Plat Book I, pages 56 of the Public Records of Alachua County, Florida. IF YOU ARE A PERSON CLAIMING A RIGHT TO FUNDS REMAINING AFTER THE SALE, YOU MUST FILE A CLAIM WITH THE CLERK NO LATER THAN 60 DAYS AFTER THE SALE. IF YOU FAIL TO FILE A CLAIM, YOU WILL NOT BE ENTITLED TO ANY REMAINING FUNDS. AFTER 60 DAYS, ONLY THE OWNER OF RECORD AS OF THE DATE OF THE LIS PENDENS MAY CLAIM THE SURPLUS. WITNESS MY HAND and the seal of this Court on the 25th day of August, 2010, J.K. "Buddy" Irby Clerk of the Circuit Court By: /s/ Erika Powell Deputy Clerk (Published: Alachua County Today - September 02 and 09, 2010)

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA

 

CASE NO. 0l-10-CA-553 CAMPUS USA CREDIT UNION, Plaintiff, vs. DIANE H. THOMPSON, UNKNOWN SPOUSE, UNKNOWN TENANT(S) IN POSSESSION and SECOND UNKNOWN TENANT(S) IN POSSESSION, Defendants. ________/

 

NOTICE OF SALE

 

NOTICE IS HERE BY GIVEN that on the 22nd day of September, 2010, at 11:00 A.M. in the Lobby at the Alachua County Family/Civil Justice Center, 201 E. University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601, the undersigned Clerk will offer for sale the following real and personal property more particularly described as: All of Lot 3 and Lot 2 LESS the East 53.92 feet of W.R. JONES REPLAT OF LOT 19 OF D.E. WHETSTONE ESTATE ADDITION TO HIGH SPRINGS as per Plat thereof recorded in Plat Book "A," Page 126 of the Public Records of Alachua County, Florida, also the North 1/2 of a 20 foot wide alley adjoining the above described property on the Southern boundary thereof. TOGETHER WITH that portion of land more particularly described as follows: That certain portion of Northeast Second Avenue (NE 2ND AVENUE) lying North and adjacent to lots 2 and 3, of Block 19, G.M. WHETSTONE ESTATES, A SUBDIVISION, as per plat Book "A," Page 46 1/2, Public Record of Alachua County, Florida. Between Northeast Fourth Street (NE 4th Street) and the Southerly Right-of-Way Line of U.S. Highway Number 441, is hereby closed, vacated and abandoned as a Public Right-of-Way by the City of High Springs. LESS AND EXCEPT any portion of the above described Northeast Second Avenue (NE 2nd Avenue) lying North of and adjacent to the West 28.92 feet of the East 53.92 feet of said Lot 2, Block 19. TOGETHER WITH: all the improvements now or hereafter erected on the property, and all easements, appurtenances, and fixtures now or hereafter a part of the property. The aforesaid sale will be made pursuant to the Final Judgment entered in Civil No. 01-10-CA-553 now pending in the Circuit Court of the Eighth Judicial Circuit in and for Alachua County, Florida. IF YOU ARE A PERSON CLAIMING A RIGHT TO FUNDS REMAINING AFTER THE SALE, YOU MUST FILE A CLAIM WITH THE CLERK NO LATER THAN 60 DAYS AFTER THE SALE. IF YOU FAIL TO FILE A CLAIM, YOU WILL NOT BE ENTITLED TO ANY REMAINING FUNDS. AFTER 60 DAYS, ONLY THE OWNER OF RECORD AS OF THE DATE OF THE LIS PENDENS MAY CLAIM THE SURPLUS. DATED this 24th day of August, 2010. J.K. Irby Clerk of Court By: /s/ Julia Rogers As Deputy Clerk Meredith L. Minkus, Esquire Florida Bar No.: 41656 BURR & FORMAN LLP Post Office Drawer 1690 Winter Park, Florida 32790 Telephone: (407) 647-4455 Attorneys for Plaintiff

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - September 02 and 09, 2010)

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION CASE NO: 01-09-CA-3449 ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA, Plaintiff, vs. NGR PURE TRUST, RICHARD R. KLOPP, and all other persons claiming by, through, under or against the named Defendant, Defendants. _______/ NOTICE OF ACTION TO: RICHARD R. KLOPP Last Known Addresses: 4923 SW 69th St., Gainesville, FL 32608 / 5006 SW 68th St., Gainesville, FL 32608 Current Residence/Address Unknown NGR PURE TRUST Last Known Addresses: 4923 SW 69th St., Gainesville, FL 32608 / 5006 SW 68th St., Gainesville, FL 32608 Current Residence/Address Unknown YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to foreclose a statutory lien on the following property in Alachua County, Florida: Lots 33, 34 DN 35 ARREDONDA ESTATES UNIT NO, 2-A, According to map or plat as recorded in Plat Book "G", page 58 of the Public Records of Alachua County, Florida has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Plaintiff's attorneys:

 

KAREN C. D. GABBADON STILES, TAYLOR & GRACE, P.A. P.O. BOX 460 Tampa, Florida 33601

 

within 30 days from the date of first publication and file the original with the Clerk of this Court either before service on Plaintiff's attorneys or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint. Dated on August 17, 2010 J.K "Buddy" Irby Clerk of the Circuit Court P.O. Box 600 Gainesville, FL 32602 By: /s/ S. Brown Deputy Clerk

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - August 26, 2010 and September 02, 2010)

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION CASE NO: 01-09-CA-3450 ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA, Plaintiff, vs. LUDI STRITT, THOMAS E. MULLIN, and all other persons claiming by, through, under or against the named Defendants, Defendants. _______/ NOTICE OF ACTION TO: LUDI STRITT, and any and all unknown parties claiming by, through, under, and against Ludi Stritt who is not known to be dead or alive, whether said unknown parties may claim an interest as spouse's, heirs, devisees, grantees, or other claimants of Ludi Stritt. Last Known Address: 10306 SE US Highway 301, Hawthorne, FL 32640 Current Residence/Address Unknown THOMAS E. MULLIN, Last Known Address: 13 Surrey Court, Palm Coast, FL 32137 Current Residence/Address Unknown YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to foreclose a statutory lien on the following property in Alachua County, Florida: (See Legal Descriptions contained in Exhibit A attached hereto) has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Plaintiff's attorneys:

 

KAREN C. D. GABBADON STILES, TAYLOR & GRACE, P.A. P.O. BOX 460 Tampa, Florida 33601

 

within 30 days from the date of first publication and file the original with the Clerk of this Court either before service on Plaintiff's attorneys or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint. Dated on August 17, 2010 J.K "Buddy" Irby Clerk of the Circuit Court P.O. Box 600 Gainesville, FL 32602 By: /s/ S. Brown Deputy Clerk LEGAL DESCRIPTION: That part of the Southeast 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 of Section 3, Township 11 South, Range 22 East, Alachua County, Florida; and being more particularly described as follows: Commence at the Southwest corner of the Southeast 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 for a point of reference; thence North 01°17'31" West, along the West line of the said Southeast 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4, a distance of 514.75 feet, to the POINT OF BEGINNING; continue North 01°17'31" West, along the said West line of the Southeast 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4, a distance of 150.03 feet; thence North 87°31'42" East, a distance of 1519.89 feet, to an intersection with the Westerly right-of-way line of the CSX Railroad; thence South 14°56'23" West, along said Westerly right-of-way line, a distance of 157.20 feet; thence South 87°31'42" West, a distance of 1475.94 feet, to an intersection with said West line of the Southeast 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4, for the said POINT OF BEGINNING. LOT #2 That part of the Southeast 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 of Section 3, Township 11 South, Range 22 East, Alachua County, Florida; and being more particularly described as follows: Commence at the Southwest corner of the Southeast 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 for a point of reference; thence North 01°17'31" West, along the West line of the said Southeast 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4, a distance of 364.62 feet, to the POINT OF BEGINNING; thence continue North 01°17'31" West, along the said West line of the Southeast 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4, a distance of 150.13 feet; thence North 87°31'42" East, a distance of 1475.94 feet, to an intersection with the Westerly right-of-way line of the CSX Railroad (being 65.00 feet, measured perpendicu1ar from the centerline of said railroad); thence South 14°56'23" West, along the said Westerly right-of-way line, a distance of 157.31 feet; thence South 87°31'42" West, a distance of 1431.96 feet, to an intersection with the said West line of the Southeast 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4, for the said POINT OF BEGINNING. BEARING NOTE: The bearings as shown hereon have been projected from a previous map of the area prepared by M.K. Flowers and Associates for Tom Mullin, dated October 17, 1980. Project No.284-80 TOGETHER WITH that certain right-of-way easement as follows: Together with a non-exclusive perpetual easement for ingress and egress across that part of the North 330.04 feet of the Northeast 1/4 of the Northwest 1/4; and that part of the Northwest 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 of Section 10, Township 11 South, Range 22 East, and across that part of the Southwest 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 of the Southeast 1/4; and across that part of the Northwest 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 3, Township 11 South, Range 22 East, that lies within a 30.00 foot strip that is parallel to and contiguous with the Westerly right-of-way line of the Seaboard Coastline Railroad, as shown by a revised right-of-way description and map recorded in Official Records Book 1099, page 322; of the Public Records of Alachua County, Florida; LESS the North 320.00 feet of the Northwest 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 3, Township 11 South, Range 22 East, the same lying North of the grade crossing.

 

Exhibit A

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - August 26, 2010 and September 02, 2010)

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

 

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

 

Advertise in Over 100 Papers throughout Florida. 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. Georgia Peaches, Cucumbers, Florida Broccoli & Cauliflower, Acre Peas, Butter Beans & Fordhooks, Bell Peppers, Organic Glueberries, Shelled Pecans, Local Yellow Squash & Zucchini, Cabbage, Local Honey, Brown Eggs, Foothills Butter, Fresh Local Silver Queen Corn, Amish Jellies and Jams, N. Carolina Apples & Apple Cider. CANNING QUANTITIES AVAILABLE. Call 386-462-6158.

 

EMPLOYMENT

 

 

Help Wanted

 

 

Drivers - FOOD TANKER DRIVERS NEEDED OTR positions available NOW! CDL-A w/ Tanker REQ'D. Outstanding pay & Benefits! Call a recruiter TODAY! (877)484-3042 www.oakleytransport.com

 

WANTED: LIFE AGENTS. Earn $500 a Day, Great Agent Benefits. Commissions Paid Daily, Liberal Underwriting. Leads, Leads, Leads. LIFE INSURANCE, LICENSE REQUIRED. Call (888)713-6020

 

Drivers- Flatbed CDL/A $2,000 Sign On bonus. NEW TRUCKS ARRIVING! 6 months Experience Required. Lease Purchase Available No Felonies. Hornady Transportation (800)441-4271 x FL-100

 

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

 

Colonial Life seeks entrepreneurial professional with sales experience to become a District Manager. Life/Health license is required. Substantial earnings potential. Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (904)424-5697

 

Driver- Average 2,400 miles/week. NEW PAY PACKAGE! 98% No-touch! Late model equipment. Healthcare benefits! Daily or weekly pay. CDL-A, w/ 6 months OTR experience. (800)414-9569. www.driveknight.com

 

DRIVERS--ASAP! New Pay Increase! 37-43 cpm Fuel Bonus -up to 4cpm! Need CDL-A & 3 mos recent OTR (877)258-8782 www.meltontruck.com

 

DRIVERS: CRST NEEDS YOU! IMMEDIATE opportunities! No CDL, No problem! CDL Training Available. Great Benefits & Start Earning $750-800/wk! Call Today! 1-866-457-6236

Cash paid for junk cars. $150 and up. Running or not. Free pick up. 352-771-6191.

F/T. Experience a must! CDL Class B with Tanker and Hazmat endorsements required. DFWP. Apply within Andrews Paving, 6327 NW 123rd Place, Gainesville, FL or email resume to send.resume @hotmail.com

F/T. Experience a plus! DFWP. Apply within Andrews Paving, 6327 NW 123rd Place, Gainesville, FL or email resume to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

SERVICES OFFERED

 

 

FINANCIAL

 

 

CASH NOW! Get cash for your structured settlement or annuity payments. High payouts. Call J.G. Wentworth. 1-866-SETTLEMENT (1-866-738-8536). Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau.

 

$$$ ACCESS LAWSUIT CASH NOW!!! $$$ 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

 

ADOPTIONS

 

 

ARE YOU PREGNANT? CONSIDERING ADOPTION? Loving married couple seeks to adopt. Will be Full-time Mom (age 36) and Devoted Dad. Financial security. EXPENSES PAID. Kim/Bill (888)399-3255 FL Bar# 0150789

 

Pregnant? Considering adoption? A childless, successful, woman seeks to adopt & needs your help! Financially secure. Expenses paid. Call Margie. (ask for michelle/adam). (800)790-5260. FL Bar# 0150789

 

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

 

 

Acreage & Farms

 

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.

 

1 AC GILCHRIST COUNTY

 

Paved road frontage on CR 138. Cleared homesite. High and Dry! OWNER FINANCING! NO DOWN PAYMENT! Only $256/mo. Total $24,900. Call 352-215-1018.

 

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

 

 

Apartments For Rent

 

 

Alachua Villas Apartments 2 Bedroom Apt. Starting at $494/mo. Available NOW! Call 386-462-5832 TDD# 1-800-955-8771 “This institution is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.”

 

Vacation Properties

 

 

BANK FORCED BID/OFFER SALE! Smoky Mtn. Lake Property,Tenn. Pick your lot, then submit your offer! Gated w/Amenities! Hurry, Register now, First 75 only! (877)644-4647 ext.# 302

 

BUY MOUNTAIN LAND NOW! Lowest prices ever! N.C. Bryson City 2.5acres, spectacular views, paved road. High altitude. Easily accessible, secluded. $45,000. Owner financing: (800)810-1590 www.wildcatknob.com

 

Unbelievable Coastal Bargain! Only $34,900 with FREE Boat Slip. Adjoining lot sold for $99,900! Beautifully wooded building lot in premier gated waterfront community. Enjoy direct access to Atlantic! All amenities complete! Paved roads, underground utilities, club house, pool. Excellent financing. Call Now (877)888-1415, x 2627

 

MERCHANDISE

 

 

Machinery & Tools

 

 

NEW Norwood SAWMILLS-LumberMate-Pro handles logs 34" diameter, mills boards 28" wide. Automated quick-cycle-sawing increases efficiency up to 40%! www.NorwoodSawmills.com/300N (800)661-7746 Ext 300N

 

Garage Sales

 

A rummage sale to raise money for the Archer Youth Athelic Scholarships will be held on Saturday, Oct. 2nd and Oct. 9th from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Old Fire Station on the cormer of State Road 45 (US27) and 137th Ave. in Archer. Donations are needed and appreciated. Please call Sara Brannon at 352-514-8431 to arrange delivery or pick up of donations.

 

For Sale

 

 

CHERRY BEDROOM SET. Solid Wood, never used, brand new in factory boxes. English Dovetail. Original cost $4500. Sell for $895. Can deliver. Call Tom (813)600-3653

 

Miscellaneous For Sale

 

 

Did you lose contact with an old friend? We will find them. Guaranteed skip tracing. If we don't succeed, there's no charge. Call Stealth (877)658-5605

 

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

 

STIMULUS REBATE $$$$ Sept/Aug Electric Bill Paid $3,000.00 tax Credit-2011 Get your free home gold star certified. 1st 25 people to call, $35.00 gift card Offer Expires 11/1/2011: (877)791-6142

 

WANTED TO BUY

 

Cash paid for junk cars. $150 and up. Running or not. Free pick up. 352-771-6191.

 

Auctions

 

 

FORECLOSED HOME AUCTION 1400+ FL Homes | Auction: 9/18 Open House: Sept 4, 11 & 12 REDC | View Full Listings www.Auction.com RE Brkr CQ1031187

 


To Place a Classified Call 386-462-3355.

Q_-_Newberry_ASCO_DSF2627After several residents voiced concerns about law enforcement being overly aggressive in Newberry's NW 252nd Street area of town, the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) has been investigating leads and reaching out to the community for help with resolving the issue. 

At a city commission meeting on July 26, six residents complained that police were harassing innocent citizens and being disrespectful when responding to calls in the NW 252nd Street area.

In response, Alachua County Sheriff Sadie Darnell held a community meeting at Newberry City Hall on Aug. 9 to hear what residents had to say and address their concerns.

Darnell said that the complaints revealed a need for ACSO to improve its efforts to connect with the community.

“It wasn’t pleasant to hear, but it was necessary for us to get that information,” she said.

While she was not happy to hear about the complaints, Darnell said that she is proud of the way that ACSO has responded to them.

“We had a couple of citizens who were concerned, but we’ve been very responsive in meeting with them and doing follow-up as of the next day,” Darnell said.

In order to encourage citizens to come forward with information about any police misconduct that may have occurred, ACSO arranged for Keith Vermillion, chief inspector for the Office of Professional Standards, to be at the City of Newberry mayor’s office on Aug. 18 and 24.

According to Lt. Steve Maynard, the public information officer for ACSO, seven citizens came to speak with Vermillion.

While most of the information that was given lacked specific details, all of the leads are being looked into, according to Maynard. He added that supervisors will be randomly reviewing the digital video and audio tapes that are recorded from the vehicles and persons of the deputies.

“If we determine that anything less than professional, courteous interaction has taken place, those deputies will be held accountable,” he said.

In order to improve its relationship with the community, Maynard said that ACSO has established a neighborhood watch in the NW 252nd Street area and is focusing on “community-oriented policing,” an approach that Maynard described as assigning an officer to the same beat in order for him or her to communicate with the citizens and get to know them better.

Although ACSO plans to address the concerns from residents, it does not intend to decrease its presence in the NW 252nd Street area.

“We have to have the same presence because the need is there,” Maynard said.

According to Maynard, the ACSO responded to 4,546 calls for service in Newberry from April 14, 2009 to Aug. 2, 2010, excluding traffic stops. Of those calls, 1,599, or 35 percent, came from the 10 square blocks around NW 252nd Street.

Mayor Harry Nichols said that the sheriff’s department has done a great job with responding to the complaints.

“They have gone out of their way to respond to problems and concerns from people,” Nichols said.

Any citizen of Newberry who feels that he or she has been treated unprofessionally by a member of ACSO can contact the Office of Professional Standards at 352-384-3050 to file a formal complaint.

Cost projections for the two Newberry park projects – Triangle Park amphitheater and Martin Luther King Jr. multi-purpose center – suggest that the city will have to scale back both projects drastically or possibly scrap one altogether.

At the Aug. 23 commission meeting, architect Paul Stresing priced Triangle Park amphitheater at about $420,000 and the Martin Luther King Jr. center at $95 per square foot, or $495,000 total.

Newberry is only expecting to have about $500,000 for both projects. The $500,000 is funding the city receives from Wild Spaces Public Places (WSPP), the countywide one-half cent sales tax program.

After viewing the latest numbers, the commission was concerned about how feasible it would be to complete both projects.

“Looks like we got money for one project, and we’re trying to do two,” Commissioner Monty Farnsworth said at the meeting.

Commissioners discussed which project would get priority if the costs remained too great.

Commissioner Lois Forte said the city has been working on Triangle Park much longer, and she doesn’t want to see it stripped down completely to make the money stretch over two projects.

However, the commission did not make a decision yet on whether it will cut one of the projects.

Instead, the focus of the meeting was on how to cut costs.

One method discussed is to build the projects in phases – starting with the core of the project and building with simple concrete block.

“The beauty of building a core building is that you can always add to it,” Stresing said.

The plan had always been to build the projects in phases, but the latest price projections may force the city to go even more bare-bones in the earlier phases.

This means going with concrete over carpeting or tile, for example. Stresing said the aim is to keep the projects simple, frugal and maintenance-free.

Commissioner Joe Hoffman proposed another way to cut costs: cut the size of the projects. At $95 per square feet, making small changes in the width and length of the projects can save several thousand dollars.

Stresing also noted that the $95 per square foot rate is not set in stone. During better economic times, the cost would have been about $125 to $150 per square foot. However, in today’s economic climate, the figure could drop well below $95 per square foot, depending on how the bidding situation works out.

“This is a cost estimate based on current prices. You put it into a bidding situation, that number might drastically reduce,” Stresing said.

Stresing said donations from local businesses would also cut the projects’ cost.

“There are components of it that we could tap into some local resources if they would be interested in participating in the project,” he said.

Robyn Rush is no stranger to local government officials. About two months ago, she filed a lawsuit against the City of High Springs, which has yet to be resolved.

But when she approached the commission during an Aug. 26 meeting, it wasn’t about the Florida Sunshine Law and the right to public records.

This time, Rush fired off a series of specific and detailed allegations amounting to a claim, that if her data is correct, she said it appears the City of High Springs has committed fraud against the federal government.

Commissioners appeared baffled last Thursday night when she presented her concerns.

Later during the meeting, City Commissioner Larry Travis said he “has a real problem” with people coming up and making accusations while he and the other commissioners have no prior knowledge of the issue. This was not the proper way, he said, to go about voicing a complaint.

Though she did not go into detail, Rush later indicated that she chose to address the commission directly based on prior experiences that calling or e-mailing city commissioners or the city manager yielded little or no response.

“If they’re not under the spotlight then they don’t feel the responsibility to take action,” she said.

The questions she raised concerned the High Springs Police Department’s use of Byrne Grant funds, which consist of federal money disbursed through the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.

Rush cited various city documents she claims show that some of the city’s expenditures of grant money does not appear to match up with the dollar amounts for which the city requested reimbursements from the sheriff’s office.

She claims that in several cases, dating back to 2008, the city requested grant reimbursements to cover expenses of overtime pay for officers. But in the cases in question, she said the city never actually wrote the corresponding checks to cover overtime pay.

Toward the end of the commission meeting, Mayor Bill Coughlin opened the floor to High Springs Chief of Police Jim Troiano, to respond to Rush’s concerns.

Troiano told commissioners that he can assure them, he has never intentionally misused any grant funds, and in this instance, to the best of his knowledge, neither he, nor the city, has done anything wrong. Both he and the city manager, Jim Drumm, said that if there has been a bookkeeping mistake it will certainly be addressed and corrected, but they have no knowledge of any intention to deliberately scam anyone.

The chief also indicated that contrary to rumor, he confirmed with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement that he, nor the city of High Springs, is under investigation regarding the Byrne Grant at this time.

On Wednesday, Drumm said he has not received written confirmation, but he added, “My understanding is that there is not an investigation.”

He also said that he spoke to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) grant administrators on Monday, and they will be doing an administrative review of the grant over the next week.

The general consensus of the commission was that the records Rush cited should be reviewed, and the city should do whatever is in its means to answer her questions and put all doubts to rest.

Troiano said he would gladly give money from his own paycheck to pay for an investigation, if that’s what it takes to prove his innocence.

Drumm said he believes that this administrative review will clarify any concerns that were brought forth.

This Sunday, residents all over Alachua County will have a reason to celebrate because for many, it will be a three-day weekend. Children nationwide will rejoice at the thought of “no school on Monday.”

Labor Day is an American tradition, in fact, a national holiday, and one local city will be hosting an especially “explosive” celebration Sunday evening as Newberry’s Backyard BBQ puts on its 13th annual Labor Day Fireworks Show.

The event starts at 5 p.m. and fireworks will start at dusk. There will be music, food and an array of family activities, including face painting and horse and carriage rides.

The event, which will be held at the Easton-Newberry Sports Complex, located at 24880 NW 16th Avenue, Newberry, will be free and open to the public.

High Springs residents can expect to see new due dates on their water and refuse bills starting in November. And those who might not manage to make their payment on time will notice that late fees have been cut in half.

What began with one High Springs woman’s plea to the commission in late June quickly grew into a controversial issue evoking responses across the community. The debate over what constitutes a fair and justified late fee on city utility bills, as well as questions regarding payment schedules and shut-off policies, became topics of discussion at several subsequent commission meetings.

Lauren Curry, the High Springs resident who originally raised the issue, said she would have kept pushing the issue until she got results. She didn’t expect to get them so quickly.

“I’m pretty pleased.”

Now, about two months later, the city has made an official decision. During an Aug. 26 meeting, commissioners ultimately agreed, not without some reservations, to amend the former $10 late fee for water bills, and the former $10 late fee for refuse (garbage) bills, to $5 each.

For customers who only receive refuse service, the late fee that should have been charged up until this change goes into effect was $10, though some citizens, including High Springs Mayor Bill Coughlin, said they were charged $20. Now it should only be $5.

“I am happy to see the late fees reduced,” said Curry, “but the fact remains that people were overcharged in the past for refuse, and that money needs to be refunded.”

The commission also opted to change the due date for utilities bills from the 15th of the month to the 21st of the month.

The city will also offer an after-hours reconnection option for water at a charge of $50, which will cover employees’ overtime rates.

Commissioner John Hill said he still objects to lowering the late fees, but was in favor of the billing schedule changes and the after-hours reconnection option. He voted in favor of adopting the resolution that will amend the fees and institute the reconnection procedure, and the measure passed unanimously.

A separate ordinance was proposed to amend the due dates, which the city attorney Tom DePeter explained was a housekeeping action in order to enact all the changes at once and keep them on the books together in one place.

This ordinance was approved unanimously on first reading, and it will be brought before the commission again in September to afford the opportunity for public input, after which the commission will have the option to adopt it on second reading.

DePeter explained that everything is scheduled to go into effect Oct. 1, allowing for the second reading of the billing schedule ordinance. Subsequently, the first billing cycle to reflect all changes would be in November.

Curry said the process of dealing with city government has left her “cautiously optimistic.” She intends to continue to participate and follow this issue especially closely.

The experience, she said, was a lot like remodeling a home. “I’m glad I did it, and I like the results, but it wasn’t fun and I never want to have to do it again.”

9/10/10 CORRECTION: In a correction previously placed here and published in the Sept. 9, 2010 edition of Alachua County Today, Charles Grapski's sentence was again incorrectly reported.  In an amended order, Judge James P. Nilon "clarified" his sentencing of Grapski to make it clear that the one-time University of Florida doctoral student would not only serve a total of 240 days in jail with credit for time served, but also serve two years of community control/house arrest followed by eight years of probation.

 

Political activist and one-time University of Florida student Charles Grapski is back in jail after being found guilty Wednesday of violating probationary terms stemming from a 2007 arrest in Alachua.

On Feb. 2, the one-time City of Alachua

letters

A story in another newspaper about the police lieutenant that was fired from his job over the shooting of Kofi Adu-Brempong is upsetting to me as a taxpayer.  It seems to me that everyone is blaming the Lieutenant, when in fact, the one to blame is Mr. Brempong.  Mr. Brempong was ordered to put down the steel table leg and failed to do so.  He could have complied and I’m sure no force would have been used.  I know that it’s big business educating foreign students, but they must comply with our laws and obey our officials. Charges should have been pursued against Mr. Brempong.  To not hold him accountable is to open the door for a lawsuit that the taxpayers will have to pay.

The police chief said in justifying her firing of Lt. Stacy Ettel that his was not the squad that should have handled the disturbance.  Was the Lieutenant and his squad dispatched there?  When a person has to make decisions in a crisis all the information is not always available until later.  The State Attorney’s office did not pursue charges against any of the other officers, finding they were legally justified in their use of force.

What a joy it must be to work for Police Chief Stump.  Whatever happened to supporting your officers?  If I were an officer under her, I would be looking for somewhere to go, before I had to make a controversial decision.  Shame on you, Chief!

The union says the Lieutenant was used as a sacrificial lamb.  I believe this is true, and I call on all citizens to stand up for our officers, and support them.  Lieutenant Ettel should appeal this and fight it to the bitter end.

Bobby A. Simmons

High Springs, Fla.

 

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 owner, Ally Property Tax Consultants LLC, 316 SE 2nd Ave, Suite B, Gainesville, FL, 32601, doing business under the firm name of: EQUITAX of Alachua County, located at 315 SE 2nd Ave, in the County of Alachua, in the City of Gainesville, Florida 32601, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated this second day of August, 2010.

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - August 26, 2010)

PUBLIC NOTICE

 

IN THE CIRCUITCOURT, EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT , IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO: 01-2010-CA-0012117 DIVISION: J (Judge Robert E Roundtree, Jr.) MARVIN MILLER and PHYLLIS MILLER, husband and wife, Plaintiffs, vs. BRADLEY HAFENBRAEDL; and UNKNOWN TENANT (S), Defendants ___________/

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Summary Final Judgment entered in this cause on August 2, 2010, in Case No. 01-2010-CA 001217, in the Circuit Court, in and for ALACHUA County, Florida, wherein MARVIN MILLER and PHYLLIS MILLER, husband and wife, is the Plaintiff and BRADLEY HAFENBRAEDL, et al,. are the Defendants, I will sell, pursuant to the terms of said Summary Final Judgment, to the highest and best bidder for cash in the lobby of the Alachua County Family/Civil Justice Center, 201 East University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida, on the 13th day of October, 2010 at 11:00 a.m., the following described real property located in ALACHUA County, Florida, to-wit: Lot 25, TOWER OAKS RIDGE, APART OF THE PINE GLADE PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT, according to the plat thereof recorded in Plat Book L, Page 18, of the Public Records of Alachua County, Florida. WITNESS My Hand and Official Seal of this Court this 11th day of August , 2010. J.K. IRBY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT By: /S/ Stacy Brown Deputy Clerk cc: Robert E. Kramer, Esquire, 555 West Granada Boulevard, Suite A-9, Ormond Beach, FL 32174 Robert E. Kramer, Esquire, via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or fax (386) 672-4410 for publication Bradley Hafenbraedl, 1822 SW 67th Terrace, Gainesville, FL 32606 IF YOU ARE A PERSON CLAIMING A RIGHT TO FUNDS REMAINING AFTER THE SALE, YOU MUST FILE A CLAIM WITH THE CLERK NO LATER THAN 60 DAYS AFTER THE SALE. IF YOU FAIL TO FILE A CLAIM, YOU WILL NOT BE ENTITLED TO ANY REMAINING FUNDS. AFTER 60 DAYS, ONLY THE OWNER OF RECORD AS OF THE DATE OF THE LIS PENDENS MAY CLAIM THE SURPLUS.

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - August 19 and 26, 2010)

(RFQ)

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

 

The City of High Springs is inviting interested parties to submit a statement of qualifications for the weekly operation of the High Springs Farmer’s Market. Minimum performance requirements and compensation plan may be obtained at the City Manager’s Office at City Hall. Qualification packet must be completed and submitted by 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 2, 2010, to James D. Drumm, City Manager, 110 NW 1st Avenue, High Springs, Florida 32643.

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - August 19 and 26, 2010)

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

 

The City of High Springs is currently seeking proposals from qualified firms to provide contract mowing and general landscape maintenance at various specified City locations in accordance with the terms, conditions, and specifications in this RFP. Bid specifications may be obtained at City Hall. It will be the sole responsibility of the bidder to inspect the properties designated to be served by the contract prior to submitting a proposal. Sealed proposals must be submitted to the Office of the City Manager at City Hall, 110 NW 1st Avenue, High Springs, Florida 32643 by 11:00 am, Wednesday, September 1, 2010. THE CITY OF HIGH SPRINGS RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY OR ALL PROPOSALS AND TO ACCEPT THE BID FOUND TO BE IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE CITY.

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - August 19 and 26, 2010)

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

 

The City of High Springs is currently seeking proposals from qualified firms to provide vending machines concession services at various specified City locations in accordance with the terms, conditions, and specifications in this RFP. Bid Packets may be obtained at City Hall. It will be the sole responsibility of the bidder to inspect the City’s facilities prior to submitting a proposal. Sealed proposals must be submitted to the Office of the City Manager at City Hall, 110 NW 1st Avenue, High Springs, Florida 32643 by 3:00 pm, September 17, 2010. THE CITY OF HIGH SPRINGS RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY OR ALL PROPOSALS.

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - August 19 and 26, 2010)

CASE NO: 01-09-CA-3450 ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA, Plaintiff, vs. LUDI STRITT, THOMAS E. MULLIN, and all other persons claiming by, through, under or against the named Defendants, Defendants. _______/ NOTICE OF ACTION TO: LUDI STRITT, and any and all unknown parties claiming by, through, under, and against Ludi Stritt who is not known to be dead or alive, whether said unknown parties may claim an interest as spouse's, heirs, devisees, grantees, or other claimants of Ludi Stritt. Last Known Address: 10306 SE US Highway 301, Hawthorne, FL 32640 Current Residence/Address Unknown THOMAS E. MULLIN, Last Known Address: 13 Surrey Court, Palm Coast, FL 32137 Current Residence/Address Unknown YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to foreclose a statutory lien on the following property in Alachua County, Florida: (See Legal Descriptions contained in Exhibit A attached hereto) has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Plaintiff's attorneys:

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION

 

KAREN C. D. GABBADON STILES, TAYLOR & GRACE, P.A. P.O. BOX 460 Tampa, Florida 33601

 

within 30 days from the date of first publication and file the original with the Clerk of this Court either before service on Plaintiff's attorneys or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint. Dated on August 17, 2010 J.K "Buddy" Irby Clerk of the Circuit Court P.O. Box 600 Gainesville, FL 32602 By: /s/ S. Brown Deputy Clerk LEGAL DESCRIPTION: That part of the Southeast 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 of Section 3, Township 11 South, Range 22 East, Alachua County, Florida; and being more particularly described as follows: Commence at the Southwest corner of the Southeast 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 for a point of reference; thence North 01°17'31" West, along the West line of the said Southeast 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4, a distance of 514.75 feet, to the POINT OF BEGINNING; continue North 01°17'31" West, along the said West line of the Southeast 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4, a distance of 150.03 feet; thence North 87°31'42" East, a distance of 1519.89 feet, to an intersection with the Westerly right-of-way line of the CSX Railroad; thence South 14°56'23" West, along said Westerly right-of-way line, a distance of 157.20 feet; thence South 87°31'42" West, a distance of 1475.94 feet, to an intersection with said West line of the Southeast 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4, for the said POINT OF BEGINNING. LOT #2 That part of the Southeast 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 of Section 3, Township 11 South, Range 22 East, Alachua County, Florida; and being more particularly described as follows: Commence at the Southwest corner of the Southeast 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 for a point of reference; thence North 01°17'31" West, along the West line of the said Southeast 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4, a distance of 364.62 feet, to the POINT OF BEGINNING; thence continue North 01°17'31" West, along the said West line of the Southeast 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4, a distance of 150.13 feet; thence North 87°31'42" East, a distance of 1475.94 feet, to an intersection with the Westerly right-of-way line of the CSX Railroad (being 65.00 feet, measured perpendicu1ar from the centerline of said railroad); thence South 14°56'23" West, along the said Westerly right-of-way line, a distance of 157.31 feet; thence South 87°31'42" West, a distance of 1431.96 feet, to an intersection with the said West line of the Southeast 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4, for the said POINT OF BEGINNING. BEARING NOTE: The bearings as shown hereon have been projected from a previous map of the area prepared by M.K. Flowers and Associates for Tom Mullin, dated October 17, 1980. Project No.284-80 TOGETHER WITH that certain right-of-way easement as follows: Together with a non-exclusive perpetual easement for ingress and egress across that part of the North 330.04 feet of the Northeast 1/4 of the Northwest 1/4; and that part of the Northwest 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 of Section 10, Township 11 South, Range 22 East, and across that part of the Southwest 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 of the Southeast 1/4; and across that part of the Northwest 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 3, Township 11 South, Range 22 East, that lies within a 30.00 foot strip that is parallel to and contiguous with the Westerly right-of-way line of the Seaboard Coastline Railroad, as shown by a revised right-of-way description and map recorded in Official Records Book 1099, page 322; of the Public Records of Alachua County, Florida; LESS the North 320.00 feet of the Northwest 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 3, Township 11 South, Range 22 East, the same lying North of the grade crossing.

 

Exhibit A

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - August 26, 2010 and September 02, 2010)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO: 01-2010-DR-4186 DIVISION "AA" IN RE: The Marriage of: THEODORE LEROY LEE, Husband, and MICHELLE MARIE LEE, Wife. ____/ NOTICE OF ACTION To: MICHELLE MARIE LEE, also known as MICHELLE MARIE PETTIJOHN address unknown YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action has been filed against you, and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Peter C. K. Enwall, Esq., the Plaintiff's attorney, whose address is 4110 NW 37th Place, Suite B, Gainesville, Florida 32606, on or before thirty (30) days from the date hereof, and to file the original with this Clerk of Court either before service on Husband's attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Petition. WITNESS my hand and the seal of this Court this 16th day of August, 2010. J.K. "Buddy" Irby Clerk of the Circuit Court P.O. Box 600 Gainesville, FL 32602 B: /s/ S. Brown Deputy Clerk

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - August 26, 2010 and September 02, 2010)

CASE NO: 01-09-CA-3449 ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA, Plaintiff, vs. NGR PURE TRUST, RICHARD R. KLOPP, and all other persons claiming by, through, under or against the named Defendant, Defendants. _______/ NOTICE OF ACTION TO: RICHARD R. KLOPP Last Known Addresses: 4923 SW 69th St., Gainesville, FL 32608 / 5006 SW 68th St., Gainesville, FL 32608 Current Residence/Address Unknown NGR PURE TRUST Last Known Addresses: 4923 SW 69th St., Gainesville, FL 32608 / 5006 SW 68th St., Gainesville, FL 32608 Current Residence/Address Unknown YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to foreclose a statutory lien on the following property in Alachua County, Florida: Lots 33, 34 DN 35 ARREDONDA ESTATES UNIT NO, 2-A, According to map or plat as recorded in Plat Book "G", page 58 of the Public Records of Alachua County, Florida has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Plaintiff's attorneys:

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION

 

KAREN C. D. GABBADON STILES, TAYLOR & GRACE, P.A. P.O. BOX 460 Tampa, Florida 33601

 

within 30 days from the date of first publication and file the original with the Clerk of this Court either before service on Plaintiff's attorneys or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint. Dated on August 17, 2010 J.K "Buddy" Irby Clerk of the Circuit Court P.O. Box 600 Gainesville, FL 32602 By: /s/ S. Brown Deputy Clerk

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - August 26, 2010 and September 02, 2010)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Advertising Networks of Florida, Put us to work for You! (866)742-1373 www.florida-classifieds.com.

Advertise in Over 100 Papers throughout Florida.

GOOD THINGS TO EAT

, 13789 NW US Hwy 441, Alachua Georgia Peaches, Organic Blueberries, Butterbeans and Fordhoocks, Acre Peas, Watermelon, Shelled Pecans, Florida Broccoli & Cauliflower, Cucumbers, Bell Peppers, Local Yellow Squash & Zucchini, Cabbage, Local Honey Fresh Local Silver Queen Corn, Amish Jellies and Jams, Brown Eggs, Foothills Butter, N. Carolina Apples & Apple Cider. Canning quantities available. Call 386-462-6158 .

C&R Produce

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

Need more training? We can help. Must be 23. (888)632-5230 . www.JoinWiltrans.com

Drivers-CDL-A drivers. No experience, no problem!

No forced NE/NYC! 6months OTR experience. No felony/DUI last 5yrs. Solos Wanted. New Team Pay Packages! (877)740-6262 . www.ptl-inc.com

DRIVER- GREAT MILES! NO TOUCH FREIGHT!

Vac Truck Driver/Operator Needed F/T. Experience a must! CDL Class B with Tanker and Hazmat endorsements required. DFWP. Apply within Andrews Paving, 6327 NW 123rd Place, Gainesville, FL or email resume to send.resume @hotmail.com

Asphalt Laborer Needed F/T. Experience a plus! DFWP. Apply within Andrews Paving, 6327 NW 123rd Place, Gainesville, FL or email resume to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Cash paid for junk cars. $150 and up. Running or not. Free pick up. 352-771-6191 .

NEW TRUCKS ARRIVING! 6 months Experience Required. Lease Purchase Available No Felonies. Hornady Transportation (800)441-4271 x FL-100

Drivers- Flatbed CDL/A $2,000 Sign On bonus.

CDL-A w/ Tanker REQ'D. Outstanding pay & Benefits! Call a recruiter TODAY! (877)484-3042 www.oakleytransport.com

Drivers - FOOD TANKER DRIVERS NEEDED OTR positions available NOW!

 

DRIVERS: CRST NEEDS YOU! IMMEDIATE opportunities! No CDL, No problem! CDL Training Available. Great Benefits & Start Earning $750-800/wk! Call Today! 1-866-457-6236

OTR, Regional, Teams. Local orientation. Daily or weekly pay. 98% no-touch. CDL-A, 6 months OTR experience. (800)414-9569 . www.driveknight.com

Driver- Weekly Hometime. Average 2,400 miles/week!

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Loving married couple seeks to adopt. Will be Full-time Mom (age 36) and Devoted Dad. Financial security. EXPENSES PAID. Kim/Bill (888)399-3255FL Bar# 0150789

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REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

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Adjoining lot sold for $99,900! Beautifully wooded building lot in premier gated waterfront community. Enjoy direct access to Atlantic! All amenities complete! Paved roads, underground utilities, club house, pool. Excellent financing. Call Now (877)888-1415 , x 2627

Unbelievable Coastal Bargain! Only $34,900 with FREE Boat Slip.

Acreage & Farms

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 .

1 AC GILCHRIST COUNTY

 

Paved road frontage on CR 138. Cleared homesite. High and Dry! OWNER FINANCING! NO DOWN PAYMENT! Only $256/mo. Total $24,900. Call 352-215-1018 .

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

Apartments For Rent

 

Alachua Villas Apartments 2 Bedroom Apt. Starting at $494/mo. Available NOW! Call 386-462-5832 TDD# 1-800-955-8771 “This institution is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.”

Vacation Properties

N.C. Bryson City 2.5acres, spectacular views, paved road. High altitude. Easily accessible, secluded. $45,000. Owner financing: (800)810-1590 www.wildcatknob.com

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Private, near Boone area, bank financing, owner must sell (866)789-8535

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Smoky Mtn. Lake Property,Tenn. Pick your lot, then submit your offer! Gated w/Amenities! Hurry, Register now, First 75 only! (877)644-4647 ext.# 302

BANK FORCED BID/OFFER SALE!

MERCHANDISE

Garage Sales

Moving Sale 14210 NW 138th Street, Alachua Saturday, August 28

 

10 feet X 8, Metal Steel Storage Shed, Turfbuilder Seeder, Ceiling Fan, Full Size Mattress & Box Spring w/frame, Outside Sensor Light, Infant crib set, infant clothes, young lady apparel & women, Stuffed Animals, pogo stick & games, Size 9 Lady Cleats, Scandinavian Square Dining Table. Several items will be sold ar or Best Offer (OBO).

For Sale

Solid Wood, never used, brand new in factory boxes. English Dovetail. Original cost $4500. Sell for $895. Can deliver. Call Tom (813)600-3653

CHERRY BEDROOM SET.

In original plastic, never used. Orig price $3000, Sacrifice $975. Can deliver. Call Bill (407)574-4955

LEATHER LIVING ROOM SET.

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Miscellaneous For Sale

handles logs 34" diameter, mills boards 28" wide. Automated quick-cycle-sawing increases efficiency up to 40%! www.NorwoodSawmills.com/300N (800)661-7746 Ext 300N

NEW Norwood SAWMILLS-LumberMate-Pro

WANTED TO BUY

Cash paid for junk cars. $150 and up. Running or not. Free pick up. 352-771-6191 .

Auctions

and several artworks with no reserve! Chagall, Picasso, Dali, Miro, Max, Neiman, Tarkay, Maimon, Pino, Agam and more! FREE food and drinks and raffle prizes BATERBYS ART AUCTION GALLERY- ORLANDO, Saturday, Aug 28th - 5pm Preview, 6pm Auction - 9101 International Dr., Unit 1008, Orlando, FL 32819. RSVP at www.baterbys.com or call (866) 537-1004 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. AB#2746 AU#3750

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FORECLOSED HOME AUCTION 1400+ FL Homes


To Place a Classified Call 386-462-3355.

 

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 owner, Ally Property Tax Consultants LLC, 316 SE 2nd Ave, Suite B, Gainesville, FL, 32601, doing business under the firm name of: EQUITAX of Alachua County, located at 315 SE 2nd Ave, in the County of Alachua, in the City of Gainesville, Florida 32601, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated this second day of August, 2010.

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - August 26, 2010)

PUBLIC NOTICE

 

IN THE CIRCUITCOURT, EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT , IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO: 01-2010-CA-0012117 DIVISION: J (Judge Robert E Roundtree, Jr.) MARVIN MILLER and PHYLLIS MILLER, husband and wife, Plaintiffs, vs. BRADLEY HAFENBRAEDL; and UNKNOWN TENANT (S), Defendants ___________/

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Summary Final Judgment entered in this cause on August 2, 2010, in Case No. 01-2010-CA 001217, in the Circuit Court, in and for ALACHUA County, Florida, wherein MARVIN MILLER and PHYLLIS MILLER, husband and wife, is the Plaintiff and BRADLEY HAFENBRAEDL, et al,. are the Defendants, I will sell, pursuant to the terms of said Summary Final Judgment, to the highest and best bidder for cash in the lobby of the Alachua County Family/Civil Justice Center, 201 East University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida, on the 13th day of October, 2010 at 11:00 a.m., the following described real property located in ALACHUA County, Florida, to-wit: Lot 25, TOWER OAKS RIDGE, APART OF THE PINE GLADE PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT, according to the plat thereof recorded in Plat Book L, Page 18, of the Public Records of Alachua County, Florida. WITNESS My Hand and Official Seal of this Court this 11th day of August , 2010. J.K. IRBY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT By: /S/ Stacy Brown Deputy Clerk cc: Robert E. Kramer, Esquire, 555 West Granada Boulevard, Suite A-9, Ormond Beach, FL 32174 Robert E. Kramer, Esquire, via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or fax (386) 672-4410 for publication Bradley Hafenbraedl, 1822 SW 67th Terrace, Gainesville, FL 32606 IF YOU ARE A PERSON CLAIMING A RIGHT TO FUNDS REMAINING AFTER THE SALE, YOU MUST FILE A CLAIM WITH THE CLERK NO LATER THAN 60 DAYS AFTER THE SALE. IF YOU FAIL TO FILE A CLAIM, YOU WILL NOT BE ENTITLED TO ANY REMAINING FUNDS. AFTER 60 DAYS, ONLY THE OWNER OF RECORD AS OF THE DATE OF THE LIS PENDENS MAY CLAIM THE SURPLUS.

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - August 19 and 26, 2010)

(RFQ)

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

 

The City of High Springs is inviting interested parties to submit a statement of qualifications for the weekly operation of the High Springs Farmer’s Market. Minimum performance requirements and compensation plan may be obtained at the City Manager’s Office at City Hall. Qualification packet must be completed and submitted by 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 2, 2010, to James D. Drumm, City Manager, 110 NW 1st Avenue, High Springs, Florida 32643.

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - August 19 and 26, 2010)

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

 

The City of High Springs is currently seeking proposals from qualified firms to provide contract mowing and general landscape maintenance at various specified City locations in accordance with the terms, conditions, and specifications in this RFP. Bid specifications may be obtained at City Hall. It will be the sole responsibility of the bidder to inspect the properties designated to be served by the contract prior to submitting a proposal. Sealed proposals must be submitted to the Office of the City Manager at City Hall, 110 NW 1st Avenue, High Springs, Florida 32643 by 11:00 am, Wednesday, September 1, 2010. THE CITY OF HIGH SPRINGS RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY OR ALL PROPOSALS AND TO ACCEPT THE BID FOUND TO BE IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE CITY.

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - August 19 and 26, 2010)

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

 

The City of High Springs is currently seeking proposals from qualified firms to provide vending machines concession services at various specified City locations in accordance with the terms, conditions, and specifications in this RFP. Bid Packets may be obtained at City Hall. It will be the sole responsibility of the bidder to inspect the City’s facilities prior to submitting a proposal. Sealed proposals must be submitted to the Office of the City Manager at City Hall, 110 NW 1st Avenue, High Springs, Florida 32643 by 3:00 pm, September 17, 2010. THE CITY OF HIGH SPRINGS RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY OR ALL PROPOSALS.

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - August 19 and 26, 2010)

CASE NO: 01-09-CA-3450 ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA, Plaintiff, vs. LUDI STRITT, THOMAS E. MULLIN, and all other persons claiming by, through, under or against the named Defendants, Defendants. _______/ NOTICE OF ACTION TO: LUDI STRITT, and any and all unknown parties claiming by, through, under, and against Ludi Stritt who is not known to be dead or alive, whether said unknown parties may claim an interest as spouse's, heirs, devisees, grantees, or other claimants of Ludi Stritt. Last Known Address: 10306 SE US Highway 301, Hawthorne, FL 32640 Current Residence/Address Unknown THOMAS E. MULLIN, Last Known Address: 13 Surrey Court, Palm Coast, FL 32137 Current Residence/Address Unknown YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to foreclose a statutory lien on the following property in Alachua County, Florida: (See Legal Descriptions contained in Exhibit A attached hereto) has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Plaintiff's attorneys:

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION

 

KAREN C. D. GABBADON STILES, TAYLOR & GRACE, P.A. P.O. BOX 460 Tampa, Florida 33601

 

within 30 days from the date of first publication and file the original with the Clerk of this Court either before service on Plaintiff's attorneys or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint. Dated on August 17, 2010 J.K "Buddy" Irby Clerk of the Circuit Court P.O. Box 600 Gainesville, FL 32602 By: /s/ S. Brown Deputy Clerk LEGAL DESCRIPTION: That part of the Southeast 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 of Section 3, Township 11 South, Range 22 East, Alachua County, Florida; and being more particularly described as follows: Commence at the Southwest corner of the Southeast 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 for a point of reference; thence North 01°17'31" West, along the West line of the said Southeast 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4, a distance of 514.75 feet, to the POINT OF BEGINNING; continue North 01°17'31" West, along the said West line of the Southeast 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4, a distance of 150.03 feet; thence North 87°31'42" East, a distance of 1519.89 feet, to an intersection with the Westerly right-of-way line of the CSX Railroad; thence South 14°56'23" West, along said Westerly right-of-way line, a distance of 157.20 feet; thence South 87°31'42" West, a distance of 1475.94 feet, to an intersection with said West line of the Southeast 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4, for the said POINT OF BEGINNING. LOT #2 That part of the Southeast 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 of Section 3, Township 11 South, Range 22 East, Alachua County, Florida; and being more particularly described as follows: Commence at the Southwest corner of the Southeast 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 for a point of reference; thence North 01°17'31" West, along the West line of the said Southeast 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4, a distance of 364.62 feet, to the POINT OF BEGINNING; thence continue North 01°17'31" West, along the said West line of the Southeast 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4, a distance of 150.13 feet; thence North 87°31'42" East, a distance of 1475.94 feet, to an intersection with the Westerly right-of-way line of the CSX Railroad (being 65.00 feet, measured perpendicu1ar from the centerline of said railroad); thence South 14°56'23" West, along the said Westerly right-of-way line, a distance of 157.31 feet; thence South 87°31'42" West, a distance of 1431.96 feet, to an intersection with the said West line of the Southeast 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4, for the said POINT OF BEGINNING. BEARING NOTE: The bearings as shown hereon have been projected from a previous map of the area prepared by M.K. Flowers and Associates for Tom Mullin, dated October 17, 1980. Project No.284-80 TOGETHER WITH that certain right-of-way easement as follows: Together with a non-exclusive perpetual easement for ingress and egress across that part of the North 330.04 feet of the Northeast 1/4 of the Northwest 1/4; and that part of the Northwest 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 of Section 10, Township 11 South, Range 22 East, and across that part of the Southwest 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 of the Southeast 1/4; and across that part of the Northwest 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 3, Township 11 South, Range 22 East, that lies within a 30.00 foot strip that is parallel to and contiguous with the Westerly right-of-way line of the Seaboard Coastline Railroad, as shown by a revised right-of-way description and map recorded in Official Records Book 1099, page 322; of the Public Records of Alachua County, Florida; LESS the North 320.00 feet of the Northwest 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 3, Township 11 South, Range 22 East, the same lying North of the grade crossing.

 

Exhibit A

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - August 26, 2010 and September 02, 2010)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO: 01-2010-DR-4186 DIVISION "AA" IN RE: The Marriage of: THEODORE LEROY LEE, Husband, and MICHELLE MARIE LEE, Wife. ____/ NOTICE OF ACTION To: MICHELLE MARIE LEE, also known as MICHELLE MARIE PETTIJOHN address unknown YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action has been filed against you, and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Peter C. K. Enwall, Esq., the Plaintiff's attorney, whose address is 4110 NW 37th Place, Suite B, Gainesville, Florida 32606, on or before thirty (30) days from the date hereof, and to file the original with this Clerk of Court either before service on Husband's attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Petition. WITNESS my hand and the seal of this Court this 16th day of August, 2010. J.K. "Buddy" Irby Clerk of the Circuit Court P.O. Box 600 Gainesville, FL 32602 B: /s/ S. Brown Deputy Clerk

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - August 26, 2010 and September 02, 2010)

CASE NO: 01-09-CA-3449 ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA, Plaintiff, vs. NGR PURE TRUST, RICHARD R. KLOPP, and all other persons claiming by, through, under or against the named Defendant, Defendants. _______/ NOTICE OF ACTION TO: RICHARD R. KLOPP Last Known Addresses: 4923 SW 69th St., Gainesville, FL 32608 / 5006 SW 68th St., Gainesville, FL 32608 Current Residence/Address Unknown NGR PURE TRUST Last Known Addresses: 4923 SW 69th St., Gainesville, FL 32608 / 5006 SW 68th St., Gainesville, FL 32608 Current Residence/Address Unknown YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to foreclose a statutory lien on the following property in Alachua County, Florida: Lots 33, 34 DN 35 ARREDONDA ESTATES UNIT NO, 2-A, According to map or plat as recorded in Plat Book "G", page 58 of the Public Records of Alachua County, Florida has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Plaintiff's attorneys:

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION

 

KAREN C. D. GABBADON STILES, TAYLOR & GRACE, P.A. P.O. BOX 460 Tampa, Florida 33601

 

within 30 days from the date of first publication and file the original with the Clerk of this Court either before service on Plaintiff's attorneys or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint. Dated on August 17, 2010 J.K "Buddy" Irby Clerk of the Circuit Court P.O. Box 600 Gainesville, FL 32602 By: /s/ S. Brown Deputy Clerk

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - August 26, 2010 and September 02, 2010)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Advertising Networks of Florida, Put us to work for You! (866)742-1373 www.florida-classifieds.com.

Advertise in Over 100 Papers throughout Florida.

GOOD THINGS TO EAT

, 13789 NW US Hwy 441, Alachua Georgia Peaches, Organic Blueberries, Butterbeans and Fordhoocks, Acre Peas, Watermelon, Shelled Pecans, Florida Broccoli & Cauliflower, Cucumbers, Bell Peppers, Local Yellow Squash & Zucchini, Cabbage, Local Honey Fresh Local Silver Queen Corn, Amish Jellies and Jams, Brown Eggs, Foothills Butter, N. Carolina Apples & Apple Cider. Canning quantities available. Call 386-462-6158 .

C&R Produce

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

Need more training? We can help. Must be 23. (888)632-5230 . www.JoinWiltrans.com

Drivers-CDL-A drivers. No experience, no problem!

No forced NE/NYC! 6months OTR experience. No felony/DUI last 5yrs. Solos Wanted. New Team Pay Packages! (877)740-6262 . www.ptl-inc.com

DRIVER- GREAT MILES! NO TOUCH FREIGHT!

Vac Truck Driver/Operator Needed F/T. Experience a must! CDL Class B with Tanker and Hazmat endorsements required. DFWP. Apply within Andrews Paving, 6327 NW 123rd Place, Gainesville, FL or email resume to send.resume @hotmail.com

Asphalt Laborer Needed F/T. Experience a plus! DFWP. Apply within Andrews Paving, 6327 NW 123rd Place, Gainesville, FL or email resume to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Cash paid for junk cars. $150 and up. Running or not. Free pick up. 352-771-6191 .

NEW TRUCKS ARRIVING! 6 months Experience Required. Lease Purchase Available No Felonies. Hornady Transportation (800)441-4271 x FL-100

Drivers- Flatbed CDL/A $2,000 Sign On bonus.

CDL-A w/ Tanker REQ'D. Outstanding pay & Benefits! Call a recruiter TODAY! (877)484-3042 www.oakleytransport.com

Drivers - FOOD TANKER DRIVERS NEEDED OTR positions available NOW!

 

DRIVERS: CRST NEEDS YOU! IMMEDIATE opportunities! No CDL, No problem! CDL Training Available. Great Benefits & Start Earning $750-800/wk! Call Today! 1-866-457-6236

OTR, Regional, Teams. Local orientation. Daily or weekly pay. 98% no-touch. CDL-A, 6 months OTR experience. (800)414-9569 . www.driveknight.com

Driver- Weekly Hometime. Average 2,400 miles/week!

SERVICES OFFERED

FINANCIAL

High payouts. Call J.G. Wentworth. 1-866-SETTLEMENT (1-866-738-8536). Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau.

CASH NOW! Get cash for your structured settlement or annuity payments.

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

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REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

Waterfront Property

Adjoining lot sold for $99,900! Beautifully wooded building lot in premier gated waterfront community. Enjoy direct access to Atlantic! All amenities complete! Paved roads, underground utilities, club house, pool. Excellent financing. Call Now (877)888-1415 , x 2627

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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 .

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Paved road frontage on CR 138. Cleared homesite. High and Dry! OWNER FINANCING! NO DOWN PAYMENT! Only $256/mo. Total $24,900. Call 352-215-1018 .

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Apartments For Rent

 

Alachua Villas Apartments 2 Bedroom Apt. Starting at $494/mo. Available NOW! Call 386-462-5832 TDD# 1-800-955-8771 “This institution is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.”

Vacation Properties

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MERCHANDISE

Garage Sales

Moving Sale 14210 NW 138th Street, Alachua Saturday, August 28

 

10 feet X 8, Metal Steel Storage Shed, Turfbuilder Seeder, Ceiling Fan, Full Size Mattress & Box Spring w/frame, Outside Sensor Light, Infant crib set, infant clothes, young lady apparel & women, Stuffed Animals, pogo stick & games, Size 9 Lady Cleats, Scandinavian Square Dining Table. Several items will be sold ar or Best Offer (OBO).

For Sale

Solid Wood, never used, brand new in factory boxes. English Dovetail. Original cost $4500. Sell for $895. Can deliver. Call Tom (813)600-3653

CHERRY BEDROOM SET.

In original plastic, never used. Orig price $3000, Sacrifice $975. Can deliver. Call Bill (407)574-4955

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QB_-_Negro_Baseball_League_bballautograph_copyBilly Reed, a member of the original Negro Baseball League, hands a signed baseball to seven-year-old Karmen Doby.  Reed is one of seven members of the league who recently stopped in Alachua to grab lunch and catch a glimpse of the Babe Ruth Softball 12U World Series.

Rod_Smith_8-17-10_Sink_Run_KLP5729Florida gubernatorial candidate Alex Sink and running mate Rod Smith won the Democratic Party’s nomination in Tuesday’s primary election.  Smith and Sink will face the Republican Party’s candidate Rick Scott in the November general election.

Rod Smith came one step closer to becoming Florida’s next Lieutenant Governor Tuesday as running mate Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Gubernatorial Candidate Alex Sink snagged the Democratic Party’s nomination for governor.  Unofficial results gave Sink 664,063 votes or 76.9 percent of the vote to opponent Brian Moore’s 199,918 votes representing 23.1 percent.  Smith and Sink will appear on the November ballot facing GOP contender Rick Scott who received 46.4 percent of the vote while Florida’s current Attorney General Bill McCollum received 43.4 percent of votes cast in the GOP gubernatorial primary.

In Alachua County, Sink received 83.1 percent of the vote representing 14,360 votes cast in the Democratic primary election against Brian Moore’s 16.9 percent or 2,921 votes.  In the Republican gubernatorial primary election, McCollum received 52.16 percent of the vote representing 6,319 votes cast against Scott’s 37.72 percent or 4,570 votes.

Smith was announced as Sink’s choice for Lieutenant Governor last week at the Palm Beach County PBA. About her selection of Smith as her running mate, Sink earlier said, “First and foremost, I wanted someone who cares as deeply about Florida as I do, and I am proud to have found that in my running mate, Rod Smith…. Rod is a respected leader and will work effectively to help move Florida forward. As a former prosecutor, Rod will be my partner to clear up the mess in Tallahassee and hold government accountable to the citizens of our state.”

Regarding his role as Sink’s running mate, Smith said, “Florida has too much riding on this next election to continue the path we’ve been on.”

About Tuesday’s victory, Smith said, “I couldn’t be more excited.  Alex Sink has been in politics only a little while.  She spent over 20 years in the private sector with a successful career in finance and she has exactly what we need.

“Part of my role, of course, will be to campaign all over north Florida and be sure people know we have a ticket that is strong on the economy, law enforcement…and a ticket that is directly in line with mainstream Floridians,” he said.

Smith said what he brings to the campaign is a face for north Florida.  That he said, “should excite north Florida that they have someone on the ticket. 

The issues Smith said he hopes to shed light on are some which are critical to this region’s economy including the University of Florida, Department of Corrections, Shands Hospital and the economic development of Jacksonville.  Perhaps most important to folks living along Florida’s gulf coast, Smith said he also intends to keep attention focused on cleanup of the oil spill from BP’s Deepwater Horizon drilling rig.

Smith was raised on a family farm in South Florida, graduated from public schools in Palm Beach County and worked his way through college, earning his law degree from the University of Florida, and served nearly 20 years as a labor lawyer.  Smith was elected State Attorney for the Eighth Judicial Circuit in 1992.  He garnered national recognition for his successful prosecution of Gainesville serial killer Danny Rolling on charges of first-degree murder for the slayings of five college students.

In 2000 Smith ran for and won a seat in the Florida State Senate.  In 2006 he ran in Florida’s Democratic gubernatorial primary, eventually losing the nomination to U.S. Representative Jim Davis. 

Smith practices law at the Gainesville firm of Avera and Smith and has served as an adjunct professor at the University of Florida College of Law. He and his wife, DeeDee, an attorney and advocate for child abuse victims, live on their farm in Alachua.  They have three children and two grandchildren.

“Alachua has always treated DeeDee, my family and me wonderfully, and we’re looking forward to campaigning with everyone again,” Smith said.

  • Santa Fe softball – World Series Champions recognized
  • Attorney contract extended

 After lengthy discussion among City of Alachua commissioners and residents Monday night, the Commission voted to increase the city’s water and wastewater rates.  The new rates are the same rates that took effect in April earlier this year, but due to a public notice error, those rates were deemed void.  The city has since adjusted customer accounts to reflect the voided rates.  Monday night, by a vote of 4-1, with Commissioner Robert Wilford dissenting, the rates were officially adjusted and will take effect in the first bills in September.

Wilford explained he did not feel the process was done as it should have been to raise the rates, and although he voted for the increase at the first hearing on Aug. 9, he did not support the increase at the final hearing.

“I certainly already said I was for the increase,” said Wilford.  “I disagree with the process.  I believe we could have waited another month to do this.

“I think we could have prorated the rates over three or four months and for that reason, I vote no,” Wilford said as he cast the only dissenting vote. 

Apparently referring to Wilford’s dissenting vote, Commissioner Ben Boukari, Jr. said turning down the increases would be fiscally irresponsible.

“It’s very easy to say ‘no’ on an issue like this,” Boukari said.  “It’s also irresponsible, in my opinion.  It’s not right for this community going forward.  It’s doing what has continued to be done in the past…I’m going to do what’s right for the taxpayers and for the future,” Boukari said.

The city had not raised its rates for these services since 1994 and tapping into savings or borrowing from the Electric Fund appear to no longer be an option.  City of Alachua Public Services Director Mike New stated that if the rates were not adjusted, the city would likely have a drop in the level of service and have no capital funds on hand if a major repair arose.

Longtime Alachua resident Thelma Hammond told the Commission she has a separate meter for irrigation, but even that is costing her too much for water.

“I blew up the last two months when I got my water bill,” Hammond said. 

Under the new water rates, Hammond said she received a nearly $200 bill for water usage over a period of two months.

Hammond has an irrigation meter, which is intended to reduce the cost of outside watering because she doesn’t pay for wastewater on any water running through that meter.  That’s a feature she initially paid $400 for in hopes of recovering the cost in reduced water fees.

“I catch rainwater.  I use rainwater.  I’m a very conservative person.

“I do want my flowers. I don’t do much watering of the grass, but I do water my flowers because I love my flowers.

“I just can’t afford it, so I’ll just have [my irrigation meter] cut off,” Hammond said. 

The city appears to be seeing a savings this year in its legal expenses.  According to a report provided to the Commission, general legal expenses from City Attorney Marian Rush of the law firm Rush & Glassman have dropped from an average of $24,000 per month in 2008 to $10,000 per month in 2010.  The report also stated that the cost for an in-house legal department would cost the city $166,000 per year.  This would be for general legal services and would not necessarily include litigation services or the cost to set up the in-house department such as computers and desks.  Also, the $166,000 per year does not include operating expenses such as training, travel, memberships or office supplies.

The current contract with Rush expires at the end of September.  Rush explained that the higher costs associated with general services for previous years was related to reviewing major projects and bringing the city up to speed on statutory provisions.  The contract presented to the Commission Monday night provided for a $10,000 monthly retainer fee for all general services.  These services include attending meetings, ordinance review, contract negotiations and review and responding to staff inquiries.  Rush also reduced her hourly rate for services outside of the retainer scope from $185 per hour to $175 per hour.

Commissioners voted 4-1 to renew the contract with Rush & Glassman for a term of two years, citing the decrease in expenses from Rush and the higher costs associated with having an in-house attorney.  Wilford was the dissenting vote, stating he wanted to have more time to perform his own research on the costs for a fulltime city attorney.

The City Commission also recognized the Santa Fe Babe Ruth 12-Under softball team for their recent success in the Babe Ruth Softball World Series.  The team won the world series, going undefeated throughout the more than week-long event.  The commission chambers were packed with family and friends, commemorating the occasion.  The team received a standing ovation for their performance and a video highlighting their experience was shown to the audience.

Along with comments from other commissioners, Mayor Gib Coerper told the team he was proud of their success.

Coerper, who attended nearly every Santa Fe game in the series said, “I was worn out by the time the week was over.

“It is not only a special time for the whole north Florida area, but for our communities in the Alachua and High Springs area.

“I know that these memories that were made are going to last you for a lifetime and I want to say congratulations,” Coerper said.

After two nights of debate ended in a standoff between High Springs city commissioners unwilling to budge from their respective platforms, a motion was finally passed for first approval of a draft budget for the 2010-2011 fiscal year, despite the failure to reach a unanimous consensus.

During the Aug. 23 meeting Monday night, Commissioner Eric May introduced a controversial proposal to amend the budget to cut the positions of both police and fire chief and combine the two departments under the management of a single public safety director, which would then operate under two subdivisions, with a captain overseeing the fire-rescue division and a lieutenant overseeing the police division.

Coupled with this change, two part-time fire positions that had previously been cut would be reinstated in the budget.

This proposal, in its entirety, was approved with a 3 to 2 vote on Monday. Commissioners Eric May, Dean Davis and John Hill voted in favor of it, while Commissioner Larry Travis and Mayor Bill Coughlin were in dissent.

In the original budget proposal presented to the commission by City Manager Jim Drumm, a janitorial maintenance position was cut, and a facilities worker position was changed to seasonal rather than year-round.

The commission had since reinstated the maintenance position and restored the facility worker position to year-round in the budget.

During the Monday meeting, Commissioner May proposed to once again eliminate the maintenance position and cut the facility worker position back to seasonal, while reapportioning those funds to reinstate a full-time police officer position that had been cut. This motion also passed with a 3 to 2 vote, this time with May, Travis and Hill in favor and Davis and Coughlin in dissent.

Another motion was passed to cut the director of public works position and split the department into two divisions to be headed by two superintendent positions, one of which the city manager had originally proposed to cut.

Tuesday night, the commission continued where it left off in its tug-of-war over which city positions to save.  The meeting started at the High Springs garden club, because City Hall was occupied.

There was little room and even less air circulating in the small room full of residents eager for their turn to speak. Less than half an hour into it, however, the mayor received news that the regular City Hall venue had opened up, 20-minute recess was declared.

Despite the relief of central air conditioning, the debate only grew more heated after the meeting reconvened. When the floor was opened for public input, about 14 residents offered comments, an overwhelming majority of which focused on protesting the cuts of the police and fire chiefs and subsequent merging of the two departments under one public safety director.  

One resident said he had been getting phone calls all day from people “freaking out” over what they heard had happened at Monday’s meeting.

Even among those who said they did not necessarily think it was a bad idea, there was a consensus that such a decision should only be made on the basis of extensive research and discussion, rather than committing to it in the budget after only two nights of debate since its proposal.

In the attempt to gain preliminary approval of the budget, with the concern in mind of notifying city employees sooner rather than later whether their jobs will be cut, commissioners eventually began to make motions to adopt specified versions of the draft.

Following one failed motion and more back and forth between commissioners, commissioner Larry Travis moved to approve the draft budget including the police and fire chief positions, cutting the two part time fire positions, reinstating the maintenance worker and restoring the facility worker position to year round, while cutting the full time police position, retaining the public works department under one director position and cutting one of the two public works superintendent positions.

The motion to approve the budget draft with these changes passed 4 to 1, with commissioner May in dissent. He said he could not support this version because it cuts out the full time police officer position, which he said is one of his priorities to maintain.

On another note, Mayor Coughlin stated that the commission would continue to try to find a way to add the public works superintendent position back in if at all possible.

Drumm later said that the commission is looking at reinstating the second superintendent at least as a part-time position. And on Tuesday, they opted to take $18,000 from cemetery reserve funds and move it to the general fund, where money could then be re-apportioned appropriately to pay for cemetery costs and for the seond public works superintendent.

The next budget meeting is scheduled for Aug. 30, followed by another Sept. 2. The final budget meeting is scheduled for Septe. 27, which is when the commission will take a vote to approve the final 2010-2011 fiscal year budget. 

It’s been over a year since High Springs police officer Michelle Jones, formerly Michelle Kemp, filed a formal written complaint against Chief of Police Jim Troiano.

The file for the Aug. 3, 2009 complaint is still open, and any investigation that was initiated has yet to be officially closed.

Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputy Brandon Jones, Michelle’s husband, explained that because her complaint is still active and open, she is not at liberty to discuss the issue, which is why he spoke on his wife’s behalf at an Aug. 12 city commission meeting.

When the commission opened the floor for citizen comments pertaining to items not on the agenda, Brandon Jones came forward, explaining wanted to make the commission aware of the lack of adequate action taken about his wife’s complaint.

Mayor Bill Coughlin and City Manager Jim Drumm urged Jones to hold off on addressing the commission with all the details, asking him first to meet with Drumm to discuss the matter.

Jones wanted to ensure that everything said, both by him and by Drumm, would be subject to public record, and he agreed to meet with Drumm the following Wednesday, Aug. 18, on the condition that he may record the conversation.

Incident happened in Gilchrist County

During the Wednesday meeting, Jones elaborated on the details of his and his wife’s concerns.

The complaint she filed last year was in objection to actions taken by Troiano regarding an incident of domestic violence that took place in Gilchrist County between Michelle and her brother.

According to Brandon Jones, after being the victim in an altercation with her brother, Michelle Jones notified the chief of the incident out of professional courtesy and honesty because she had nothing to hide.

When she informed Troiano of the incident, he requested that she provide him with a brief memo to be placed in her personnel file.

Subsequently, he also placed a copy of the sheriff’s report from the incident in her file.

Her complaint protests the necessity of this action, since she claims she was the victim and not the aggressor in the altercation.

Additionally, the complaint addresses a statement the chief made while under oath during a July 7, 2009 interview that was part of an investigation pertaining to an unrelated sexual harassment complaint against him, and the comments he made to a local media outlet when answering questions about the results of an anonymous survey done by the Police Benevolent Association, Jones said.

Victim or Aggressor?

The concern, he explained, was that Troiano was discussing an issue directly pertaining to a separate open investigation, and second, that Michelle was at some point believed to have been the primary aggressor, rather than her brother.

Jones said there was never any reason to believe his wife was anything but the victim, and he said the police report from the incident supports that.

It is misleading and defamatory, he explained, to say she “threw the first punch.” There is a big difference between putting ones’ hands out to push someone away in self-defense, and thus making the first physical contact, as Michelle did, and “throwing the first punch,” he said.

The incident report, which is a public record maintained by Gilchrist County, names her brother as the primary aggressor.

According to an audio recording of the interview in question provided by the city, Troiano said “Michelle Kemp was involved in a domestic disturbance with her brother. She was at one time the primary aggressor, and was going to be arrested and charged by the Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office, according to her. She later told me after her mother testified that she became the lesser of the two and became the victim.”

He went on to say, “There are policies and procedures that require that we document that. My purpose of getting that memorandum was to follow this because she used force, she punched her brother…bottom line is she’s the victim.”

He then said, “But I asked for that documentation, and I also obtained a copy of the arrest report and the police report…I feel that we have a responsibility to protect our officers.”

Jones said his wife was never actually a suspect, but she might have mentioned to Troiano that during a phone conversation directly following the incident, the Gilchrist County sheriff involved told her jokingly that she was lucky her mother was there to attest to her innocence.

The chief pointed out that he never used her name when responding to a request by a local media outlet, and he stands by his statement that she was the first to use force no matter how you look at it.

This is why, he continued, he had a responsibility to keep a record of the incident. He did so, he said, with the interest of protecting his officer, should she later be accused of questionable actions. He said because he kept the report on file he would then easily be able to defend her and prove her innocence.

Troiano said he wanted to make it clear that he does not, nor did he ever, have any intention of targeting any employee or of maligning an employee to the media.

Deputy Jones said his primary purpose in bringing the issue to the city commission and then in meeting with Drumm, is to ensure that an investigation will be re-initiated, and following the conclusion of the investigation, the complaint will be officially closed.

Jones questions policy

One of the questions he asked Drumm was regarding another High Springs police officer who was involved as a suspect in a domestic violence call at his home within the city limits. Jones asked Drumm why nothing was placed in this officer’s file, given the circumstances, but the documents from Michelle’s incident were included. 

Jones said he felt Drumm did not give a clear response to this inquiry. However, Troiano spoke to the issue, stating that in the other case, there was never any physical contact made by either party. It was only a verbal domestic dispute, and no arrests were made, but specifically because there was no issue of physical force being used, it did not require the same documentation.

Drumm did, however, state that he had now removed the documents pertaining to the incident between Michelle and her brother from her file.

He also said there would be a new investigation made regarding the complaint, but there may be some delay caused by the process of selecting an independent agent to investigate.

Before the Wednesday meeting, Drumm said that part of what may have caused the delay in completing the original investigation was the fact that it was handled by the Bunnell Police Department at the request of the City of High Springs.  Upon reporting back to Drumm, the investigator indicated that the findings did not warrant any further investigation.

Drumm said he wants to be overly cautious and ensure that everyone is treated fairly.

This was why he came to the commission, said Jones, to request that the city complete the investigation properly and to its fullest ability.

Troiano said he welcomes this and any investigation, because he knows he has done nothing wrong.

At this point, Drumm emphasized that the new investigation will not explore the question of whether the incident report should have been placed in Jones’ file, as it has since been removed. This investigation, Drumm said, will address two things: “what he [Troiano] said, and was he purposefully untruthful.”

Multiple individual and business donors vowed Monday night at the City of Newberry's commission meeting to chip in to support the city’s Labor Day fireworks show, helping to pay for the annual event sponsored and organized by Rocky Volgio, owner of Newberry Backyard BBQ.

Last year, the city donated $2,500, and Volgio came to the commission meeting Monday asking for the city to match last year’s donation to help reduce the total event cost of $10,000.

However, the consensus of the commission was that in a tight budget year, $2,500 was too steep a price.

With the city hesitant to pay the entire $2,500, individual donors stepped up to make close the gap.

Commissioner Joe Hoffman agreed to donate $200, and Newberry resident Lee Gates quickly agreed to match the donation. Fellow Commission Bill Conrad and City Manager Keith Ashby each agreed to pay $100.  Daba Design Works, Newberry Main Street Organization, Folds and Walker Attorneys at Law and Paul Stressing Associates Inc. all agreed to chip in $250 each.

After a number of individual donations, the city agreed to $500 – pushing the total to $2,100.

Before the city approved its donation, Hoffman joked about the telethon-like atmosphere that had surfaced at the meeting.

“I think we ought to just keep on talking. We seem to be gaining momentum here. We ought to have a call-in or hotline,” he said.

A few Newberry residents spoke at the meeting about how important the event is to the community.

Newberry resident Police Sgt. Jayson Levy of the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, said keeping the event alive was important to bring people together and lift the town’s spirits.  He said the event always gets a big turnout and is one of the few local events that everyone can be a part of.

Joy Glanzer, a member of the Newberry Chamber of Commerce, agreed.

“You can’t put a price on goodwill,” Glanzer said.

Conrad said he was glad the event would continue and happy to have the partnership with Volgio in a time when many cities have had to close down fireworks shows.

The event is scheduled for Sept. 5 at dusk.

Hawthorne agreed to contract with the Alachua County Department of Growth Management for a year’s worth of planning services, costing the city $27,500.

The county has been working with the city ever since the city planner, Kelly Moosbrugger, quit in the spring.

City Manager Ed Smyth said the new agreement is about $12,500 less than the city would have to pay to hire a full-time city planner.

Smyth said the city does not have enough work for a full-time planner and that it’s more cost effective to hire the county for the four hours per week as spelled out in the contract.

He said Moosbrugger did city planning for about a day and a half per week and spent two days working for the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). Smyth said he doesn’t want the city to pay the entire salary for a new city planner, if the CRA is getting most of the benefit.

Commissioners were hesitant to sign a yearlong contract with the county but agreed to the deal, given that the contract can be terminated at any time with 30 days notice.

The commission approved the measure by a 3-2 vote, with commissioners William Carlton and DeLoris Roberts voting against it.

“What we had worked,” Roberts said.

She proposed working with the county for six months and then hiring a University of Florida intern.

Two citizens, Danielle Catanese and Heather Surrency, also spoke in favor of hiring an intern or full-time city planner.

Catanese said she has worked with the county and former City Planner Moosbrugger and said Moosbrugger had a much better grasp of the local issues, was more personable, had a hire quality of work and was easier to work with.

Smyth said even though the contract was approved, the city will still look into hiring a UF graduate student down the road to intern with the city for about $11 to $12 per hour.

An interlocal agreement with the county must be formalized to finalize the contract.

LEGAL NOTICE

Fictitious Names

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO REGISTER FICTITIOUS NAME Pursuant to Section 865.09, Fla.Stat., notice is herby given that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of CARPROS of Gainesville located at 3001 NW 21st Way, Gainesville, Alachua County, Florida, 32609, intends to register said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. DATED at Alachua, Florida, on this 30th day of July, 2010. CARPROS of Gainesville By: Wholesale Inc. /s/ Lowell D. Chesborough (Published: Alachua County Today - August 19, 2010)

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE AMENDMENT TO THE CITY OF WALDO COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FUTURE LAND USE MAP The Plan Board of the City of Waldo, FL, will hold a public hearing to consider recommendations on the following amendments on August 31, 2010, at 6:30 p.m., at the Yerkes Center, 14245 Cole Street, Waldo, FL. The proposed amendments are as follows: Amendment: A request by Doris Minnix, owner, to amend the Future Land Use Map designation from Alachua County Rural/Agriculture to Commercial on approximately 1.41 acres of land located at 15943 NE US Highway 301, Waldo, FL. (Tax parcel #17008-000-000) Amendment: A request by Silvia C. Scott, owner, to amend the Future Land Use Map designation from Alachua County Rural/Agriculture to Light Industrial on approximately 9.056 acres of land located on NE US Highway 301, Waldo, FL. (Tax parcel # C-1 of 16979-000-000) Amendment: A request by Ashley Carroll, owner, to amend the Future Land Use Map designation from Alachua County Rural/Agriculture to Light Industrial on approximately 9.038 acres of land located on NE US Highway 301, Waldo, FL. (Tax parcel # C-2 of 16979-000-000) Amendment: A request by Robin Campen, owner, to amend the Future Land Use Map designation from Alachua County Rural/Agriculture to Light Industrial on approximately 9.084 acres of land located on NE US Highway 301, Waldo, FL. (Tax parcel # C-3 of 16979-000-000) Amendment: A request by Benjamin Hunter Campen, owner, to amend the Future Land Use Map designation from Alachua County Rural/Agriculture to Light Industrial on approximately 9.046 acres of land located on NE US Highway 301, Waldo, FL. (Tax parcel # C-4 of 16979-000-000) At the public hearing, all interested parties may appear and be heard with respect to the proposed ordinance. Copies of the applications are available for public inspection at City Hall on any regular business day between 8:30 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. Notice is given pursuant to Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes, that in order to appeal any decision made at this public meeting, you will need to ensure that a verbatim record is made. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, any persons with a disability requiring reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this meeting should call City Hall at (352) 418-1001 at least 48 hours prior to the public meeting. (Published: Alachua County Today - August 19, 2010)

Contract for Legal Services Code Enforcement Board Attorney The City of High Springs is requesting proposals for legal services for an attorney or law firm to act in the capacity of "Code Enforcement Board Attorney" as described under Florida Statutes. Interested parties that are licensed in the State of Florida and that have related experience are invited to submit a proposal. Sealed proposals shall be forwarded to the Office of the City Manager, High Springs City Hall, 110 NW 1st Avenue, High Springs , Florida 32643 by 2:00 p.m., Thursday, September 2, 2010. (Published: Alachua County Today - August 19, 2010)

IN THE CIRCUITCOURT, EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT , IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO: 01-2010-CA-0012117 DIVISION: J (Judge Robert E Roundtree, Jr.) MARVIN MILLER and PHYLLIS MILLER, husband and wife, Plaintiffs, vs. BRADLEY HAFENBRAEDL; and UNKNOWN TENANT (S), Defendants ___________/ NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Summary Final Judgment entered in this cause on August 2, 2010, in Case No. 01-2010-CA 001217, in the Circuit Court, in and for ALACHUA County, Florida, wherein MARVIN MILLER and PHYLLIS MILLER, husband and wife, is the Plaintiff and BRADLEY HAFENBRAEDL, et al,. are the Defendants, I will sell, pursuant to the terms of said Summary Final Judgment, to the highest and best bidder for cash in the lobby of the Alachua County Family/Civil Justice Center, 201 East University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida, on the 13th day of October, 2010 at 11:00 a.m., the following described real property located in ALACHUA County, Florida, to-wit: Lot 25, TOWER OAKS RIDGE, APART OF THE PINE GLADE PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT, according to the plat thereof recorded in Plat Book L, Page 18, of the Public Records of Alachua County, Florida. WITNESS My Hand and Official Seal of this Court this 11th day of August , 2010. J.K. IRBY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT By: /S/ Stacy Brown Deputy Clerk cc: Robert E. Kramer, Esquire, 555 West Granada Boulevard, Suite A-9, Ormond Beach, FL 32174 Robert E. Kramer, Esquire, via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or fax (386) 672-4410 for publication Bradley Hafenbraedl, 1822 SW 67th Terrace, Gainesville, FL 32606 IF YOU ARE A PERSON CLAIMING A RIGHT TO FUNDS REMAINING AFTER THE SALE, YOU MUST FILE A CLAIM WITH THE CLERK NO LATER THAN 60 DAYS AFTER THE SALE. IF YOU FAIL TO FILE A CLAIM, YOU WILL NOT BE ENTITLED TO ANY REMAINING FUNDS. AFTER 60 DAYS, ONLY THE OWNER OF RECORD AS OF THE DATE OF THE LIS PENDENS MAY CLAIM THE SURPLUS. (Published: Alachua County Today - August 19 and 26, 2010)

City of Newberry and ACSO - As a follow up to the ACSO Community meeting held in Newberry on August 9, 2010, Chief Inspector Keith Vermillion, of Professional Standards, Alachua County Sheriff's Office will be at the City of Newberry Mayor's Office on Wednesday August 18, 2010 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and again on Tuesday, August 24, 2010 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The office is located at 25445 W. Newberry Road, Newberry Florida 32669. Citizens who have concerns are encouraged to meet with Chief Inspector Vermillion. If you have any questions please contact the City Manager's Office at 352-472-5447 ext 6. (Published: Alachua County Today - August 19, 2010)

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 09/06/2010, 10:00 a.m. at 14515 NW PEGGY RD, ALACHUA, FL 32615-5449, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids. 1N4AB41D2VC732732 1997 NISSAN (Published: Alachua County Today - August 19, 2010)

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 09/01/2010, 10:00 a.m. at 14515 NW PEGGY RD, ALACHUA, FL 32615-5449, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids. 1G1YY22P4R5113279 1994 CHEVROLET (Published: Alachua County Today - August 19, 2010)

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL The City of High Springs is currently seeking proposals from qualified firms to provide vending machines concession services at various specified City locations in accordance with the terms, conditions, and specifications in this RFP. Bid Packets may be obtained at City Hall. It will be the sole responsibility of the bidder to inspect the City's facilities prior to submitting a proposal. Sealed proposals must be submitted to the Office of the City Manager at City Hall, 110 NW 1st Avenue, High Springs, Florida 32643 by 3:00 pm, September 17, 2010. THE CITY OF HIGH SPRINGS RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY OR ALL PROPOSALS. (Published: Alachua County Today - August 19 and 26, 2010)

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL The City of High Springs is currently seeking proposals from qualified firms to provide contract mowing and general landscape maintenance at various specified City locations in accordance with the terms, conditions, and specifications in this RFP. Bid specifications may be obtained at City Hall. It will be the sole responsibility of the bidder to inspect the properties designated to be served by the contract prior to submitting a proposal. Sealed proposals must be submitted to the Office of the City Manager at City Hall, 110 NW 1st Avenue, High Springs, Florida 32643 by 11:00 am, Wednesday, September 1, 2010. THE CITY OF HIGH SPRINGS RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY OR ALL PROPOSALS AND TO ACCEPT THE BID FOUND TO BE IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE CITY. (Published: Alachua County Today - August 19 and 26, 2010)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Advertise in Over 100 Papers throughout Florida. 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 Georgia Peaches, Organic Blueberries, Butterbeans and Fordhoocks, Acre Peas, Watermelon, Shelled Pecans, Florida Broccoli & Cauliflower, Cucumbers, Bell Peppers, Local Yellow Squash & Zucchini, Cabbage, Local Honey Fresh Local Silver Queen Corn, Amish Jellies and Jams, Brown Eggs, Foothills Butter, N. Carolina Apples & Apple Cider. Canning quantities available. Call 386-462-6158.

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

Driver- Up to $.03 Performance Pay in 1st year! Weekly Hometime. Average 2,400 miles/week! Local orientation. Daily or weekly pay. CDL-A, 6 months OTR experience. (800)414-9569 . www.driveknight.com

Heat & Air JOBS - Stimulus program puts HVAC jobs in high demand! Get trained and certified. 3 week accelerated program. Local Job Placement Assistance! (877)994-9904

Colonial Life seeks entrepreneurial professional with sales experience to become a District Manager. Life/Health license is required. Substantial earnings potential. Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (904)424-5697 Cash paid for junk cars. $150 and up. Running or not. Free pick up. 352-771-6191.

Drivers: Intermodal OwnerOps Needed! Rite-way Transport is Expanding in Jacksonville 18 mo. TT Exp. TWIC Card. JAXPORT Badge Free Secure Yard Parking, CDL-A, Paid More with Haz/Tanker 904-781-0457.

Drivers- Flatbed CDL/A $2,000 Sign On bonus. NEW TRUCKS ARRIVING! 6 months Experience Required. Lease Purchase Available No Felonies. Hornady Transportation 800-441-4271 x FL-100

DRIVERS: CRST NEEDS YOU! IMMEDIATE opportunities! No CDL, No problem! CDL Training Available. Great Benefits & Start Earning $750-800/wk! Call Today! 1-866-457-6236

SERVICES OFFERED

FINANCIAL

CASH NOW! Get cash for your structured settlement or annuity payments. High payouts. Call J.G. Wentworth. 1-866-SETTLEMENT begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-866-SETTLEMENT end_of_the_skype_highlighting (1-866-738-8536). Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau.

$$$ ACCESS LAWSUIT CASH NOW!!! $$$ 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

ADOPTIONS

ARE YOU PREGNANT? CONSIDERING ADOPTION? Loving married couple seeks to adopt. Will be Full-time Mom (age 36) and Devoted Dad. Financial security. EXPENSES PAID. Kim/Bill (888)399-3255 FL Bar# 0150789

Adopt- Pregnant? Considering adoption? A wonderful life filled with love, financial security, education and close extended family awaits your newborn. Expenses paid. Melissa 1-866-713-3070 www.lovingfamily.homestead.com FL Bar# 0150789

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

Waterfront Property

BANK FORCED BID/OFFER SALE! Smoky Mtn. Lake Property,Tenn. Pick your lot, then summit your offer! Gated w/Amenities! Hurry, Register now, First 75 only! (877)644-4647 ext.# 302

WISH YOU WERE HERE? Northshore on Lake Apalachia, lake full year round, surrounded by Nanahala National Forest, affordable lakefront/lakeview parcels, financing available. (828)837-3946; www.NorthshoreOnLakeApalachia.com

Homes For Sale

Biggest Sale of the Year! Palm Harbor Homes has closed 2 model centers Save up to 60k on select models Call (800)622-2832 Ask for John

Acreage & Farms

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.

1 AC GILCHRIST COUNTY Paved road frontage on CR 138. Cleared homesite. High and Dry! OWNER FINANCING! NO DOWN PAYMENT! Only $256/mo. Total $24,900. Call 352-215-1018.

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

Apartments For Rent

Alachua Villas Apartments 2 Bedroom Apt. Starting at $494/mo. Available NOW! Call 386-462-5832  TDD# 1-800-955-8771. "This institution is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer."

Vacation Properties

NC MOUNTAINS - BEST LAND BUY! 2.5acres, spectacular views, gated, paved road. High altitude. Easily accessible, secluded. Bryson City. $45,000. Owner financing: (800)810-1590 www.wildcatknob.com

Crawford Co., GA 85 AC - $1,125/AC Ulcohatchee Creek, planted pine, paved road, power. Other tracts available. stregispaper.com (478)987-9700. St. Regis Paper Co.

CROSSVILLE, Golf Capital of Tennessee. Great for Retirees, Low Property Taxes and Insurance, No state income tax, full variety of properties at great prices, Save Retirement Dollars, Mild Seasons, and Great Mountain Views, Live Good. (931) 707-0393  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

MERCHANDISE

For Sale

LEATHER LIVING ROOM SET. In original plastic, never used. Orig price $3000, Sacrifice $975. Can deliver. Call Bill (305)420-5982

CHERRY BEDROOM SET. Solid Wood, never used, brand new in factory boxes. English Dovetail. Original cost $4500. Sell for $895. Can deliver. Call Tom (954)302-2423

Miscellaneous

AIRLINES ARE HIRING - Train for high paying Aviation Maintenance 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. $150 and up. Running or not. Free pick up. 352-771-6191.

Auctions

ART AUCTIONS TO BENEFIT CHILDREN'S CHARITY - NO BUYER'S PREMIUM and several artworks with no reserve! Chagall, Picasso, Dali, Miro, Max, Neiman, Tarkay, Maimon, Pino, Agam and more! FREE food and drinks and raffle prizes. Baterbys - Palm Beach, Saturday, August 21st - 5pm Preview, 6pm Auction - 13900 Jog Road Delray Beach, FL 33446. BATERBYS - Orlando, Saturday, Aug 28th - 5pm Preview, 6pm Auction - 9101 International Dr., Unit 1008, Orlando, FL 32819. RSVP at www.baterbys.com or call (866) 537-1004 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. AB#2746 AU#3750

AUCTION BANK-OWNED HOMES For Sale including properties in this area. Now is the time! The market, interest rates, and opportunities could not be better. NEW PROPERTIES ADDED DAILY! Bid Now Online: www.OnlineBidNow.com HUDSON & MARSHALL, (866)539-4174.

To Place a Classified Call 386-462-3355.

Santa Fe girls win it all

Team0349 Although thousands of people flocked to the city of Alachua from all over the United States for the Babe Ruth 12U World Series, the local team took home the title Saturday.

The Santa Fe Babe Ruth girl's softball team beat out a team from Brusly, LA 8-1 in the six-inning championship game.

Clouds and rain loomed overhead at the start of the game, but the sun poked through for the remainder of the showdown, holding off until the awards ceremony.

Santa Fe lagged behind 0-1 with no scores until the 4th inning. However, after its first score, Santa Fe went on a batting streak and never looked back.

As the crowd screamed and cheered for the players, Santa Fe's pitchers threw strike after strike, and the other players caught ball after ball to solidify the win.

In its other World Series games, Santa Fe beat Oviedo, Fla. 6-1; Hamilton, NJ 5-0; Graceland, IN 10-5; Monadnock, NH 10-2; Lodi, CA 10-0; and Othello, WA 6-3.

During the awards ceremony, Santa Fe pitcher Lauren Riley was named Most Valuable Player.

Alachua Recreation Director Hal Brady said that this was not only a big win for the team, but it was also a big win for Alachua.

“It takes everything right to win this,” he said, “and I guess we got something right. This is spectacular for the girls. What was even more amazing though was the warmth our community showed to the other teams. I personally think we showed everyone what Alachua has to offer.”

Brady said the visitors and World Series organizers were impressed with the amount of work Alachua put into its recreation center.

“They thought this was the best venue they could have picked for the World Series,” he said. “They thought it was amazing we put all this out for the girls, when cities usually do a lot more work for the boys teams.”

In recent months, the city renovated Alachua's Hal Brady Recreation Center, including everything from paving the parking lot to adding new fencing, in anticipation of the tournament, which was expected to bring in millions of dollars for the local economy.

To host the tournament, cities must pay $40,000 on top of other preparation costs. The costs are actually the responsibility of the host organization, which is the Santa Fe Babe Ruth program.

However, the City of Alachua, the Alachua Chamber of Commerce, the Gainesville Sports Commission, Walmart, Sysco, Dollar General, Santa Fe Ford, SunState Federal Credit Union, Gator Dominos, and other organizations provided financial and in-kind support for the tournament.

BilusA Gainesville man was arrested late Sunday night in High Springs after police found him in a car with a partially clothed 12-year-old girl.

Robert Brandon Bilus, 24, of 3801 SW 13th Street in Gainesville, was arrested and charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor, which is a misdemeanor.

According to the arrest report, a person called police at about 10:30 p.m. after observing a suspicious vehicle driving around the neighborhood and stopping behind a church.

Police stopped Bilus after observing a traffic infraction and found the young girl wearing no pants in the vehicle, according to the report.

Bilus and the girl knew each other's name but acted suspiciously and offered different accounts of where they were going, according to the report.

Bilus later told police that he had just met the girl online, but she had told him she was 16 years old, according to the report.

The girl said Bilus knew she was younger than that because her online profile listed a younger age, and she had informed him of her age during an online conversation, according to the report.

Bilus said he had picked the girl up without the permission of her parent, but the girl's guardian later told police that Bilus did have permission to take the girl, although the guardian did not know Bilus, according to the report.

The arresting officer wrote in the report that there was no evidence that a sexual crime had occurred, although there was an unused condom in the car.

Bilus was appointed a public defender and was released on bail.

With the assistance of the Gainesville Police Department’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) unit, additional charges are expected as this investigation continues.

Officers are urging anyone with information about Bilus to contact the HSPD at 386-454-1415.

After five years in operation, High Springs city officials are predicting a grim future for the nationally designated High Springs Main Street Program.

As a private non-profit corporation, the program is based on a model set forth by the National Historic Trust for Preservation, with the goal of combining historic preservation with economic development, explained High Springs City Manager Jim Drumm.

Since the local program was established five years ago, it has been responsible for community events like Fantastic Fridays and the annual High Springs River Festival.

Though it is a private entity and operates entirely independent of the city government, each year High Springs has chosen to award grant funding to the program, which, according to Drumm, accounts for about 75 percent of Main Street’s annual budget.

In 2008, the program entered into an agreement with the city as an independent contractor hired to manage the downtown Farmer’s Market, which the city owns and is responsible for operating.

It was a two-year contract, which will end Sept. 30 of this year. 

During an Aug. 12 meeting, city commissioners decided they would not seek to renew the contract. Instead, it will be put out to bid, at which time Main Street is welcome to reapply for consideration, but there is no guarantee it will be awarded the contract again.

According to Drumm, this is not a reflection of rumors that the Farmer’s Market has not brought in as much revenue as its Main Street manager claims.

At the meeting, Ross Ambrose, treasurer of the Farmer’s Market, spoke out in response to a comment he said another citizen made during a Community Redevelopment Agency meeting earlier that evening.

Ambrose said he was informed that someone in the audience accused the Main Street Program of lying about the predicted amount of $17,000 in revenue that would be brought in by the Farmer’s Market by the end of this fiscal year.

He then advised the commission and audience that whoever made that statement was incorrect, and that the true numbers could easily be proven.

According to the Farmer’s Market monthly recap sheet for July 2010, a document provided as public record by the City of High Springs, it appears that Ambrose’s claim can be substantiated.

The preliminary figures indicate that at this point in time, the Farmer’s Market, under the management of the Main Street Program as contracted by the city, has generated about $500 short of the claimed $17,000 target. Based on this it would be reasonable to believe that by the end of the contract, the goal will be met. 

Commissioner Eric May pointed out “there are a lot of unknowns” right now regarding what will happen to the Main Street Program and that is the reason behind the commission’s hesitation to renew the contract.

Drumm reiterated this later, explaining that the commission is concerned what would happen if the city does not award any grant funding to the program, but does renew the contract for managing the Farmer’s Market, and then the program shuts down for lack of sufficient funding.

Though a final decision has not been made about whether the city will refrain from funding Main Street in the coming fiscal year, there has been talk indicating it is likely.

At an Aug. 4 budget meeting, commissioners commented they had doubts about continuing to give money to a private organization that is not held accountable to the city.

However, the money that the city has been and would be awarding to Main Street comes from a restricted fund. Those funds can only be used for specific development and upkeep in the downtown area, whether it’s spent through Main Street or by the city directly.  Even if the commission votes to halt Main Street funding, those funds cannot be moved around in the budget to save jobs or be spent on other items like general road repairs.

The High Springs City Commission has formally confirmed that it is 100 percent behind an ongoing effort to save the local rail line, and in turn help to refortify the local business of a national company.

                During an Aug. 12 meeting, High Springs commissioners unanimously approved the adoption of a resolution stating their support for a decision to apply for TIGER II grant funds to pay for repairs needed to keep 14 miles of rail line running through the city open and operational.

                The decision to apply for the grant money came about through the joint efforts of the Council for Economic Outreach at the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce, the Alachua County Board of Commissioners, High Springs City Commission and Prime Conduit; a national corporation with a facility in the city.

                A problem arose when several months ago, Prime Conduit announced its intention to select one out of four of its locations to house a new piece of manufacturing equipment that would allow the company to adapt its production to a more profitable need in the current market.

                The Council for Economic Outreach orchestrated an agreement between Prime Conduit and the city of High Springs to set up a Qualified Tax Incentive program, which in a nutshell, gives the company a tax break in return for guaranteed new jobs, should it bring the new equipment to High Springs.

                From the start, the company conveyed its intentions of choosing this city, but there was one very big problem that no tax break of any type or amount could make up for.

                The Florida Northern Railroad, the company that owns and operates the local rail line, notified Prime Conduit that the line was scheduled to be shut down because it was not generating enough revenue for the company to afford the repairs and upkeep it needed.

                This rail line is Prime Conduit’s primary mode of shipping, and if the rail was leaving, Prime Conduit would not be expanding in High Springs.

                With the rail company open to possible solutions, the Council for Economic Outreach has been working to find funds to fix the rail and subsequently ensure Prime Conduit’s local expansion.

                David Ramsey, the council’s senior director of economic development, said, “This is the solution to keeping the rail line open,” referring to the TIGER II grant. “And that’s the way the application has been crafted,” he added.

                Short for “Transportation investment generating economic recovery,” the TIGER II is a federal department of transportation grant awarded on a competitive need basis. The minimum cost for a project to qualify it for these funds is usually $10 million.

                In the initial consideration of this option for saving the rail, this requirement presented a potential problem. But Ramsey explained the council looked at ways to bundle this project with others to then qualify, and ultimately it was determined that the application for funding for the rail would be packaged with the Florida Department of Transportation’s bulk application.

                However, Ramsey pointed out, because the rail project is considered to be in rural area, the $10 million minimum can be waived, which means that although this application is being submitted with the bigger DOT one, it will be considered on its own and could be approved independent of the rest of the bundle. 

                The entire application will be finalized and submitted in its entirety on Friday, and Ramsey said he expects to hear back September 15 at the absolute earliest. But more likely, he said, there should be some news by the end of September.

                Meanwhile, Prime Conduit is waiting for the verdict on the rail in order to make the official decision on where its new equipment will be shipped.

Hawthorne added its name to the long list of cities fighting back against a lawsuit challenging the ‘home rule’ amendment slated for the November ballot.

Archer, LaCrosse, Micanopy, Waldo and High Springs have all already joined the defense started by Gainesville. And Newberry and Alachua will vote on the issue on Aug. 23.

The ‘home rule’ amendment is designed to give more autonomy to the cities by requiring that a majority of the city’s residents vote to approve future charter amendments before they go in effect in their respective towns.

Dwight E. Adams, a University of Florida professor, is plaintiff in the lawsuit and will be represented by Joseph Little. The lawsuit aims to take the ‘home rule’ amendment off the ballot or make it void, if voted on and adopted.

Half of the legal costs will be covered by the Alachua County League of Cities, and the other have will be divided among the other cities, with each city paying a fee based on population and Alachua County League of Cities dues.

If all cities participate, Gainesville will pay the most at about $2,088, and LaCrosse will pay the least at about $348. Hawthorne will pay $696.

These figures are based on the Gainesville attorney’s estimate that the defense will take 160 hours, charged at $100 per hour.

Hawthorne approved the measure quickly with only one dissenting vote, cast by Commissioner William Carlton.

Vice Mayor Matt Surrency said the cost is worth joining the other cities in combating the lawsuit.

“We’re trying to improve the image of Hawthorne,” Surrency said. “This is one way to do that.”

Carlton said he voted against the measure because he was concerned the city wouldn’t have the money to pay for the lawsuit.

The figure of $696 is only an estimate. The cost could go up or down, depending on the amount of time the attorney charges fighting the lawsuit.

City Manager Ed Smyth said Hawthorne doesn’t have any money budgeted to pay for the $696 fee for the current fiscal year, but it’s currently budgeting $10,000 for attorney fees for the upcoming fiscal year, which starts on Oct. 1.

A man was arrested Tuesday morning after police say he kicked in two doors and attacked his ex-girlfriend at her home in Alachua.

Alfabian Gerwayne Conner, 29, of Lake City, allegedly knocked on his ex-girlfriend's door and yelled to let him in. When the victim refused to let him in, Conner kicked in the front door, according to a police report.

The victim attempted to lock herself in a bedroom, but Conner also kicked in that door, according to the report.

Conner then attacked the victim, choking, biting and striking her several times. Conner also struck the face of a child being held by the victim, according to the report.

Another person that was in the house went to assist the victim, but Conner armed himself with a butcher knife and threatened to kill both victims. The victims were able to get out of the house as Conner came after them with the knife, according to the report.

Officers J. Horn and D. Parks arrived at the scene and took Conner into custody.

There were three children, including the child who was struck in the face, in the residence at the time of the incident, according to the report.

Conner was charged with armed burglary, aggravated battery, battery by strangulation, child abuse, aggravated assault and criminal mischief. He is being held at the Alachua County Jail on $47,000 bond.

In the Voter Guide published with the Aug. 12 edition of Alachua County Today the information for some candidates was inadvertently overwritten. The statements the candidates submitted appear properly in the following Adobe Acrobat PDF. We apologize for the errors.

 Voter Guide Correction

FULL VOTER GUIDE WITH CORRECTIONS HERE

Please note that the following candidates were not included in the original 2010 Voter Guide.

Alachua County School Board
District 1
DAVID PALPANT
I am David Palpant, a resident of Alachua County for 36 years, and local business owner. My son attended Alachua schools, and I have been an active volunteer for the last 14 years with the children of Alachua as a baseball and soccer coach, and as a "band dad", winning the honor of Volunteer of the Year in 2008 for Santa Fe High School, and "Work of the Heart" Volunteer of the Year for Alachua County, in Arts and Recreation. I have personally seen the benefits of keeping the arts in our schools. I am not a politician; we have enough of those and look where we are now! I want to give the voters of Alachua County the choice of a candidate who is not part of the problem, does not solicit donations from special interest groups, has no relationship with the current administration, and believes things need to change to promote fiscal responsibility and accountability. I am only in this race to help our kids get the well rounded, well funded education they deserve. Period!

Thank you for your vote on Aug. 24th. Please contact me at www.DPalpantforkids.com.

FELECIA F. MOSS
The School Board is responsible for the organization and control of the public schools of Alachua County. Over the past several decades, we have had a national, state and local outcry for improved schooling for all children. I have extensive experience working in schools, working with parents, working with communities, and working with issues related to the pressing issues that face our schools today.
My teaching experience, my leadership training and experience as a principal, as well as my extensive work at the university level in education has prepared me to serve the public well as a member of the school board. I have first hand experience dealing with issues that face parents, students, teachers, staff, administrators and communities as it relates to educating students.

District 3
GUNNAR PAULSON
I am a candidate for the School Board District 3. It has been my privilege to have served our school district in various capacities since 1970.
These are perilous times for public schools. Taxpayers deserve someone who knows what is at stake and who is experienced in the strategies that will preserve our precious birthright – a public education. I stand for fiscal discipline, local control of our schools, career-technical education and robust funding for the arts. I am a person who has the experience, strength and vision to the meet the challenges ahead.

Alachua County Commission District 2
LEE PINKOSON, DEMOCRAT
Everyone in Alachua County deserves opportunities to be successful. We must prepare our children for school and make sure parents understand their role in their child's development. It is extremely difficult to be an effective parent when working multiple jobs so we must continue to seek a range of well paying jobs for all educational backgrounds. Maintaining our infrastructure, public safety, and protecting our natural resources are also priorities. Tax money comes from you and time and time again I have voted not to increase the tax burden on the citizens. To ask for more now just doesn't make sense!

vote

Voters in Alachua County can now verify their voter registration status and track their absentee ballot online at VoteAlachua.com. These new services are aimed at improving the voting process for all voters as well as military and overseas voters and will provide an opportunity for absentee voters to track their absentee ballots.

Voters can access:

  • Verify if their voter registration information is current
  • Access a form to update their registration
  • Request and track the status of their absentee/mail ballot
  • View their sample ballot, when available
  • Obtain information on upcoming elections
  • View their polling places and get directions
  • View their voting activity
  • View statistics about their precinct

By clicking on the link, “NEW - Check Your Voter Registration Status Here!” voters will be directed to a secure page and will need to enter the required information. Once this step has been completed, the voter will be able to access the following information from the site:

EARLY VOTING HOURS:

Weekdays, Monday – Friday (9AM to 5PM)
August 16th through August 20th

Saturday, August 14th (9AM to 1PM)

Sunday, August 15th (1PM to 5PM)

Saturday, August 21st (9AM to 5PM) Early Voting Ends

EARLY VOTING SITES

Supervisor of Elections Office
County Administration Building Location
12 SE 1st Street, Gainesville

Millhopper Branch Library
3145 NW 43rd Street, Gainesville

Tower Road Branch Library
3020 SW 75th Street, Gainesville

VOTE BY MAIL

Any registered voter may Vote by Mail. To request a ballot and Vote by Mail, voters may make their request online at VoteAlachua.com or call the Supervisor of Elections Office at (352) 374-5252. Voters will need to make sure their address and signature on file with the Supervisor of Elections is current. Your mail ballot may not count if the signature does not match the signature on your voter record. The last day to request your ballot be mailed is Wednesday, August 18, 2010 by 5:00PM.

To request a ballot for another voter, you must be a designated member of the voter’s immediate family or a legal guardian. Requests can be made online, in person, by mail, by telephone or by fax. All requests must include the voter’s name, residence address, and date of birth. The request must also include the requestor’s name, residence address, relationship to the voter and driver’s license number if available. Mail or fax request must also include the requestor’s signature.

A voter may designate in writing another person to pick up an absentee ballot starting Thursday, August 19, 2010. The designee must have a note signed by the voter, a picture identification of the designee and must complete an affidavit. The affidavit is available for download at VoteAlachua.com. The designee may not pick up more than two absentee ballots per election, not including the designee’s own ballot and ballots for members of his or her immediate family.

Absentee ballots are available at the Supervisor of Elections Office for voters who may have emergencies that will not allow them to go to their polling place to vote.

All absentee ballots must be received in the Supervisor of Elections Office by 7:00PM Election Day.

POLLING PLACE CHANGES

PRECINCT 39
Faith Presbyterian Church
5916 NW 39th Avenue, Gainesville

PRECINCT 48
Oak Park Baptist Church
4610 SW Archer Road, Gainesville

PRECINCT 49
First Baptist Church
14105 NW 39th Avenue, Gainesville

PRECINCT 32
Gainesville Hotel & Conference Center
7417 W. Newberry Road, Gainesville

FLORIDA IS A CLOSED PRIMARY STATE

Florida is a closed Primary State, which means that in a Primary Election, voters may only vote for candidates of the political party in which they are registered. If all candidates for an office have the same party affiliation and the winner will have no opposition in the General

Election, all voters may vote. This is called a Universal Primary. All registered voters may vote in non-partisan elections, on issues and for any candidate in the General Election.

For additional information, contact the Supervisor of Elections Office at 352-374-5252.

bear_jughead1Jarhead and a sibling elude biologists trying to capture it.

   
 

It took 10 days for Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) biologists to catch a black bear cub in Marion County that was days away from death. They were ultimately successful, but it took extraordinary efforts from both FWC employees and local residents working together.

The 6-month-old cub, its two siblings and mother were regular visitors to unsecured trash containers in a small community near Weirsdale, in the Ocala National Forest. One day in late July, FWC dispatch got a call from one of the residents concerned about a cub running around with a clear, industrial-size plastic jar stuck on its head. The jar made it almost impossible for the cub to eat or drink.

The FWC's Mike Orlando, Brian Scheick and Cathy Connolly, and Mike Connolly, a bear-response agent for the agency, knew that if they didn't catch the cub, affectionately dubbed "Jarhead," it would die, so they developed a plan to trap it.

"It was a lot easier said than done," Orlando said. "The residents were really great about calling us when they saw the bears, but it seemed like we were always about 20 minutes behind."

The team set traps in different areas, hoping to catch the mother and tranquilize her, which would then allow them to catch the cubs.  Unfortunately, the good mother bear refused to be tricked by the baited trap.

After eight days of sightings, two days went by when nobody saw the bear family. The team feared the cub may have finally succumbed to his condition.  Ironically, the day the team resigned to pull the traps and head home, Orlando got a call from FWC dispatch.  A resident had called to report the bear family was back. The team rushed back to the community.

Orlando found the mother and was able to shoot her with a tranquilizer dart. Then Orlando and Scheick literally caught the cubs by surprise and managed to grab Jarhead. But the tough little bear lived up to its U.S. Marine moniker and did not give up without a fight.

Eventually, they subdued the cub long enough to get the jar off its head, and then let it go to rejoin its siblings. The team, with the help of some concerned residents, placed the mother bear's sleeping body in a trap, and eventually the cubs joined her.

After observing the family overnight in the trap, and making sure it was able to nurse, biologists released the family in a nearby, less populated area.

Although the story appears to have a happy ending, it truly illustrates one of the worst things that can happen when wildlife gets into garbage.

To date, the FWC has not gotten any further reports of the bear family. And that's good news indeed.

 

LEGAL NOTICE

Fictitious Names

 

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO REGISTER FICTITIOUS NAME

 

Pursuant to Section 865.09, Fla.Stat., notice is herby given that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of ATLANTIC HERB COMPANY located at 7701 NW 258th AVENUE, Alachua, Alachua County, Florida, 32615, intends to register said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. DATED at Alachua, Florida, on this 6 day of August, 2010.  JAMES LAWRENCE By: /s/ James Lawrence

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - August 12, 2010)

 

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO REGISTER FICTITIOUS NAME

 

Pursuant to Section 865.09, Fla.Stat., notice is herby given that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of CARPROS of Gainesville located at 3001 NW 21st Way, Gainesville, Alachua County, Florida, 32609, intends to register said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. DATED at Alachua, Florida, on this 30th, day of July, 2010.  CARPROS of Gainesville By: /s/ Lowell D. Chesborough

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - August 12, 2010)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Advertising Networks of Florida, Put us to work for You! (866)742-1373 www.florida-classifieds.com.

Advertise in Over 100 Papers throughout Florida.

GOOD THINGS TO EAT

, 13789 NW US Hwy 441, Alachua Georgia Peaches, Organic Blueberries, Butterbeans and Fordhoocks, Acre Peas, Watermelon, Shelled Pecans, Florida Broccoli & Cauliflower, Cucumbers, Bell Peppers, Local Yellow Squash & Zucchini, Cabbage, Local Honey Fresh Local Silver Queen Corn, Amish Jellies and Jams, Brown Eggs, Foothills Butter, N. Carolina Apples & Apple Cider. Canning quantities available. Call 386-462-6158

C&R Produce

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

 

DRIVERS: CRST NEEDS YOU! IMMEDIATE opportunities! No CDL, No problem! CDL Training Available. Great Benefits & Start Earning $750-800/wk! Call Today! 1-866-457-6236

 

Gateway Bank in Alachua is seeking a Financial Service Representative/Teller.  Minimum 2 years experience as FSR required.  Please email resume to Janene Manning at jmanning@gatewaybankcfl .com.  386-418-8307  EOE

NEW TRUCKS ARRIVING! 6 months Experience Required. Lease Purchase Available No Felonies. Hornady Transportation 800-441-4271 x FL-100

Drivers- Flatbed CDL/A $2,000 Sign On bonus.

 

Drivers: Intermodal OwnerOps Needed! Rite-way Transport is Expanding in Jacksonville 18 mo. TT Exp. TWIC Card. JAXPORT Badge Free Secure Yard Parking, CDL-A, Paid More with Haz/Tanker 904-781-0457 Fax 904-781-6330.

Cash paid for junk cars. $150 and up. Running or not. Free pick up. 352-771-6191

Weekly Hometime. Average 2,400 miles/week! Local orientation. Daily or weekly pay. CDL-A, 6 months OTR experience. (800)414-9569  www.driveknight.com

Driver- Up to $.03 Performance Pay in 1st year!

Professional Help Wanted

 

Peaceful Paths Domestic Abuse Network now hiring Rural Area Outreach Case Manager. Knowledge of local resources & domestic violence issues, and ability to work independently a must.  $31-33K. Call 377-5690 for details. Send cover letter & resume as attachments to jocelynp@peacefulpaths. org by Fri 8/20.

SERVICES OFFERED

FINANCIAL

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

$$$ ACCESS LAWSUIT CASH NOW!!! $$$

Get cash for your structured settlement or annuity payments. High payouts. Call J.G. Wentworth. 1-866-SETTLEMENT (1-866-738-8536 Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau.

CASH NOW!

ADOPTIONS

 A wonderful life filled with love, financial security, education and close extended family awaits your newborn. Expenses paid. Melissa 1-866-713-3070 www.lovingfamily.homestead.com FL Bar# 0150789

Adopt- Pregnant? Considering adoption?

Loving married couple seeks to adopt. Will be Full-time Mom (age 36) and Devoted Dad. Financial security. EXPENSES PAID. Kim/Bill (888)399-3255 FL Bar# 0150789

ARE YOU PREGNANT? CONSIDERING ADOPTION?

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

Lots For Sale

2.5acres, spectacular views, gated, paved road. High altitude. Easily accessible, secluded. Bryson City. $45,000. Owner financing: (800)810-1590 www.wildcatknob.com

NC MOUNTAINS - BEST LAND BUY!

Waterfront Property

Smoky Mtn. Lake Property,Tenn. Pick your lot, then summit your offer! Gated w/Amenities! Hurry, Register now, First 75 only! (877)644-4647 ext.# 302

BANK FORCED BID/OFFER SALE!

Buy now and save $$$ No time frame to build Dockable, lakeview, lake access Starting at just $9,900 Call (866)920-5263TNwaterfront.com

East TN Lake Community!!

Adjoining lot sold for $99,900! Beautifully wooded building lot in premier gated waterfront community. Enjoy direct access to Atlantic! All amenities complete! Paved roads, underground utilities, club house, pool. Excellent financing. Call Now (877)888-1415 , x 2627

Unbelievable Coastal Bargain! Only $34,900 with FREE Boat Slip.

Homes For Sale

 

Doublewide manufactured home on 1.24 acres, approximately 1/2 mile from Santa Fe River. $25 annual fee includes boat ramp, and park access. Great weekend getaway or live there full time. $45,000. Linda Curran, Realtor. Alachua Properties, Inc. 352-665-2256

 

Investor Alert! 10 acres with 2 homes in LaCrosse area. Can be divided into (2) five acre parcels, each with one home. 1979 3 BR concrete block home and 1998 3 BR manufactured home. Private location. Live in one and rent the other. $165,000. Linda Curran, Realtor, Alachua Properties, Inc. 352-665-2256

Acreage & Farms

Ulcohatchee Creek, planted pine, paved road, power. Other tracts available. stregispaper.com (478)987-9700 St. Regis Paper Co.

Crawford Co., GA 85 AC - $1,125/AC

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

Vacation Properties

-Galax area. Brand new! PRICE REDUCED! Great views, private, fishing in stocked trout stream! 2 acres, $149,500, call owner, (866)275-0442

VIRGINA MTN CABIN

MERCHANDISE

Health/Beauty

Low Prices! FDA Approved Medical Vacuum Pumps. FREE BROCHURES! Dr. Joel Kaplan (619)294-7777 Code FP www.DrJoelKaplan.com (Discounts Available)

Viagra, Cialis, Testosterone & MORE! FREE PILLS!

Garage Sales

 

Moving Sale 14210 NW 138th Street, Alachua

 

Saturday, August 14

 

10 feet X 8, Metal Steel Storage Shed, Turfbuilder Seeder, Ceiling Fan, Full Size Mattress & Box Spring w/frame, Outside Sensor Light, TV Cart, Infant crib set, infant clothes, young lady apparel & woman, Stuffed Animals, pogo stick & games, Size 9 Lady Cleats, Scandinavian Square Dining Table. Several items will be sold ar or Best Offer.

For Sale

In original plastic, never used. Orig price $3000, Sacrifice $975. Can deliver. Call Bill (305)420-5982

LEATHER LIVING ROOM SET.

Solid Wood, never used, brand new in factory boxes. English Dovetail. Original cost $4500. Sell for $895. Can deliver. Call Tom (954)302-2423

CHERRY BEDROOM SET.

Miscellaneous

Get trained and certified. 3 week accelerated program. Local Job Placement Assistance! (877)994-9904

Heat & Air JOBS - Stimulus program puts HVAC jobs in high demand!

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

AIRLINES ARE HIRING

WANTED TO BUY

Cash paid for junk cars. $150 and up. Running or not. Free pick up. 352-771-6191 .


To Place a Classified Call 386-462-3355.

 

UPDATED Aug. 14, 2010:  

The Santa Fe Bab Ruth softball team has won the world series by defeating the Southwest Regional Champions from Brusly, Louisiana 8 -1.

Championship Game Photo Gallery I  and  Championship Game Photo Gallery II

Team0349It's Santa Fe versus Brusly in Championship Game

[PHOTO GALLERY] The Santa Fe Babe Ruth softball team has pulled out another win, its fifth in the World Series so far.  In a 10 a.m. game Friday against Hamilton, New Jersey, Santa Fe put up five runs and held New Jersey to none.  That win puts the girls into the final championship game on Saturday. 

Santa Fe will face off against the Southwest Regional Champions from Brusly, Louisiana, on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. in the Babe Ruth World Series Championship game.

Santa Fe girls perfect so far

 Less than a week into the Babe Ruth Softball 12U World Series tournament the local Santa Fe team had already racked up four wins by Tuesday night.

Earl Findley, coach of the team and president of the Santa Fe Babe Ruth Softball League said he’s proud of the 15 girls on his team.

“The kids are playing their hearts out,” Findley said, noting that the closest game they had was in their first of the tournament with a 6-3 win against a team from Othello, Washington.

Santa Fe’s other games include a 10-0 win against Lodi, California, a 10-2 win against Monadnock, New Hampshire, and a Tuesday evening win of 10-5 against Graceland, Indiana.

In the sixth inning of the Tuesday evening game, Santa Fe was locked 4-4 with the Graceland team forcing the game into a seventh inning.

“In the seventh inning, the girls just started knocking them in, and we had six more runs in that inning alone,” said Findley.

The World Series marked the first time the Santa Fe team has competed in nearly three months, he said.  The team was not permitted to play in district or regional tournaments because they are the host for the World Series event.  The team had a regular season record of 17-0.  Despite not playing competitively for months, Findley said the girls still practiced 2-3 days each week leading up to the tournament.

Although pleased with his team’s performance, Findley said the competition the rest of the series should be quite tough.

“The girls have to keep playing their game,” he added.

On Thursday at noon, Santa Fe will face the winner of a Wednesday evening game between Oviedo, Florida and Lodi, California.

Visiting teams welcomed

With the influx of nine softball teams from around the United States, local families and churches stepped up to the plate to host the girls and give them a home during the Babe Ruth 12U World Series. 

Mark Spradley, Student Pastor at Forest Grove Baptist Church, said families from his church took in two teams of softball players.

“The experience has been amazing, especially for the middle-aged and senior adults.

“It’s given them a whole new outlook on the younger generation and they have just fallen in love with these girls and their teams” said Spradley.

Families of the Forest Grove Baptist Church are hosting a total of 26 girls, 12 from a Brusly, Louisiana team and 14 from a Hamilton, New Jersey team.

Aside from giving the players a place to sleep, the families and church have also fed the players, gone out to cheer them on at their games and help them find activities to fill in their downtime.

The church took the Brusly team to tour the University of Florida softball stadium and facilities.  While there, they met with an assistant coach of the team who demonstrated a few of the practice routines the Gator softball players follow.  The trip wouldn’t have been complete without a trip to Florida Field and a tour of the suites at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium surrounding ‘The Swamp.”

Spradley said as hosts, his church wants the teams to experience the entire community including local sights and restaurants.

Well into the series, Alachua Recreation Director Hal Brady said the tournament has been on track and running well.

“Kevin LaCoste and the entire Santa Fe Babe Ruth Baseball organization have done an excellent job with 30 or more on the grounds crew keeping the field maintained and clean,” Brady said.

The last game in the series is slated to air on Cox Communications at 2:06 p.m. on Saturday unless the loser of the game before wins, in which case a second game would be required at 5:36 p.m. 

For complete updates and game scores, visit Santafesoftball.org

City commissioners decided Monday night to end the last life of the City of Alachua Transit System (CATS). Commissioners voted 4-1 to end the service, beginning Oct. 1.

CATS, which runs throughout the city five days per week, was expected to cost $100,000 next year, of which $50,000 would be requested from the County.

Commissioner Ben Boukari, Jr. made the motion to withhold funds from the program, and all but Commissioner Orien Hill supported the motion.

The program has struggled since its beginning to gain riders, averaging 3.5 rides per day during its first 76 days of operation this year. If a person gets off the bus and gets back on, that counts as two rides.

CATS started as a two-year pilot program on Sept. 12, 2006. The system was created to match job seekers with prospective employers in the city of Alachua and to help elderly citizens get to medical appointments in Gainesville. The transit system was also designed to take traffic off of U.S. Hwy 441.

Officials decided to end the program in November 2008, but the program was given a second life this year, focusing on a different trek.

The reincarnated City of Alachua Transit System (CATS) is a north/south circular route of Alachua. The city received a $76,684 federal stimulus grant from the Federal Transit Authority to pay for the new bus. The city purchased the bus in December and contracted M/V Transportation Services Inc. as the service provider.  The city also budgeted $40,000 for the operation of CATS.

The bus fee is $1 for a one-way trip, which is down from the original proposal of $2.

“The idea of having a transit is wonderful. . . . But looking at the ridership numbers, I think citizens have spoken,” Boukari said.

 Hawthorne’s latest financial audit revealed a handful of issues, some of which the city has already corrected and others it continues to work on, said City Manager Ed Smyth.

The fiscal year 2009 audit showed that the city had met at least one of the conditions that might result in a financial emergency.

That one condition was a high unreserved negative fund balance. The audit, conducted by Sexton and Schnoll, certified public accountants, found that the city had an unreserved negative fund balance of about $100,000, as of Sept. 30, 2009.

Smyth said the commission has already set in place new reserve and transfer policies to prevent such a high unreserved negative fund balance in the future.

The audit also showed that the city had two conditions that together comprised “deteriorating financial conditions.”

The two conditions that comprised the designation of “deteriorating financial conditions” are that expenditures exceeded revenues in the general fund and that the enterprise funds showed a net loss of about $220,000.

Smyth said the city addressed this issue in the budget process by separating out the three enterprise funds, i.e., water, wastewater and sanitation, into distinct fund accounts.

He said one of his major challenges as city manager has been separating out the city’s finances to make the enterprise funds and general fund self-sustaining.

Smyth described the previous financial methods as a clump of Play-Doh with all the colors mixed together. He said his goal has been to separate out all of the colors to make the city’s finances easier to follow and understand.

Another major finding in the audit was that the city needed to diversify its deposits and not keep all of its money in one bank. Smyth said the city is working on finding a second bank or credit union to shift some of the money.

The audit also revealed that the city had insufficient policies to control its assets. Smyth said the city is working to get the issue fixed and that it won’t be a problem in the next audit.

For the second commission meeting in a row, Waldo commissioners discussed filing a lawsuit against the county, but ultimately decided to delay it until this year’s budget process in September.

The potential lawsuit concerns a dispute the city has long had with the county over the use of money the county collects from traffic tickets issued in Waldo.

For the past 15 years, a $12.50 surcharge has been added on the traffic tickets, with that revenue going to Alachua County. The purpose of the surcharge is for a communication system that benefits the entire county, including municipalities.  However, Waldo officials claim the money spent from that fund has been benefitting only Alachua County, and not Waldo.

Waldo is seeking to have the money collected from those surcharges over the past decade, about $570,000, returned to the city.

In July, the city attempted to resolve the issue through mediation, but a failure to reach a deal has led to the next step in the process.

At Tuesday’s meeting, Waldo City Attorney John McPherson advised the commission to handle the budget and the lawsuit at the same time to make sure the city has the money.

The commissioners took McPherson’s advice and delayed the decision but remained dedicated to pursuing it.

“Even if we have to get out and have car washes and bake sales to pay for it, that’s how strongly I feel we should go on with this,” Commissioner Rodney Estes said.

McPherson said there is no need to hurry the process.

“I know everybody’s anxious to get going,” McPherson said. “But I don’t think there’s any rush in filing it.”

City Manager Kim Worley said the city would need to raise the city attorney’s monthly pay from $1,500 to $1,600 to pursue the lawsuit.

Other considerations for the lawsuit include getting other cities involved. McPherson said he will be contacting Alachua and High Springs about joining the lawsuit. Both cities are in a similar situation to Waldo, but don’t have nearly as much to gain. Compared to the approximate $90,000 collected from Waldo tickets last year, the county only collected about $40,000 from Alachua and about $20,000 from High Springs because both cities give out fewer tickets.

McPherson said there are both benefits and drawbacks to adding other cities to the lawsuit.

He said having the help from other city attorneys would be beneficial, but coming to terms with the county would be more complicated, given that more parties are involved.

“One would assume that it would be harder for the county to settle with four or five different governments … rather than just us,” McPherson said.

“Even if nobody joins us, I think we should go ahead. And I think the option will always be there for others to join on with us.”

Two seats, five candidate

Five candidates have qualified to compete for two open seats on the High Springs city commission.

Among the qualified are Bob Barnas, current mayor Bill Coughlin, Linda Clark Gestrin, Sue Weller and former commissioner Byran Williams.

The election will be held during the General Election, which is scheduled for Nov. 2. This is likely to bring a greater number of voters out in the city election.

The two open seats are currently occupied by Coughlin and John Hill. One of the seats will be a three-year term, and the other will be a one-year term that will complete the term left incomplete after Diane Shupe resigned. Hill has been temporarily holding Shupe’s seat until the election.

The top vote winner will fill the three-year term, and the second vote winner will complete the one-year term.

Qualifying began Monday, Aug. 2 at 8 a.m. and closed Friday, Aug. 6 at 4:30 p.m.

City of Alachua employees will soon be saying “TGIT” (Thank God It's Thursday) as a result of the city commission's decision Monday night to put the city on a four-day work week.

The new schedule, which will begin Oct. 1, is expected to save the city about $42,000. Instead of working eight hours a day, five days a week, employees will work 10-hour days Monday through Thursday. The proposed hours are 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Under the proposed schedule, City Hall will be open to residents for 42 hours each week rather than the current 42.5 hours per week. Full-time employees will still be required to work 40 hours per week, and paid holidays will continue to be for eight-hour days rather than 10-hour days.

The city employs 115 people including five seasonal employees. All employees will be on the four-day work week schedule, except the Alachua Police Department, with 29 employees, the Recreation Department, with nine employees, and the Wastewater Division, with seven employees, said Alachua City Manager Traci Cain.

Four commissioners voted for the move to a four-day work week, while Commissioner Ben Boukari, Jr. voted against the proposal.

“Not being open for services on Fridays versus the $42,000 in savings is just not enough, in my opinion, for me to say, 'Yeah, that's great. Close City Hall on Fridays',” Boukari said.

In order to realize much savings in utilities, the doors to City Hall will have to be closed and locked, but Boukari said he doesn't see that happening. Boukari said he has been in City Hall on the weekends and often has meetings there, so the building will still be in use on Fridays, and closing it down won't be as helpful as some are predicting.

Mayor Gib Coerper said he understands Boukari's hesitation, but the Commission is only approving a one-year trial of the system, so it can be reversed if it doesn't work out.

“This is a one-year trial, and if we feel like, or the citizens feel like, it's not working out for them and/or us, in one year, possibly earlier, we'll go back to [a five-day work week],” Coerper said.

Although concerns have been expressed that the city will not be as accessible to residents, Charmagne Manning, deputy city clerk staff assistant, said that the benefits greatly outweigh the negatives.

In her presentation of the city staff report on the four-day work week, Manning pointed out nine advantages and four disadvantages to the plan.

Disadvantages include lack of service to citizens on Fridays and increased difficulty scheduling meetings. Employees may also experience conflicts trying to pick up children from school or daycare, and some employees may feel uncomfortable leaving work while it is dark.

Advantages mentioned by Manning include decreased operational costs, more after-hours services for customers, improved employee morale, reduced absenteeism, increased productivity, less traffic congestion and decreased use of sick hours. Advantages for employees are having a three-day weekend, savings on commute and more time to handle personal business.

Alachua's savings are expected to come from $14,388 in utilities and $27,964 in fuel each year.

The average daily fuel usage for each vehicle was calculated based on fuel charges, and that figure is then subtracted from the number of services days the vehicle would not be used on a four-day workweek schedule. The utility savings were calculated by monitoring utility usage at City Hall, the city's warehouse, the electric and public works office spaces, and the water plant to determine a per-day savings. That figure was then applied to calculate the savings if these facilities were closed on Fridays, said City Manager Traci Cain.

Manning pointed out the positive results a four-day work week has provided for other cities and states that have used the plan.

Green Cove Springs, Fla., whose population is comparable to that of the City of Alachua, reported $13,952 annual savings on fuel, 3,600 gallons less fuel used annually and 1,110 fewer hours of sick leave used annually, Manning said.

The City of Gainesville, which went to a four-day week in 2008, reported $90,710 annual savings on utilities and $30,200 annual savings on fuel. Overtime has gone down 18 percent and city employees have logged an average of 10 fewer sick-leave hours per year. The City also reported a 27 percent reduction in absenteeism, and employees have logged 9,528 more work hours due to the reduction in absenteeism, Manning said.

According to a study conducted by the City of Gainesville, 36 percent of employees felt the extended hours had a positive impact on customer contact. It is unclear whether the remaining 64 percent of employees believed there was a negative impact or no impact on customer contact.

OilSeaTurtlesAlthough the effects of the oil spill are decreasing in Florida, the threat to wildlife remains. Biologists and commercial charter boat fishermen are teaming up to help oil-impacted sea turtles in the waters of the northern Gulf of Mexico.

In a cooperative effort with Deepwater Horizon Unified Command and partner agencies, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) biologists rescue sea turtles while gathering data to assess the effects of the oil spill on sea turtle populations.

Weather permitting, two rescue boats depart from Destin each day and head toward the eastern zone of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill area.

FWC biologists are working with captains taking part in the Vessels of Opportunity program. Together, captains, biologists and crews have made several trips into Gulf offshore waters to rescue sea turtles and scientifically documented where turtles are found.

Because of their experience getting close to large fish on their lines, these captains already possessed skills that help them maneuver their boats so that biologists can capture the sea turtles with hand-held nets.

Biologists use GPS to record where sea turtles are located, as well as to collect data on environmental conditions at the capture location.

"The methods we are using to find oiled sea turtles will help us understand how many affected sea turtles we are not seeing," said FWC sea turtle biologist Blair Witherington. "This will give us a better understanding of the total number of turtles exposed to oil. The science is essential to assessing effects from the spill, but this does not overshadow our most important mission, which is to rescue as many oil-impacted sea turtles as we can."

Rescuers take any oil-impacted sea turtles found off the coast of Northwest Florida to Gulf World in Panama City for rehabilitation.
Rescue efforts in Florida waters are a continuation of work started by the partnership in May offshore of Louisiana. Recently, efforts expanded to Orange Beach, Ala. as well. While conducting work in these three locations, FWC biologists helped rescue nearly 200 oiled sea turtles.

Partner agencies working with the FWC to conduct rescues include the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the non-profit Inwater Research Group, based in Jensen Beach.

As part of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill response, the Vessels of Opportunity program provides local boat operators an opportunity to assist with response activities.

To report sightings of oiled and distressed wildlife in Northwest Florida from Jefferson County through Escambia County, call 866-557-1401. For all other areas of Florida contact the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922). For more information on sea turtle conservation, visit MyFWC.com/SeaTurtle.

lettersI would like to thank Mayor Coerper for his response to my recent letter published in the Alachua County Today.  I believe it is important to discuss these issues as a community, and having a commissioner who is willing to participate is essential to understanding the philosophy and judgment of those we elect.

I agree that Alachua has been a forward looking city. The City’s investment in infrastructure and business friendly atmosphere have helped us grow and prosper. In fact, it is not accurate to say that I ever have been against the City investing in infrastructure. I have been on the Downtown Redevelopment Board whose function is exactly that. I have also supported the new waste water treatment plant; I have defended the new city complex; and I didn’t say I was against the new Santa Fe campus here. 

So, what is the difference then? The difference is overspending. When the State comes in and looks over our shoulder, that’s a sign.  When we take money from reserved funds to pay our bills, that’s a sign.  When we spend a million dollars more than budgeted on a new city hall, that’s a sign. I’ll let pass, for this discussion, that a new city hall really isn’t an investment, but really an expense.  Many times politicians use the word investment, when it’s really just an expense, because it sounds better. When you get in the shape we’re in now, it’s hard to explain it as investment. Responsible people don’t “invest” their way into financial trouble.

Let me repeat what I have said before. I believe this new commission and administration is on the right track. I just want us to learn from past mistakes. I want a recognition that the trouble is not under taxing but overspending. I want us to recognize we got carried away, and I want an acknowledgment from our elected officials that the money they spend is not theirs. It belongs to the taxpayers, and that makes it essential that elected officials spend it wisely.

As far as my complaints being only about the last few years “during the worst economy since the Great Depression.” I need to remind you that this spending took place while revenues were increasing.  And just to be clear it was the “same devastating news” but we were one of only eight Florida cities to fall into this category.  With over 400 cities in Florida, we are one of the two percent to be looked at by the state.

To the point that I was able to make a good living and build my “dream house high on the hill because ‘The Good Life Community’ succeeded,” I invested my own money; I took all the risk myself, and I lived very frugally and still do. In fact, I think I could argue the opposite happened. “The Good Life Community” became that because I and others rebuilt it.  I started a successful business, rebuilt dilapidated buildings for new business, cleaned up neighborhoods, and built new homes. All of this added to the tax base that then goes into making the City successful. I and other taxpayers make this “The Good Life Community.” It is my money, the taxpayers’ money, that the City uses to “invest” and I would like for it to be done responsibly.

Duane Helle

Alachua, Fla.

lettersNational Night Out was celebrated in the City of Alachua on Tuesday, August 3, at Criswell Park, at the same time as many other neighborhoods and cities celebrated across the nation.  It takes a community to unite in order for an event like this happen, and that is exactly what happened Tuesday night in Alachua, when we gave crime a “Going Away Party.” 

Shortly after 5 p.m., police officers, city officials, residents and children gathered under the shade at the park to share food, laughter and each others' company.  Balloons and silly bands were a popular item for the children, and the adults enjoyed hearing the sounds of the children playing, which is exactly what should be going on in a city park.

Sometimes, unfortunately, the sounds of children at play are replaced by criminal activity.  We set out last night to let those involved in the criminal activity know that we don’t want them in our neighborhoods, in our parks or on our streets. 

I would like to thank Horace and Shelisia Jenkins for working with the Alachua Police Department in planning this event.  I would like to thank The Christ Central Ministries for their support and dedication to making the Community better.  A special thanks to Alachua Police Department and Bob’s Citgo for the donation of the food, and Michael “Catfish” Washington and his staff at the Recreation Department for helping with the set-up and clean-up of the event. 

Thank you for all who attended:  residents; Mayor Gib Coerper; Vice Mayor Gary Hardacre; commissioners Orien Hill, Ben Boukari, Jr. and Robert Wilford; former City of Alachua mayor Jean Calderwood; City Manager Traci Cain; City of Alachua officials and staff; Chief Joel DeCoursey; Lieutenant Patrick Barcia; the Police Explorers and the children of the community.  

We must work together to keep Alachua safe for our children and the generations to follow. 

 

Detective Carrie B Lund

Crime Prevention Officer

Alachua Police Department

lettersIn response to the Alachua County Today article on Amendment 4 that ran last week, I’d like to explain why I support the measure. Hometown Democracy Amendment 4 will give taxpayers the right to vote on changes to already existing comprehensive land use plans. These are plans that have been determined years ago to guide the growth of our communities in a planned and thoughtful way to protect us from land speculators that make a profit on quick developments and increased sprawl.

The opposition will continue to use scare tactics to convince voters that they will be confused and burdened with hundreds of technicalities on their next ballot. That’s just not the case. The opposition is a campaign of politicians and big real estate executives that benefit from the easy passage of new projects- yet we’re the ones left to pay the price.

I’m voting yes on Hometown Democracy Amendment 4 on the Nov. 2 statewide ballot because I want a seat at the table – a chance to vote on how my home and my town are affected by growth. As a taxpayer, I deserve it.

For more information, you can visit www.floridahometowndemocracy.com.

Kathy Marsh

Gainesville, Fla.

 

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

1st Public Hearing Notice

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE (07.02)

 

The Town of LaCrosse is considering applying to the Florida Department of Community Affairs (DCA) for a Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) of up to $600,000. These funds must be used for one of the following purposes: 1. To benefit low and moderate income persons; 2. To aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight; or 3. To meet other community development needs of recent origin having a particular urgency because existing conditions pose a serious and immediate threat to the health or welfare of the community and where other financial resources are not available to meet such needs. The categories of activities for which these funds may be used are in the areas of housing, neighborhood revitalization, commercial revitalization, or economic development and include such improvement activities as acquisition of real property, loans to private-for-profit business, purchase of machinery and equipment, construction of infrastructure, rehabilitation of houses and commercial buildings, and energy conservation. Additional information regarding the range of activities that may be undertaken will be provided at the public hearing. For each activity that is proposed, at least 70% of the funds must benefit low and moderate income persons. In developing an application for submission to DCA, the Town must plan to minimize displacement of persons as a result of planned CDBG activities. In addition, the Town is required to develop a plan to assist displaced persons. A public hearing to receive citizen views concerning the community's economic and community development needs will be held at Town Hall on Monday, August 9 at 7:30 p.m. For information concerning the public hearing contact Megan Carter, Grant Consultant, at 386-752-4675  ext. 114.

 

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 Megan Carter, Grant Consultant, at 386-752-4675  ext. 114, at least seven (7) calendar days prior to the meeting and an interpreter will be provided. Any non-English speaking person wishing to attend the public hearing should contact Megan Carter, Grant Consultant, at 386-752-4675 ext. 114, at least seven (7) calendar days prior to the meeting and a language interpreter will be provided. To access a Telecommunication Device for Deaf Persons (TDD) please call 1-800-955-8771. Any handicapped person requiring special accommodation at this meeting should contact Megan Carter, Grant Consultant, at 386-752-4675  ext. 114, at least seven (7) calendar days prior to the meeting.

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - July 29, 2010)

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 08/21/2010, 10:00 a.m. at 14515 NW PEGGY RD, ALACHUA, FL 32615-5449, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids. 1G8ZH1570RZ344586 1994 SATURN

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - August 05, 2010)

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 08/30/2010, 10:00 a.m. at 14515 NW PEGGY RD, ALACHUA, FL 32615-5449, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids. 1GBEG25K9L7123268 1990 CHEVROLET 2GCEC19R0V1100437 1997 CHEVROLET 4A32B2FF8AE007564 2010 MITSUBISHI 4TANL42N0XZ419139 1999 TOYOTA

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - August 05, 2010)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA

 

Case No. 01-2010-CA-000067

 

FIRST AMERICA BANK, a Florida banking corporation, as successor by merger to MANATEE RIVER COMMUNITY BANK, Plaintiff, v. ODETTE RENELUS, BENITO RENELUS, UNIVERSITY COMMONS CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION I, INC., a Florida corporation, UNIVERSITY COMMONS CONDOMINIUMS MASTER ASSOCIATION, INC., a Florida corporation, UNKNOWN TENANT #1 and UNKNOWN TENANT #2, Defendants. ________________/

NOTICE OF SALE

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to the Uniform Final Judgment of Mortgage Foreclosure entered in the abovestyled case, number 01-2010-CA-000067 in the Circuit Court of Alachua County, Florida, that I, J.K. Irby, Alachua County Clerk, will sell the following property situated in Alachua County, Florida, described as: Unit A-203 of UNIVERSITY COMMONS CONDOMINIUM I, according to the Declaration of Condominium recorded in Official Records Book 3452, Page 1231, and all amendments thereafter, of the Public Records of Alachua County, Florida.

 

Together with all the improvements now or hereafter erected on the property, and all easements, rights, appurtenances, rents, royalties, mineral, oil and gas rights and profits, water, water rights, and water stock, and all fixtures now or hereafter attached to the property, including replacements and additions thereto. at public sale, to the highest and best bidder for cash, in the lobby of the Alachua County Family/Civil Justice Center, 201 E. University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32601, at 11:00 a.m. on September 8, 2010. ANY PERSON CLAIMING AN INTEREST IN THE SURPLUS FROM THE SALE, IF ANY, OTHER THAN THE PROPERTY OWNER AS OF THE DATE OF THE LIS PENDENS, MUST FILE A CLAIM WITHIN 60 DAYS AFTER THE SALE. Dated this 22nd day of June, 2010. J.K. Irby, Clerk of the Circuit Court By:/s____________________________ As Deputy Clerk Publish: July 29 and August 05, 2010. Original notice to be returned to Clerk of Circuit Court Bill and duplicate of notice to be faxed and mailed to Robert C. Schermer, Esq. Post Office Box 551 Bradenton, Florida 34206 941-7471871/ 941-747-2991 (fax) Attorneys for Plaintiff

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - July 29 and August 5, 2010)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

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Advertise in Over 100 Papers throughout Florida.

GOOD THINGS TO EAT

, 13789 NW US Hwy 441, Alachua Georgia Peaches, Organic Blueberries, Butterbeans and Fordhoocks, Acre Peas, Watermelon, Shelled Pecans, Florida Broccoli & Cauliflower, Cucumbers, Bell Peppers, Local Yellow Squash & Zucchini, Cabbage, Local Honey Fresh Local Silver Queen Corn, Amish Jellies and Jams, Brown Eggs, Foothills Butter, N. Carolina Apples & Apple Cider. Canning quantities available. Call 386-462-6158

C&R Produce

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

 

SALES REP / MERCHANDISER NEEDED.  We are a fast growing specialty foods distributor. Apply through email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Great pay and benefits! 6 months Experience Required. Lease Purchase Available No Felonies. (800)441-4271  x FL-100

Drivers- Flatbed CDL/A $2,000 Sign On bonus.

3 week accelerated program. Hands on environment. Nationwide certifications and Local Job Placement Assistance! (877)994-9904

Heat & Air JOBS - Ready to work?

OTR, Regional, Teams. Local orientation. Daily or weekly pay. 98% no-touch. CDL-A, 6 months OTR experience. (800)414-9569  www.driveknight.com

Driver- Weekly Hometime. Average 2,400 miles/week!

Daily Settlements, No Forced Dispatch, Fuel Discount Programs, Flatbed & Van Divisions. Contact Donna (877)242-1276  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Mason & Dixon Lines Experienced Owner/Ops Wanted.

 

DRIVERS: CRST NEEDS YOU! IMMEDIATE opportunities! No CDL, No problem! CDL Training Available. Great Benefits & Start Earning $750-800/wk! Call Today! 1-866-457-6236

Need more training? We can help. Must be 23. (888)632-5230 . www.JoinWiltrans.com

Drivers-CDL-A drivers. No experience, no problem!

 

Gateway Bank in Alachua is seeking a Financial Service Representative/Teller.  Minimum 2 years experience as FSR required.  Please email resume to Janene Manning at jmanning@gatewaybankcfl .com.  386-418-8307  EOE

Cash paid for junk cars. $150 and up. Running or not. Free pick up. 352-771-6191

Professional Help Wanted

 

Peaceful Paths Domestic Abuse Network now hiring Rural Area Outreach Case Manager. Knowledge of local resources & domestic violence issues, and ability to work independently a must.  $31-33K. Call 377-5690 for details. Send cover letter & resume as attachments to jocelynp@peacefulpaths. org by Fri 8/20.

SERVICES OFFERED

FINANCIAL

Get cash for your structured settlement or annuity payments. High payouts. Call J.G. Wentworth. 1-866-SETTLEMENT  1-866-738-8536 Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau.

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ADOPTIONS

Loving married couple seeks to adopt. Will be Full-time Mom (age 36) and Devoted Dad. Financial security. EXPENSES PAID. Kim/Bill (888)399-3255  FL Bar# 0150789

ARE YOU PREGNANT? CONSIDERING ADOPTION?

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

Waterfront Property

with Sandy Beach! Only $34,900. Wooded, park-like setting with gorgeous sandy shoreline on one of Alabama’s top recreational waterways. All amenities completed. BOAT TO GULF OF MEXICO! SAVE $15,000 & Pay NO closing costs. Excellent financing. Call now (866)952-5302  x 5462

DIRECT WATERFRONT

Spectacular wooded building lot in premier gated waterfront community w/ direct access to Atlantic Ocean! All amenities complete! Paved roads, underground utilities, club house, pool. Excellent financing. Call Now (877)888-1415 , x 2627

Only $34,900 W/ FREE Boat Slip adjoining lot sold for $99,900!

Smoky Mtn. Lake Property,Tenn. Pick your lot, then summit your offer! Gated w/Amenities! Hurry, Register now, First 100 only! (877)644-4647  ext.# 302

BANK FORCED BID/OFFER SALE!

Homes For Sale

 

Investor Alert! 10 acres with 2 homes in LaCrosse area. Can be divided into (2) five acre parcels, each with one home. 1979 3 BR concrete block home and 1998 3 BR manufactured home. Private location. Live in one and rent the other. $165,000. Linda Curran, Realtor, Alachua Properties, Inc. 352-665-2256 

 

Doublewide manufactured home on 1.24 acres, approximately 1/2 mile from Santa Fe River. $25 annual fee includes boat ramp, and park access. Great weekend getaway or live there full time. $45,000. Linda Curran, Realtor. Alachua Properties, Inc. 352-665-2256 

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

Mobile Homes For Rent

Fridge, Washer/Dryer and monthly pest control included. Fully fenced one-acre yard. Livestock allowed. Available August 1st. 386-418-4218  (leave message)

3BD/2BA DWMH Near Walmart Distribution Center.

Vacation Properties

Buy now and save $$$ No time frame to build Dockable, lakeview, lake access Starting at just $9,900 Call (866)920-5263  TNwaterfront.com

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2.5acres, spectacular views, gated, paved road. High altitude. Easily accessible, secluded. Bryson City. $45,000. Owner financing: (800)810-1590 www.wildcatknob.com

NC MOUNTAINS - BEST LAND BUY!

MERCHANDISE

Garage Sales

Sale, Furniture, Antiques, entire contents of home. Saturday, August 7th, 7:30-3:00. 13825 N.W. 147th Ave. Alachua

Estate/Garage

For Sale

Solid Wood, never used, brand new in factory boxes. English Dovetail. Original cost $4500. Sell for $895. Can deliver. Call Tom (954)302-2423 

CHERRY BEDROOM SET.

In original plastic, never used. Orig price $3000, Sacrifice $975. Can deliver. Call Bill (305)420-5982

LEATHER LIVING ROOM SET.

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

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Cash paid for junk cars. $150 and up. Running or not. Free pick up. 352-771-6191

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Online at RVT.com Access Millions of RV Buyers. Thousands of RVs SOLD- Serving RV traders since 1999. www.RVT.com or Call (877)700-8798 

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To Place a Classified Call 386-462-3355.

 

Alachua

[PHOTO GALLERY]

The Santa Fe Babe Ruth softball team has pulled out another win, its fifth in the World Series so far.  In a 10 a.m. game against Hamilton, New Jersey, Santa Fe put up five runs and held New Jersey to none.  That win puts the girls into the final championship game on Saturday. 

At 7:30 p.m. tonight, the New Jersey girls will still have another chance to make it to the final game when they play the winner of a another game at noon today between Brusly, Louisiana and Graceland, Indiana.

The winner of the 7:30 p.m. game will face the Santa Fe girls Saturday.

Batters Up! Babe Ruth Softball World Series

Scores of softball players are arriving in the city of Alachua for their shot at the Babe Ruth Softball 12U World Series title, which begins Friday at Alachua City Hall.

Area officers will escort the teams to Camp Kulaqua in High Springs so the teams can meet and enjoy “Friendship Fun Day.” Later Friday, the teams will participate in the Banquet of Champions.

The first game is set for Saturday at 10 a.m., when the Middle Atlantic champion faces the Midwest Plains champion. Four other games will be played Saturday, including the City of Alachua's team, which will play the Pacific Northwest champion at 7 p.m.

The teams of young players will be whittled away, game-by-game, to one champion, with the final showdown set for Saturday, Aug. 14.

In recent months, the city has been renovating Alachua's Hal Brady Recreation Center, including everything from paving the parking lot to adding new fencing, in anticipation of the tournament, which is expected to bring in thousands of family members and fans along with millions of dollars for the local economy.

To host the tournament, cities must pay $40,000 on top of other preparation costs. The costs are actually the responsibility of the host organization, which is the Santa Fe Babe Ruth program.

However, the City of Alachua, the Alachua Chamber of Commerce, the Gainesville Sports Commission, Walmart, Sysco, Dollar General and Santa Fe Ford have committed to provide financial and in-kind support for the tournament.

The city hosted the Bambino World Series – the male version of the Babe Ruth World Series – in 1992, and Alachua was the first city in Florida to host that tournament as well.

The 1992 tournament brought nine teams and thousands of visitors into the city, which filled 10 area hotels.

Though Alachua County boasts some of the best public schools in the state, the system has limited options for students with special needs.

Seeing a need for a local alternative – a need they have themselves – two LaCrosse parents are opening a private, non-profit school in High Springs for children with autism.

Imagine what it might be like to not be able to communicate with one’s son or daughter, to deal with constant outbursts of rage or to have a child who will not look you in the eye or speak.

Autism refers to a group of developmental brain disorders called Pervasive Developmental Disorders. There are varying degrees of severity, and the disorder often manifests in nuances unique to each patient. But generally, the symptoms reflect a difficulty or inability to socialize and communicate.

Patients of all ages often seem socially awkward and quirky, and sometimes they appear to be in their own world.

For parents of autistic children, the disorder can be daunting. There is still little known about what causes it, and there is no cure. Treatment options are often expensive and or inaccessible.

Unwilling to settle for the options the public school system offered for their son, Marie Trempe and Rob Cecil began to pursue parent-implemented autism treatment programs.

Based on their family’s experience and success with intensive home-based therapy, they set out to share the opportunity by founding the Autism Oasis for Kids.

After battling cancer as a 21-month-old, closely followed by an extremely rare auto-immune disorder called Opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome, or OMS, their son was eventually diagnosed as autistic at age 7.

Trempe explained that public schools were not able to give her son what he needed, and after researching and taking classes and developing a home program that was working for him, he eventually began to express a desire for interaction with children his own age. He wanted friends.

It was also becoming increasingly difficult to find ways of paying for the various therapies and classes Trempe was relying on to help care for her son.

This is what led her and Cecil to the idea of starting a school, which would allow them to continue to provide for their son while opening up an opportunity for other families in need. Now they will be able to access grant funding options, too.

Set to open Aug. 23, the school is a registered non-profit corporation and is located at 205 S. Main Street on the edge of downtown High Springs.

Trempe said they chose the city based first on its central location. “We’re serving six counties,” she said. “We’re getting people from Trenton, Bell, Keystone and Fort White, in addition to the Gainesville area.”

The second reason for choosing High Springs was that she found it to be the most hospitable. When she first called for information, she said her call was returned within an hour with a list of seven different possible properties to house the school. They went above and beyond, she said, to help her through the process.

The school is open to students ages six to 16, and classes will be grouped based on the severity and characteristics of each student’s disorder rather than structured by standard grade level according to age.

Trempe echoed what all of the school’s literature says, stressing the importance of parent participation in the programs the school offers.

In partnership with Relate to Autism, Inc., the school will be running a parent workshop Sept. 11 and 12 in High Springs at Camp Kulaqua.

The grand opening for the school is scheduled for Aug. 16 at 6:30 p.m. and is open to the public. For more information about costs, payment options and enrollment, visit http://autismoasisforkids.org.

Night_OutThe Criswell Park neighborhood was the site of a community National Night Out Tuesday evening.  The Alachua Police Department coordinated the effort with local reidents to send the message that they won't tolerate criminal activity. 

Citizens living in the Criswell Park area in conjunction with Alachua Police used National Night Out (NNO) to help stomp out crime in their neighborhood.  Just across the street from a hangout known as “the tree,” local police and citizens gathered at Criswell Park Tuesday evening to send a message that they won’t tolerate criminal activity.

There seems to be no question that Criswell Park was a strategically selected location for this year’s NNO event which is designed to raise awareness of preventative ways of reducing crime and drugs.

Alachua Police Department (APD) Detective Carrie Lund said, “This area has a high rate of crime and we want our citizens here to know that as police officers, we can help them.”

The Tuesday evening get-together included grilled hotdogs and snacks.  For the young and young at heart, Christ Central Ministries brought along the popular Silly Bandz and a balloon artist who created elaborate flowers, swords, hats and everything in between.  Joining in on the evening’s campaign were several familiar faces including former Alachua mayor Jean Calderwood, as well as current Mayor Gib Coerper and commissioners Orien Hills and Ben Boukari, Jr.

Led by APD Chief Joel DeCoursey and City Manager Traci Cain, area residents took to the streets and made a symbolic walk around the block, including the ‘the tree.’

DeCoursey said the walk was to serve as a symbolic gesture to the community that neighbors were united with law enforcement in fighting crime in the area.

The quadrant of the City of Alachua immediately surrounding ‘the tree’ does indeed have a high crime rate when compared to that of other areas of the city.  With roughly 30 crimes reported in the last three months, the neighborhoods around the local hangout have about twice as many crimes reported as any other quadrant of the city’s core area.

For years, ‘the tree’ has been regarded as a drug haven, but many who gather there argue that a few bad apples have ruined the bunch.  In recent discussions over the hangout’s future, some people have said it’s the only place they have to go and it’s a place they enjoy meeting with friends, but that they aren’t engaging in criminal activity.  

Historically, however, ‘the tree’ has been the magnet for those committing crimes throughout the city.  On occasion, crimes are reported at ‘the tree,’ but more commonly, it’s the place police have found those they believe to be responsible for crimes committed surrounding the hangout.

Shelisia Jenkins, who helped to organize Tuesday evening’s NNO cookout and neighborhood walk said she is hopeful that her neighbors will begin to push away the criminal elements in her community.

“This event is about bringing people together and showing them that our police are approachable, and to allow them to get familiar with the officers.”

Jenkins, who grew up in that neighborhood, said many of the people responsible for the crime in the area know she’s always watching and not afraid to call the police if she sees something suspicious.  And that’s exactly what she wants her neighbors to do as well.

Lund was careful to note that the area surrounding ‘the tree’ might have a higher than average crime rate, but it’s not the only place crime occurs.

“Crime happens in every neighborhood and any of Alachua’s neighborhoods can participate in the NNO campaign.”

Anyone interested in becoming involved in similar crime watch programs can register online at nationaltownwatch.org or contact the Alachua Police Department at 386-462-1396.

Local law enforcement officials are still not seeing eye-to-eye on the issues addressed by Alachua County Sheriff Sadie Darnell in a formal letter to the High Springs city manager about two weeks ago, but now an outside investigator will be appointed to determine the facts.

Darnell wrote the July 16 letter to High Springs City Manager Jim Drumm, discussing two mattters. One issue is a disagreement between herself and Police Chief Jim Troiano regarding the use of grant funds administered by the Sheriff’s Office.  The second issue concerns the way Troiano spoke to one of her employees during a recent phone conversation. 

While rumors began to circulate of the possibility that Troiano may have misappropriated grant funds, he stated this was absolutely not true.

Drumm confirmed this, explaining that because the city must first spend a grant allocation out of pocket and is then reimbursed for expenses, it would be virtually impossible for Troiano to have used money illegally.

Regardless, Troiano still questions the sheriff’s rationale for denying his request to use portions of the department’s Byrne Grant money to cover expenses of using confidential informants.

Questionable behavior named as real priority

Darnell said people should remember that the intended focus of her letter was in fact the phone call incident, and not the grant issue. Though she and Troiano are in disagreement about appropriate uses for the money, the reason she wrote the letter was first and foremost to bring to Drumm’s attention what she deemed to be highly inappropriate behavior on the chief’s part.

Drumm also said, “The question [now] isn’t over whether funds should or shouldn’t be awarded — it's how the conversation went and whether it crossed a line to become unprofessional or even offensive.”

The two law enforcement officials continue to disagree on the grant, the nature of the conversation and now on what the real issue is.

Darnell reiterated the sentiment of her letter, saying, “The main issue is his, not only inappropriate behavior, but disturbing behavior.”

According to the letter, Troiano had called Kelly Amerson, the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office grants administrator, to “voice his displeasure” over Darnell’s position on using grant funds for confidential informants.

Darnell’s letter states that Amerson was “extremely disturbed by the tone and nature of his tirade,” and she described it as a “Mel Gibson type of rant and rage.”  He was yelling at her, said he was “going to bring her down,” referring to Darnell. He threatened to contact various politicians and media outlets and later hung up on Amerson, the letter states.

In a letter Troinano wrote to Drumm in response to Darnell’s letter, as well as in a later interview, Troiano repeatedly said that he is confident Amerson would have come to him directly if she was upset or had a problem. He said that when the conversation ended, it was on good terms.

With substantial evidence, investigation will be initiated

Though it initially appeared to be a “he said, she said” situation based on Darnell’s letter, Drumm said, after making his own inquiries and preliminary investigation, he has determined there is enough information to warrant an investigation.

He spoke with Amerson directly, which led him to believe she was in fact upset by the conversation, but she has not expressed a desire to file a formal complaint at this time. Amerson did not object to cooperating with an investigation, and Drumm will be initiating the complaint.

There appear to be witnesses from both ends of the phone who heard the conversation, Drumm said.

The next step will be to select an investigator from an outside agency, which Drumm said he hopes to finalize quickly. And because the nature of the issue is not specifically law-enforcement related, but rather something that could happen between staff members of any two types of agencies, the investigator does not have to be a law enforcement agent or expert, and this could make it easier to get the process going.

Initial disagreement might reflect larger issue

Troiano has already been notified, and he said he welcomes the investigation.

He reiterated that he was simply venting to Amerson about his frustration with the grant situation. Even now, he hopes that the communication line might be reopened in the future to discuss how he and the sheriff might be able to reach a compromise, or at least come to an understanding.

Darnell said that if Troiano wanted approval to use these funds to pay for informants, he should have brought it up during discussions in early June with the Grant Policy Board when decisions were being made on how to spend the money in the coming year.

“He’s trying to come in the back door with it,” she said.

The grant money in question is distributed through the sheriff’s office to various city law enforcement agencies in the county.

The High Springs Police Department was allocated $7,000 in the 2009-2010 budget year and $4,000 in the 2010-2011 budget year from the grant funds.

Troiano said he didn’t bring the issue before the board based on dialogue with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and his impression that this use was already allowed. It wasn’t until after the process of the board was complete that he was told there was a problem.

The federally funded grant does allow for payments to drug informants, but the contracts between the Sheriff’s office and each of the county’s police departments specifically disallows the use of the funds for that purpose.

Troiano said permitting his department to use the funds to pay confidential drug informants could be easily remedied with an amendment to the contract.  That seems unlikely to occur since, according to Troiano, Darnell has indicated that she would not be willing to do that now or in the future.

Waldo Police Chief Mike Szabo said he sees no problem with Troiano’s request, though he would not use the money that way. As he understands it, covering costs for confidential informants would be an allowable use under the guidelines of the grant.

He compared Troiano’s conflict with Darnell to an issue his own department has faced concerning the operation of dispatch services in Waldo.

“It’s not about who’s in charge, it’s about the community, and it’s about safety.”

Szabo said, as a smaller agency, he feels like he is being told “my way or the highway” by the sheriff’s office.

Troiano said he fully supports Darnell as sheriff, but he doesn’t agree with some of her decisions, and in some cases he explained that he probably has a better idea than she does of the needs in High Springs.

Nesbit_mugshotA Newberry man was arrested early Sunday on charges of kidnapping, sexual assault and battery.

Earl Nesbit, 49, is accused of forcing a woman to stay in his house from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., according to an arrest report.

Nesbit and the victim had been arguing for the past two days about a church trip to Philadelphia. She wanted to go, but Nesbit refused to let her go.

The argument grew more heated Saturday night and Nesbit told her she was not allowed to leave for the trip or even leave the house.

He followed her as she walked around the house, standing close to her and, at one point, lying on top of her on the couch to keep her from getting up, according to the report.

The victim said she didn’t resist out of fear that Nesbit would become physically violent.

At 3 a.m., Nesbit took the victim from the couch to the bedroom and forced her to have sex with him.

The victim made two cell phone calls to police while in the bathroom but didn’t say anything out of fear that Nesbit, who was standing just outside of the bathroom door, would overhear her. She made the first call at 3:23 a.m. and the second one at 5:50 a.m.

After she realized the police had not responded to the first two calls, she texted to other people to call the police. Police arrived soon after that.

Nesbit was taken to the Alachua County Jail. At the jail changing room, Nesbit refused to take off his clothes and change into jail clothing. After Nesbit refused several orders, police removed Nesbit’s clothing and took his socks and underwear as evidence.

The victim has a three-inch scratch on her left forearm, which she said could have happened when she was forced to lie down on the couch.

For the past year, property owners in the City of High Springs have been paying a 6.15 percent tax rate on the value of their real estate. That rate will not go any higher with the new City budget.

After spending Monday night and about another three hours Tuesday night going through a preliminary line-by-line review of the proposed 2010-2011 fiscal year budget, the city commission concluded its Aug. 3 meeting with a unanimous vote in favor of setting, and in effect keeping, the maximum millage rate at 6.15 percent.

Over the next two months, the commission will hold a series of special budget meetings to fine-tune the spending allocations and revise proposed cuts. Two of these meetings will specifically re-address the property tax rate.

The first will be a public hearing on Sept. 9, where commissioners will listen to citizen input regarding the rate, and they will then vote on a tentative number. The third and final step in the process of setting the millage rate will take place Sept. 27 when the commission will finalize the rate and adopt the budget.

The final millage rate cannot exceed 6.16 percent, but it can be lower.  Factoring in the recent drop in property value within the city, a 6.15 percent rate would mean a 9 percent overall loss in property tax revenue in the coming year.

City Manager Jim Drumm, who prepared the budget proposal, explained that he did so using the 6.15 percent rate at the direction of the commission. Drumm said that setting 6.15 as the maximum rate could further limit commissioners on how they can revise the budget as a whole.

If the commissioners want to prevent some of the proposed cuts, as they have suggested, they will have to find another source of revenue to make up for the loss in tax money.

“Cuts are severe, and it’s really going to affect the level of service in the city,” said Drumm, “but ultimately it’s the commission’s call.”

Mayor Bill Coughlin and Commissioner Larry Travis both said that while they personally could manage to foot the bill for a small rate increase, they understand that at this time, given the state of the economy, many High Springs citizens could not.

Commissioners Eric May, Dean Davis and John Hill all agreed they could not, in good conscience, and would not vote for an increase.

After almost 15 years of service with the High Springs Police DHSPD_Hinesepartment, Sgt. Martha Hines celebrated her official retirement on Aug. 2.

The Women’s Club hosted a luncheon Monday afternoon with food provided by Lynn Tillman.

Hines was originally hired as a communications operator in 1995 and in 1997 she became High Springs’ first female officer.

After being promoted to the rank of sergeant in 2005, Hines’ career as an active field officer was cut short due to injuries she sustained in a 2009 incident.

Since then she has continued to serve the city in an administrative position until her retirement this week

lettersThe City of Alachua, for the 36 years I’ve lived here, has invested in its future.

In the mid-1970s, a new wastewater and water system was put in.  The cry from some was “you’re overspending.” While Alachua was moving forward, other cities balked at that decision and it shows we made the right decision.

In the mid-1980s, Alachua made the decision to change the look of Main Street from an unattractive boarded up near dead center of town and activity to the vibrant beautiful downtown we’re all proud of today. But the cry from some was “you’re overspending.”

In the mid-to-late 1990s, the start of a job center that has created a thousand-plus jobs, a change in ownership and direction of the Progress Park, today is known as the Sid Martin Center, and is receiving world-class recognition.

Santa Fe College is a jewel to our community affording our citizens an opportunity for higher education.

We have a nationally recognized recreation center with volunteers second to none.

All of this would probably not have happened if the city leaders had decided not to invest in Alachua’s future; it’s been proven time and time again that businesses are more attracted to a city that showed a willingness to invest in its infrastructure.

Mr. Helle’s letter to the editor last week in the Alachua County Today deals only with the last two or three years, and fails to mention that not only Alachua, but the every state and community in America has faced the same devastating news, “we’re in the worst economy since the Great Depression.” Alachua survived the 1930’s and it will survive this, only to become better.

I did not see a letter from Mr. Helle lamenting the lower taxes. Mr. Helle has been a successful businessman here since about 1987, right after Alachua decided to invest in itself and change Main Street.  The nature of his business depended on the success of “The Good Life Community,” it allowed him to make a good living and profits and also build his dream house high on the hill.

Without Alachua investing in itself, I doubt if those dreams would have come true.

As a longtime resident, and someone that has been involved in a positive way for many years, and now as mayor, I will continue to encourage investment in our “Good Life Community.”

Time to Focus on the Future,

Gib Coerper, Mayor, City of Alachua

letters

In response to the article, “Alachua and High Springs eye joint fire services,” in the July 22 edition the Alachua County Today, I would like to give my reasons for proposing that the City of Alachua look into starting our own fire department.

As stated in the article, the City of Alachua has been paying Alachua County over $669,000 for our fire service contract and I do not think that will change if we continue with the County.  I think the $475,000 amount was just to get us to buy into the County fire assessment plan.  It probably costs more than that. 

The City of Alachua owns the property and fire station that the County uses to supply us our contracted fire service.  As anyone can see, we wouldn’t have to start from scratch if we started our own fire department.   As Fire Chief Riggall of High Springs has said he estimates that it would cost around $250,000 for a fire engine and approximately $450,000 a year for nine full-time firefighters.  We could also consider using volunteers to help fight fires to lower the cost.  As can also be seen, the cost would be about the same as we are now paying the County for our fire service.  We might even be able to get a grant to help us pay for the fire engine.  We use the City of High Springs fire department for backup and could work with them to help each other fight fires.  We need to continue to look for ways to save the citizens money in these bad economic times.

I do not feel it is in the best interest of the City of Alachua to have to depend on the County to supply this fire service.  The County Commission, in most cases, is elected by the citizens of Gainesville.  A perfect example is that Alachua has its own police department.  If you have a problem or concern about our police department you can always go to your City Commissioners who were elected by the citizens of Alachua.  This is true home rule. 

It is my opinion that having our own fire department in the City of Alachua would better serve our citizens.

Gary Hardacre

Vice-Mayor, City of Alachua

Corey Woodyard didn’t think walking in the street was a crime, but it netted him a $109 ticket.

He was walking on 252nd Street, near Fourth Avenue in Newberry. It’s one of the highest drug areas in the county, according to Lt. Steve Maynard, public information officer for the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.

Police enforcement, which is handled by the sheriff’s office since Newberry doesn’t have its own police department, pays greater attention and devotes more resources to areas like 252nd Street, Maynard said.

“We know where the bad areas are, and we target those areas,” he said. “We aggressively and vigorously enforce the laws in the areas of the highest crime.”

While the police step up enforcement to address the needs of a high-risk area, some residents are worried that good citizens are being treated like troublemakers.

Woodyard voiced his complaint about getting a ticket for walking in the street at the Newberry City Commission meeting Monday. He was one of six Newberry residents who spoke out against “police harassment” in the area.

Some of the other complaints were that police drove too fast through neighborhoods tearing up yards, bothering innocent people and handing out unnecessary tickets.

“I’m glad to see these people coming out because there have been undertones of some harassment,” said Newberry resident Mae Islar. “We need to bring those things out because it is happening.”

Commissioners listened and agreed to set up a meeting for the public and the sheriff’s department to talk about these issues.

In an interview Tuesday, Maynard said he hadn’t heard from Newberry about setting up a meeting yet, but it is something the department has done in the past with positive results.

Despite the relatively large number of complaints at the Newberry commission meeting, Maynard said the department has not received a large number of formal complaints from residents in the 252nd Street area.

He said he encourages residents with legitimate complaints to contact the Office of Professional Standards at 352-384-3050.

Local museums offer educational and interactive exhibits

Hard_Times_CSIBanyon Tarrant, who's almost 2, shows his mother plastic insects at the CSI exhibit.  Banyon and his 4-year-old brother Liden, came to the museum for the afternoon.

Creepy crawly creatures with six or more legs have earned the names of “bug” and “pest” for a reason.

According to Merriam-Webster’s dictionary, “to bug,” means to bother or annoy, and “pester” means to harass with petty irritations.

Mosquitoes bite, wasps sting and cockroaches –– well, they just freak people out. But it turns out not all insects are such a nuisance.

The Florida Museum of Natural History is hosting an exhibit that’s all about how some of them can help solve crimes.

CSI: Crime Scene Insects premiered on May 8 and will be open through Jan. 17. Admission is $6.50 per adult or $6 for Florida residents, $5.50 for seniors and Florida college students, $4 for children 3 to 12, and it’s free for museum members, children 2 and under and UF students with a valid Gator1 ID.  

The exhibit is housed in the new museum building next to the Philips Center, at the corner of SW 34th Street and Hull Road, which boasts the modern marvel that is air conditioning.

Official weather reports indicate no break in sight from this summer’s scorching heat, and when it’s so hot that pool water no longer offers relief, it’s understandable that one might retreat inside and resort to electronic entertainment until it cools down.

A visit to the CSI exhibit offers a sheltered alternative Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The display includes photographs, diagrams, interactive devices and even live maggots to show how forensic scientists use their role in the decay of a human body to solve murders.

Everything is set up on a series of wooden structures filled with cutouts, reminiscent of what a life-size, horizontal Jenga tower might look like.

Jason Debottis, a museum security guard who helped to set up the exhibit, explained that it’s designed to represent a puzzle, and each display represents different stages in “solving the case.”

Next to the CSI area, the museum is hosting another feature exhibit called the Discovery Room. It’s open from June 21 to Aug. 22 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday.

The Discovery Room also has different scheduled special theme programs throughout the week. For a complete list, visit the museum’s Web site at http://flmnh.ufl.edu. It’s a “hands-on” exhibit centered on Florida’s ecosystems.

SkilesFamed cave dirver Wes Skiles was best known for his underwater photography.

The official cause of death is still under investigation after Wesley Skiles, the famed diver and cinematographer, died while shooting footage at a reef about three miles off of Boynton Beach in South Florida on July 22.

Skiles was known for his underwater video footage and his photographs from aquatic locations all over the world. He was a pioneer in Florida cave diving, and he owned and operated Karst Productions, Inc., in High Springs.

The 52-year-old freelance photographer had his work featured in various publications and television and film productions, including National Geographic, where his photographs of blue holes in the Bahamas will run as the cover story in the August issue.

The magazine released a statement saying the incident “occurred following the conclusion of a scientific research expedition related to marine life off the east coast of Florida. Our thoughts are with Wes' family."

According to numerous reports, Skiles had indicated to fellow divers that he was going up for more film and after a few minutes was spotted motionless on the ocean floor. His comrades pulled him to the surface, rushing him to shore and administering CPR. 

He was then taken by ground to St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach. Though it was not the closest, it is the only hospital in the county with a decompression chamber, which is used to treat the bends, a condition sustained from surfacing too quickly.

Boynton Beach Fire Rescue community relations specialist Stephen Lewis confirmed three other divers were transported in addition to Skiles, “as a precautionary measure,” because of their rapid ascent.

It is believed that he was not taken by the county’s Trauma Hawk emergency helicopter because it generally does not transport patients who are “coded,” meaning without a pulse. But Lewis said he cannot discuss a patient’s condition, and he would neither confirm nor deny whether Skiles was in cardiac arrest when he was taken to the hospital.

In a televised interview, Roger Davis, the owner of area shop Wet Pleasures Dive Outfitters, said heart disease runs in Skiles’ family – his father died of a heart attack around the same age.

Davis said he’s known Skiles for 15 years, and he wasn’t the type who would panic in a distressed situation.

“Wes was a true explorer in every sense and a wonderful spirit," said Chris Johns, editor of National Geographic. "He set a standard for underwater photography, cinematography and exploration that is unsurpassed. It was an honor to work with him, and he will be deeply missed."

On the Karst Productions Web site, there is a statement that reads, in part, “We’re not afraid to get close to nature,” and this was the attitude for which many recognized Skiles.

In a written statement, Annie Pais, The Blue Path coordinator and executive director from Florida’s Eden said, “So many of us who work in water awareness here in Florida looked to Wes as our fearless leader. He was our pioneer, our champion for springs and aquifer protection.”

It is evident that Wes Skiles touched the lives of countless people; from friends, family and coworkers, to anyone who ever saw his work, it is as crystal clear as the waters he loved that he will be greatly missed throughout the Florida conservation, diving and photographic communities.

His family asked that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made in his name to the Alachua Conservation Trust.

A memorial service and celebration of his life was held at Ginnie Springs on Wednesday evening.

More than 100 people did not let the rain stop them from coming out to honor the late photographer. And at least a couple who spoke made jokes about how “Wes would want us to get wet.”

Most sported umbrellas and some had beer, wine or a cocktail in hand. Couples clung to one another and toddlers managed to keep quiet. Everyone watched and listened as family and friends shared with the audience their fondest memories of Skiles, and how he had touched their lives.

Alachua residents saw their water and wastewater rates nearly double on May 1, but they didn’t see a public notice in their utility bill for the public meetings being held to consider the raise.

And that oversight has made the entire increase, which has been in place for nearly three months, null and void, leaving the city to now restart the process with new public hearings on Aug. 9 and Aug. 23.

Florida Statute 180.136 dictates, “Before a local government water or sewer utility increases any rate, charge, or fee for water or sewer utility service, the utility shall provide notice of the proposed increase to each customer of the utility through the utility’s billing process.”

City Manager Traci Cain said, in an e-mail, the city found out about the oversight on July 19.

“The city was unaware of the additional advance notice requirement,” Cain said. “Therefore, once we were made aware of the provision, we immediately took corrective steps.”

The city not only has to redo its public hearing process, but it also has to sort out the past three months of water rate charges.

The average monthly residential water consumption in Alachua is 6,700 gallons according to a city report published in March.  The charge for the first 7,000 gallons of water usage was $11.70 before the city bumped it up to $20.47 in May.

Residential wastewater rates, meanwhile, were billed at $24.50 for the first 7,000 gallons before the increase was instituted.  The increase in wastewater rates pushed that charge to $40.92.

Residents charged at the increased rate for May, June and July will receive adjustments to their accounts, which will be reflected on their next utility bill, according to a press release from the city.

Cain said the city doesn’t yet know how much revenue will be lost as a result of the mistake.

“We are still calculating revenue impact projections,” Cain said. “We are evaluating the total revenue impact, and we will provide the information to the city commission.”

She said the city is working on putting in place protections from allowing the same mistake to be made again.

“We are developing a process for additional ordinance/resolution review that will assist in avoiding the issue in the future,” Cain said in an e-mail.

Political activist Charles Grapski has filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Alachua as well as former and current employees alleging violations of his constitutional rights in 2006 and 2007.

Grapski's 78-page complaint names as defendants the City of Alachua, former city manager Clovis Watson, Jr., former mayor Jean Calderwood, former chief of police Robert Jernigan, current mayor and former commissioner Gib Coerper, and Alachua Police Department (APD) Lieutenant Patrick Barcia. The complaint, which demands a jury trial, was filed July 20.

The incidents for which Grapski seeks damages are an April 28, 2006 arrest for the alleged illegal recording of Watson and other employees, two February 12, 2007 incidents in which Grapski was trespassed from the temporary City Hall and ejected from a City Commission meeting for disorderly conduct, an August 6, 2007 incident in which Grapski was again ejected from a City Commission meeting for disorderly conduct, and an August 13, 2007 incident in which Grapski was arrested for disorderly conduct at APD after attempting to file a complaint against former police chief Jernigan.

A judge dismissed the illegal recording case against Grapski, ruling Grapski had a right to record a public official in his or her office in a public building.

Grapski claims that during the incidents in his complaint, his First Amendment rights to engage in free expression and to petition the government for redress of his grievances were violated, and his Fourth and Fourteenth amendment rights were violated during the seizure of his person and property, his unlawful arrest and detention, and the malicious prosecution of false criminal charges.

In his complaint, Grapski claims he “has suffered damages as a direct and proximate result of his illegal arrest and detention, including loss of his freedom, physical discomfort, pain and suffering, fear of physical assault, humiliation and embarrassment.”

The complaint further alleged that Alachua and its employees arrested him “because they wished to thwart his efforts to file a complaint against official wrongdoing by city officials and as part of their campaign to punish plaintiff for his political speech, his several suits against the city, and his political activism, and not because the plaintiff was violating any law or otherwise breaching the peace.”

Grapski is seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive damages as well as attorneys fees and costs.

Attorneys Gary S. Edinger and Joseph W. Little are representing Grapski in the lawsuit. Edinger represented Adult World, a sex shop, in its quest to set up shop on U.S. Hwy 441 near Interstate 75 in Alachua in 2003. Little is a University of Florida Levin College of Law professor who has represented Grapski and activist Michael Canney in an ongoing public records case against the city.

On Monday night the High Springs city manager introduced his proposal for the new budget. It calls for a $607,000 reduction in general funds and the elimination of up to 12 full-time and three part-time city positions. It also provides for a five percent pay cut for all non-shift city personnel.

Over the next two months the High Springs City Commission will hold a series of special meetings and workshops to discuss the budget and make decisions on any adjustments to the proposal.

The final budget meeting is scheduled for Sept. 27, at which point, the commission will likely approve and adopt it for the 2010-2011 fiscal year which begins Oct. 1.

Until then, the commission can take action to revise the budget as it sees fit.

In the cover letter of the proposal, City Manager Jim Drumm indicated that earlier this month, the commission directed him to present a budget that does not include any tax increases, additional fire assessment fees or other fees involving the general fund.

His letter goes on to explain that the budget he prepared reflects the commission’s direction.  It also outlines some of the reasons for the various slashes on spending, including the eight percent decrease in appraised property values in the city, and the general state of the current economy.

In an interview Wednesday, Drumm said of the 15 positions being slashed from the budget, six are in the High Springs Police Department’s dispatch center.  The budget calls for the City to shut down the dispatch center, thereby cutting four full-time positions and two part-time positions, he said.

To replace the dispatch center, the City Manger said he is looking to negotiate an arrangement with the City of Alachua or Alachua County to provide dispatch services.

The proposal goes into detail about specific cuts and spending allocations for every department, and it can be viewed in its entirety online at http://highsprings.us/budget.

Some of the proposed budget cuts include first and last names of current employees. Some of those employees have children, and all of them could potentially be left unemployed by the beginning of October.

Penny Banks is the city code inspector. His is one of the 12 positions up to be cut.

Banks has been working as the code inspector in High Springs for about eight and a half years, but on Monday, he was given some bad news.

“I was advised by the city manager that my position will end as of Sept. 29,” Banks said.

Banks did not attend the budget meeting later that evening, but he knew some other employees on the chopping block were planning to attend, and the news would be devastating.

Some of them are young parents, and others are senior citizens on the verge of retirement. Banks has two daughters of his own, but they’re grown. He has a grandson, too.

He said it has been suggested that he retire before the end of September, in which case he might be able to get some additional benefits, but he hasn’t decided if he’ll do that yet.

“But that puts me in a better position than a lot of other people. I’m very lucky.”

This isn’t the first time Banks has faced the question of his position potentially getting cut. It’s been going on for four years, he said, but got more serious in 2008.

He said he’s going to go back on the job market – that is “if somebody will hire a 65-year-old ex-code inspector slash ex-construction project manager.”

Banks ran his own construction consulting business in South Florida for 30 years before moving to High Springs in 2001. He said he and his wife, who is a realtor, have no intention of leaving High Springs.

“We’re very happy up here.”

LEGAL NOTICE

Fictitious Names

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO REGISTER FICTITIOUS NAME

 

Pursuant to Section 865.09, Fla.Stat., notice is herby given that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Covenant Wealth Management located at 13709 Progress Blvd., Suite 300, Alachua, Alachua County, Florida, 32615, intends to register said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. DATED at Alachua, Florida, on this 27, day of July, 2010.  COVENANT WEALTH MANAGEMENT By: /s/ MURRAY INVESTMENT COMPANY, INC. and CHIARELLI INVESTMENT COMPANY

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - July 27, 2010)

PUBLIC NOTICE

1st Public Hearing Notice

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE (07.02)

 

The Town of LaCrosse is considering applying to the Florida Department of Community Affairs (DCA) for a Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) of up to $600,000. These funds must be used for one of the following purposes: 1. To benefit low and moderate income persons; 2. To aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight; or 3. To meet other community development needs of recent origin having a particular urgency because existing conditions pose a serious and immediate threat to the health or welfare of the community and where other financial resources are not available to meet such needs. The categories of activities for which these funds may be used are in the areas of housing, neighborhood revitalization, commercial revitalization, or economic development and include such improvement activities as acquisition of real property, loans to private-for-profit business, purchase of machinery and equipment, construction of infrastructure, rehabilitation of houses and commercial buildings, and energy conservation. Additional information regarding the range of activities that may be undertaken will be provided at the public hearing. For each activity that is proposed, at least 70% of the funds must benefit low and moderate income persons. In developing an application for submission to DCA, the Town must plan to minimize displacement of persons as a result of planned CDBG activities. In addition, the Town is required to develop a plan to assist displaced persons. A public hearing to receive citizen views concerning the community's economic and community development needs will be held at Town Hall on Monday, August 9 at 7:30 p.m. For information concerning the public hearing contact Megan Carter, Grant Consultant, at 386-752-4675 ext. 114.

 

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 Megan Carter, Grant Consultant, at 386-752-4675 ext. 114, at least seven (7) calendar days prior to the meeting and an interpreter will be provided. Any non-English speaking person wishing to attend the public hearing should contact Megan Carter, Grant Consultant, at 386-752-4675 ext. 114, at least seven (7) calendar days prior to the meeting and a language interpreter will be provided. To access a Telecommunication Device for Deaf Persons (TDD) please call 1-800-955-8771. Any handicapped person requiring special accommodation at this meeting should contact Megan Carter, Grant Consultant, at 386-752-4675 ext. 114, at least seven (7) calendar days prior to the meeting.

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - July 29, 2010)

CASE NO.:01-09-CA-3366 DIVISION: K BLUE CHIP MORTGAGE WHOLESALE FUND I, LLC Plaintiff, vs. JOHN BIRO and JANICE MARIE BIRO; LAS PAMPAS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC.; JOHN DOE and JANE DOE, as unknown tenants in possession, Defendants. ________/ NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgement of Foreclosure dated June 30, 2010 and entered in Case No. 01-09-CA-3366 of the Circuit Court of the Eighth Judicial Circuit in and for ALACHUA County, Florida wherein BLUE CHIP MORTGAGE WHOLESALE FUND, LLC is Plaintiff, and JOHN BIRO and JANICE BIRO, et al., are Defendants, I will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash in the lobby of the ALACHUA COUNTY Family/Civil Justice Center, 201 E. University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601 at 11:00 a.m. on the 24th day of August, 2010 for the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgement, to wit: A tract of land situated in the Northeast 1/4 of Section 26, Township 9 South, Range 19 East, Alachua County, Florida, being more particularly described as follows: For a point of reference commence at the Northeast corner of Section 26, Township 9 South, Range 19 East and run South 00°09'00'' East along the East line of said Section 26 and the centerline of Northwest 34th Street, 623.70 feet; thence run South 89°51'00'' West, 100.00 feet to a point on the North right-of-way line of Northwest 37th Avenue; thence continue South 89°51'00'' West along said right-of-way line a distance of 260.00 feet; thence run South 00°09'00” East a distance of 70.00 feet; thence run South 89°51'00'' West a distance of 300.00 feet; thence run North 00°09'00'' West a distance of 390.31 feet; thence run North 89°36'20'' East a distance of 175.00 feet; thence run North 00°09'00'' West a distance of 85.40 feet; thence run North 89°51'00'' East a distance of 62.05 feet; thence run South 00°09'00'' East a distance of 162.74 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING. Thence run North 89°51'00'' East a distance of 53.00 feet; thence run South 00°09'00'' East a distance of 18.58 feet; thence run South 89°51'00'' West a distance of 53.00 feet; thence run North 00°09'00'' West a distance of 18.58 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING. IF YOU ARE A PERSON CLAIMING A RIGHT TO FUNDS REMAINING AFTER THE SALE, YOU MUST FILE A CLAIM WITH THE CLERK NO LATER THAN 60 DAYS AFTER THE SALE. IF YOU FAIL TO FILE A CLAIM, YOU WILL NOT BE ENTITLED TO ANY REMAINING FUNDS. AFTER 60 DAYS, ONLY THE OWNER OF RECORD AS OF THE DATE OF THE LIS PENDENS MAY CLAIM THE SURPLUS. DATED at Alachua County, Florida this 9th day of July, 2010. J.K. Irby Clerk of Court By: /s/ Erika Powell Deputy Clerk Submitted by: Matthews & Piazza, P.A. Vincent J. Piazza, Esq. 1325 S. Congress Ave., Suite 104 Boynton Beach, FL 33426 (561) 738-5501 Attorney for Plaintiff e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 8TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA

 

Case No. 01-2010-CA-000067

 

FIRST AMERICA BANK, a Florida banking corporation, as successor by merger to MANATEE RIVER COMMUNITY BANK, Plaintiff, v. ODETTE RENELUS, BENITO RENELUS, UNIVERSITY COMMONS CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION I, INC., a Florida corporation, UNIVERSITY COMMONS CONDOMINIUMS MASTER ASSOCIATION, INC., a Florida corporation, UNKNOWN TENANT #1 and UNKNOWN TENANT #2, Defendants. ________________/

NOTICE OF SALE

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to the Uniform Final Judgment of Mortgage Foreclosure entered in the abovestyled case, number 01-2010-CA-000067 in the Circuit Court of Alachua County, Florida, that I, J.K. Irby, Alachua County Clerk, will sell the following property situated in Alachua County, Florida, described as: Unit A-203 of UNIVERSITY COMMONS CONDOMINIUM I, according to the Declaration of Condominium recorded in Official Records Book 3452, Page 1231, and all amendments thereafter, of the Public Records of Alachua County, Florida.

 

Together with all the improvements now or hereafter erected on the property, and all easements, rights, appurtenances, rents, royalties, mineral, oil and gas rights and profits, water, water rights, and water stock, and all fixtures now or hereafter attached to the property, including replacements and additions thereto. at public sale, to the highest and best bidder for cash, in the lobby of the Alachua County Family/Civil Justice Center, 201 E. University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32601, at 11:00 a.m. on September 8, 2010. ANY PERSON CLAIMING AN INTEREST IN THE SURPLUS FROM THE SALE, IF ANY, OTHER THAN THE PROPERTY OWNER AS OF THE DATE OF THE LIS PENDENS, MUST FILE A CLAIM WITHIN 60 DAYS AFTER THE SALE. Dated this 22nd day of June, 2010. J.K. Irby, Clerk of the Circuit Court By:/s____________________________ As Deputy Clerk Publish: July 29 and August 05, 2010. Original notice to be returned to Clerk of Circuit Court Bill and duplicate of notice to be faxed and mailed to Robert C. Schermer, Esq. Post Office Box 551 Bradenton, Florida 34206 941-7471871/ 941-747-2991 (fax) Attorneys for Plaintiff

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - July 29 and August 5, 2010)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA

 

CASE NO: 2010-CA-0708

 

DIVISION: "K" REBECCA F. BUTLER, Petitioner, v. JOENATHAN BUTLER Respondent. ________/

NOTICE TO SALE

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to an Amended Summary Final Judgment of Partition in favor of Petitioner dated July 7, 2010, and entered in Case No.: 01-2010-CA-0708 of the Circuit Court of the EIGHTH Judicial Circuit, in and for ALACHUA County, Florida, wherein REBECCA F. BUTLER, is the Petitioner, and JOENATHAN BUTLER, is the Respondent, I will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash in the Lobby of the Alachua County Civil Courthouse, 201 East Uniersity Avenue, Gainesville, Florida, at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 10, 2010, the following described property: LOT SIXTY-TWO (62), a replat of NORTHWOOD PINES, UNIT FIVE (5), a subdivision, as per plat recorded in Plat Book I, pages 56 of the Public Records of Alachua County, Florida.

 

IF YOU ARE A PERSON CLAIMING A RIGHT TO FUNDS REMAINING AFTER THE SALE, YOU MUST FILE A CLAIM WITH THE CLERK NO LATER THAN 60 DAYS AFTER THE SALE. IF YOU FAIL TO FILE A CLAIM, YOU WILL NOT BE ENTITLED TO ANY REMAINING FUNDS. AFTER 60 DAYS, ONLY THE OWNER OF RECORD AS OF THE DATE OF THE LIS PENDENS MAY CLAIM THE SURPLUS.

 

WITNESS MY HAND and the seal of this Court on the 19th day of July, 2010,

 

J.K. "Buddy" Irby Clerk of the Circuit Court By: /s/ EriKa Powell Deputy Clerk

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - July 22 and 29, 2010)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Advertising Networks of Florida, Put us to work for You! (866)742-1373 www.florida-classifieds.com.

Advertise in Over 100 Papers throughout Florida.

GOOD THINGS TO EAT

, 13789 NW US Hwy 441, Alachua Georgia Peaches, Organic Blueberries, Butterbeans and Fordhoocks, Acre Peas, Watermelon, Shelled Pecans, Florida Broccoli & Cauliflower, Cucumbers, Bell Peppers, Local Yellow Squash & Zucchini, Cabbage, Local Honey Fresh Local Silver Queen Corn, Amish Jellies and Jams, Brown Eggs, Foothills Butter, N. Carolina Apples & Apple Cider. Canning quantities available. Call 386-462-6158 .

C&R Produce

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

National Trade School. We will assist you in finding a JOB. 3wk Training Program. National Accreditation. (877)994-9904

Start a New Career in Heat & Air.

Experienced Owner/Ops Wanted. Daily Settlements, No Forced Dispatch, Fuel Discount Programs, Flatbed & Van Divisions. Contact Donna (877)242-1276 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Mason & Dixon Lines

$2,000 Sign On bonus. Great pay and benefits! 6 months Experience Required. Lease Purchase Available No Felonies. (800)441-4271 x FL-100

Drivers- Flatbed CDL/A

IN-STATE DRIVING POSITIONS AVAILABLE! CDL-A w/ 1 yr. experience Outstanding pay & Benefits! Call a recruiter TODAY! (877)484-3042 www.oakleytransport.com

Drivers - FLORIDA TRUCK DRIVERS NEEDED ASAP!

 

SALES REP / MERCHANDISER NEEDED.  We are a fast growing specialty foods distributor. Apply through email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Cash paid for junk cars. $150 and up. Running or not. Free pick up. 352-771-6191

 

DRIVERS: CRST NEEDS YOU! IMMEDIATE opportunities! No CDL, No problem! CDL Training Available. Great Benefits & Start Earning $750-800/wk! Call Today! 1-866-457-6236

 

Gateway Bank in Alachua is seeking a Financial Service Representative/Teller.  Minimum 2 years experience as FSR required.  Please email resume to Janene Manning at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.386-418-8309 EOE

SERVICES OFFERED

FINANCIAL

Get cash for your structured settlement or annuity payments. High payouts. Call J.G. Wentworth. 1-866-SETTLEMENT (1-866-738-8536 Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau.

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

$$$ ACCESS LAWSUIT CASH NOW!!! $$$

ADOPTIONS

CONSIDERING ADOPTION? Loving married couple seeks to adopt. Will be Full-time Mom (age 36) and Devoted Dad. Financial security. EXPENSES PAID. Kim/Bill (888)399-3255 FL Bar# 0150789

ARE YOU PREGNANT?

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

Waterfront Property

with Sandy Beach! Only $34,900. Wooded, park-like setting with gorgeous sandy shoreline on one of Alabama’s top recreational waterways. All amenities completed. BOAT TO GULF OF MEXICO! SAVE $15,000 & Pay NO closing costs. Excellent financing. Call now (866)952-5302  x 5462

DIRECT WATERFRONT

Acreage & Farms

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 .

1 AC GILCHRIST COUNTY

 

Paved road frontage on CR 138. Cleared homesite. High and Dry! OWNER FINANCING! NO DOWN PAYMENT! Only $256/mo. Total $24,900. Call 352-215-1018 .

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

Mobile Homes For Rent

Fridge, Washer/Dryer and monthly pest control included. Fully fenced one-acre yard. Livestock allowed. Available August 1st. 386-418-4218 (leave message)

3BD/2BA DWMH Near Walmart Distribution Center.

Business & Office Rentals

Industrial warehouse, High Springs. 1,500 sq. ft. to 4,500 sq. ft. 10ft.x12 ft. roll-up doors. 386-454-2408

Vacation Properties

Cabin Shell, 2+ acres with great view, very private, big trees, waterfalls & large public lake nearby, $99,500 Bank financing (866)275-0442

NC MOUNTAINS CLOSEOUT SALE!

2.5acres, spectacular views, gated, paved road. High altitude. Easily accessible, secluded. Bryson City. $45,000. Owner financing: (800)810-1590 www.wildcatknob.com

NC MOUNTAINS - BEST LAND BUY!

MERCHANDISE

STEEL BUILDINGS

SPECIALS from $4 to $11/sq.ft. Great pricing on ABSOLUTELY every model, width and length. Example: 30x40x14 NOW $8995.00. Pioneer Steel Manufacturers (800)668-5422

STEEL BUILDING SALE...

Garage Sales

 

Garage Sale – Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. on at 13629 NW 135th Drive, Hunter Woods in Alachua.  Tools, furniture, clothing, misc.

For Sale

In original plastic, never used. Orig price $3000, Sacrifice $975. Can deliver. Call Bill (305)420-5982

LEATHER LIVING ROOM SET.

Solid Wood, never used, brand new in factory boxes. English Dovetail. Original cost $4500. Sell for $895. Can deliver. Call Tom (954)302-2423

CHERRY BEDROOM SET.

Miscellaneous

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

AIRLINES ARE HIRING -

WANTED TO BUY

Cash paid for junk cars. $150 and up. Running or not. Free pick up. 352-771-6191

Major collector paying ALL CASH on the spot for vintage sportscards(pre-1970). Autographs, Memorabilia, Coins And Pawn Tickets. Call anytime (216)219-6827 or (216)322-9898

AS SEEN ON TV


To Place a Classified Call 386-462-3355.

 

LEGAL NOTICE

Fictitious Names

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO REGISTER FICTITIOUS NAME

 

Pursuant to Section 865.09, Fla.Stat., notice is herby given that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Covenant Wealth Management located at 13709 Progress Blvd., Suite 300, Alachua, Alachua County, Florida, 32615, intends to register said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. DATED at Alachua, Florida, on this 27, day of July, 2010.  COVENANT WEALTH MANAGEMENT By: /s/ MURRAY INVESTMENT COMPANY, INC. and CHIARELLI INVESTMENT COMPANY

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - July 27, 2010)

PUBLIC NOTICE

1st Public Hearing Notice

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE (07.02)

 

The Town of LaCrosse is considering applying to the Florida Department of Community Affairs (DCA) for a Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) of up to $600,000. These funds must be used for one of the following purposes: 1. To benefit low and moderate income persons; 2. To aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight; or 3. To meet other community development needs of recent origin having a particular urgency because existing conditions pose a serious and immediate threat to the health or welfare of the community and where other financial resources are not available to meet such needs. The categories of activities for which these funds may be used are in the areas of housing, neighborhood revitalization, commercial revitalization, or economic development and include such improvement activities as acquisition of real property, loans to private-for-profit business, purchase of machinery and equipment, construction of infrastructure, rehabilitation of houses and commercial buildings, and energy conservation. Additional information regarding the range of activities that may be undertaken will be provided at the public hearing. For each activity that is proposed, at least 70% of the funds must benefit low and moderate income persons. In developing an application for submission to DCA, the Town must plan to minimize displacement of persons as a result of planned CDBG activities. In addition, the Town is required to develop a plan to assist displaced persons. A public hearing to receive citizen views concerning the community's economic and community development needs will be held at Town Hall on Monday, August 9 at 7:30 p.m. For information concerning the public hearing contact Megan Carter, Grant Consultant, at 386-752-4675 ext. 114.

 

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 Megan Carter, Grant Consultant, at 386-752-4675 ext. 114, at least seven (7) calendar days prior to the meeting and an interpreter will be provided. Any non-English speaking person wishing to attend the public hearing should contact Megan Carter, Grant Consultant, at 386-752-4675 ext. 114, at least seven (7) calendar days prior to the meeting and a language interpreter will be provided. To access a Telecommunication Device for Deaf Persons (TDD) please call 1-800-955-8771. Any handicapped person requiring special accommodation at this meeting should contact Megan Carter, Grant Consultant, at 386-752-4675 ext. 114, at least seven (7) calendar days prior to the meeting.

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - July 29, 2010)

CASE NO.:01-09-CA-3366 DIVISION: K BLUE CHIP MORTGAGE WHOLESALE FUND I, LLC Plaintiff, vs. JOHN BIRO and JANICE MARIE BIRO; LAS PAMPAS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC.; JOHN DOE and JANE DOE, as unknown tenants in possession, Defendants. ________/ NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgement of Foreclosure dated June 30, 2010 and entered in Case No. 01-09-CA-3366 of the Circuit Court of the Eighth Judicial Circuit in and for ALACHUA County, Florida wherein BLUE CHIP MORTGAGE WHOLESALE FUND, LLC is Plaintiff, and JOHN BIRO and JANICE BIRO, et al., are Defendants, I will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash in the lobby of the ALACHUA COUNTY Family/Civil Justice Center, 201 E. University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601 at 11:00 a.m. on the 24th day of August, 2010 for the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgement, to wit: A tract of land situated in the Northeast 1/4 of Section 26, Township 9 South, Range 19 East, Alachua County, Florida, being more particularly described as follows: For a point of reference commence at the Northeast corner of Section 26, Township 9 South, Range 19 East and run South 00°09'00'' East along the East line of said Section 26 and the centerline of Northwest 34th Street, 623.70 feet; thence run South 89°51'00'' West, 100.00 feet to a point on the North right-of-way line of Northwest 37th Avenue; thence continue South 89°51'00'' West along said right-of-way line a distance of 260.00 feet; thence run South 00°09'00” East a distance of 70.00 feet; thence run South 89°51'00'' West a distance of 300.00 feet; thence run North 00°09'00'' West a distance of 390.31 feet; thence run North 89°36'20'' East a distance of 175.00 feet; thence run North 00°09'00'' West a distance of 85.40 feet; thence run North 89°51'00'' East a distance of 62.05 feet; thence run South 00°09'00'' East a distance of 162.74 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING. Thence run North 89°51'00'' East a distance of 53.00 feet; thence run South 00°09'00'' East a distance of 18.58 feet; thence run South 89°51'00'' West a distance of 53.00 feet; thence run North 00°09'00'' West a distance of 18.58 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING. IF YOU ARE A PERSON CLAIMING A RIGHT TO FUNDS REMAINING AFTER THE SALE, YOU MUST FILE A CLAIM WITH THE CLERK NO LATER THAN 60 DAYS AFTER THE SALE. IF YOU FAIL TO FILE A CLAIM, YOU WILL NOT BE ENTITLED TO ANY REMAINING FUNDS. AFTER 60 DAYS, ONLY THE OWNER OF RECORD AS OF THE DATE OF THE LIS PENDENS MAY CLAIM THE SURPLUS. DATED at Alachua County, Florida this 9th day of July, 2010. J.K. Irby Clerk of Court By: /s/ Erika Powell Deputy Clerk Submitted by: Matthews & Piazza, P.A. Vincent J. Piazza, Esq. 1325 S. Congress Ave., Suite 104 Boynton Beach, FL 33426 (561) 738-5501 Attorney for Plaintiff e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 8TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA

 

Case No. 01-2010-CA-000067

 

FIRST AMERICA BANK, a Florida banking corporation, as successor by merger to MANATEE RIVER COMMUNITY BANK, Plaintiff, v. ODETTE RENELUS, BENITO RENELUS, UNIVERSITY COMMONS CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION I, INC., a Florida corporation, UNIVERSITY COMMONS CONDOMINIUMS MASTER ASSOCIATION, INC., a Florida corporation, UNKNOWN TENANT #1 and UNKNOWN TENANT #2, Defendants. ________________/

NOTICE OF SALE

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to the Uniform Final Judgment of Mortgage Foreclosure entered in the abovestyled case, number 01-2010-CA-000067 in the Circuit Court of Alachua County, Florida, that I, J.K. Irby, Alachua County Clerk, will sell the following property situated in Alachua County, Florida, described as: Unit A-203 of UNIVERSITY COMMONS CONDOMINIUM I, according to the Declaration of Condominium recorded in Official Records Book 3452, Page 1231, and all amendments thereafter, of the Public Records of Alachua County, Florida.

 

Together with all the improvements now or hereafter erected on the property, and all easements, rights, appurtenances, rents, royalties, mineral, oil and gas rights and profits, water, water rights, and water stock, and all fixtures now or hereafter attached to the property, including replacements and additions thereto. at public sale, to the highest and best bidder for cash, in the lobby of the Alachua County Family/Civil Justice Center, 201 E. University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32601, at 11:00 a.m. on September 8, 2010. ANY PERSON CLAIMING AN INTEREST IN THE SURPLUS FROM THE SALE, IF ANY, OTHER THAN THE PROPERTY OWNER AS OF THE DATE OF THE LIS PENDENS, MUST FILE A CLAIM WITHIN 60 DAYS AFTER THE SALE. Dated this 22nd day of June, 2010. J.K. Irby, Clerk of the Circuit Court By:/s____________________________ As Deputy Clerk Publish: July 29 and August 05, 2010. Original notice to be returned to Clerk of Circuit Court Bill and duplicate of notice to be faxed and mailed to Robert C. Schermer, Esq. Post Office Box 551 Bradenton, Florida 34206 941-7471871/ 941-747-2991 (fax) Attorneys for Plaintiff

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - July 29 and August 5, 2010)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA

 

CASE NO: 2010-CA-0708

 

DIVISION: "K" REBECCA F. BUTLER, Petitioner, v. JOENATHAN BUTLER Respondent. ________/

NOTICE TO SALE

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to an Amended Summary Final Judgment of Partition in favor of Petitioner dated July 7, 2010, and entered in Case No.: 01-2010-CA-0708 of the Circuit Court of the EIGHTH Judicial Circuit, in and for ALACHUA County, Florida, wherein REBECCA F. BUTLER, is the Petitioner, and JOENATHAN BUTLER, is the Respondent, I will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash in the Lobby of the Alachua County Civil Courthouse, 201 East Uniersity Avenue, Gainesville, Florida, at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 10, 2010, the following described property: LOT SIXTY-TWO (62), a replat of NORTHWOOD PINES, UNIT FIVE (5), a subdivision, as per plat recorded in Plat Book I, pages 56 of the Public Records of Alachua County, Florida.

 

IF YOU ARE A PERSON CLAIMING A RIGHT TO FUNDS REMAINING AFTER THE SALE, YOU MUST FILE A CLAIM WITH THE CLERK NO LATER THAN 60 DAYS AFTER THE SALE. IF YOU FAIL TO FILE A CLAIM, YOU WILL NOT BE ENTITLED TO ANY REMAINING FUNDS. AFTER 60 DAYS, ONLY THE OWNER OF RECORD AS OF THE DATE OF THE LIS PENDENS MAY CLAIM THE SURPLUS.

 

WITNESS MY HAND and the seal of this Court on the 19th day of July, 2010,

 

J.K. "Buddy" Irby Clerk of the Circuit Court By: /s/ EriKa Powell Deputy Clerk

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - July 22 and 29, 2010)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Advertising Networks of Florida, Put us to work for You! (866)742-1373 www.florida-classifieds.com.

Advertise in Over 100 Papers throughout Florida.

GOOD THINGS TO EAT

, 13789 NW US Hwy 441, Alachua Georgia Peaches, Organic Blueberries, Butterbeans and Fordhoocks, Acre Peas, Watermelon, Shelled Pecans, Florida Broccoli & Cauliflower, Cucumbers, Bell Peppers, Local Yellow Squash & Zucchini, Cabbage, Local Honey Fresh Local Silver Queen Corn, Amish Jellies and Jams, Brown Eggs, Foothills Butter, N. Carolina Apples & Apple Cider. Canning quantities available. Call 386-462-6158 .

C&R Produce

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

National Trade School. We will assist you in finding a JOB. 3wk Training Program. National Accreditation. (877)994-9904

Start a New Career in Heat & Air.

Experienced Owner/Ops Wanted. Daily Settlements, No Forced Dispatch, Fuel Discount Programs, Flatbed & Van Divisions. Contact Donna (877)242-1276 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Mason & Dixon Lines

$2,000 Sign On bonus. Great pay and benefits! 6 months Experience Required. Lease Purchase Available No Felonies. (800)441-4271 x FL-100

Drivers- Flatbed CDL/A

IN-STATE DRIVING POSITIONS AVAILABLE! CDL-A w/ 1 yr. experience Outstanding pay & Benefits! Call a recruiter TODAY! (877)484-3042 www.oakleytransport.com

Drivers - FLORIDA TRUCK DRIVERS NEEDED ASAP!

 

SALES REP / MERCHANDISER NEEDED.  We are a fast growing specialty foods distributor. Apply through email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Cash paid for junk cars. $150 and up. Running or not. Free pick up. 352-771-6191

 

DRIVERS: CRST NEEDS YOU! IMMEDIATE opportunities! No CDL, No problem! CDL Training Available. Great Benefits & Start Earning $750-800/wk! Call Today! 1-866-457-6236

 

Gateway Bank in Alachua is seeking a Financial Service Representative/Teller.  Minimum 2 years experience as FSR required.  Please email resume to Janene Manning at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.386-418-8309 EOE

SERVICES OFFERED

FINANCIAL

Get cash for your structured settlement or annuity payments. High payouts. Call J.G. Wentworth. 1-866-SETTLEMENT (1-866-738-8536 Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau.

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

$$$ ACCESS LAWSUIT CASH NOW!!! $$$

ADOPTIONS

CONSIDERING ADOPTION? Loving married couple seeks to adopt. Will be Full-time Mom (age 36) and Devoted Dad. Financial security. EXPENSES PAID. Kim/Bill (888)399-3255 FL Bar# 0150789

ARE YOU PREGNANT?

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

Waterfront Property

with Sandy Beach! Only $34,900. Wooded, park-like setting with gorgeous sandy shoreline on one of Alabama’s top recreational waterways. All amenities completed. BOAT TO GULF OF MEXICO! SAVE $15,000 & Pay NO closing costs. Excellent financing. Call now (866)952-5302  x 5462

DIRECT WATERFRONT

Acreage & Farms

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 .

1 AC GILCHRIST COUNTY

 

Paved road frontage on CR 138. Cleared homesite. High and Dry! OWNER FINANCING! NO DOWN PAYMENT! Only $256/mo. Total $24,900. Call 352-215-1018 .

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

Mobile Homes For Rent

Fridge, Washer/Dryer and monthly pest control included. Fully fenced one-acre yard. Livestock allowed. Available August 1st. 386-418-4218 (leave message)

3BD/2BA DWMH Near Walmart Distribution Center.

Business & Office Rentals

Industrial warehouse, High Springs. 1,500 sq. ft. to 4,500 sq. ft. 10ft.x12 ft. roll-up doors. 386-454-2408

Vacation Properties

Cabin Shell, 2+ acres with great view, very private, big trees, waterfalls & large public lake nearby, $99,500 Bank financing (866)275-0442

NC MOUNTAINS CLOSEOUT SALE!

2.5acres, spectacular views, gated, paved road. High altitude. Easily accessible, secluded. Bryson City. $45,000. Owner financing: (800)810-1590 www.wildcatknob.com

NC MOUNTAINS - BEST LAND BUY!

MERCHANDISE

STEEL BUILDINGS

SPECIALS from $4 to $11/sq.ft. Great pricing on ABSOLUTELY every model, width and length. Example: 30x40x14 NOW $8995.00. Pioneer Steel Manufacturers (800)668-5422

STEEL BUILDING SALE...

Garage Sales

 

Garage Sale – Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. on at 13629 NW 135th Drive, Hunter Woods in Alachua.  Tools, furniture, clothing, misc.

For Sale

In original plastic, never used. Orig price $3000, Sacrifice $975. Can deliver. Call Bill (305)420-5982

LEATHER LIVING ROOM SET.

Solid Wood, never used, brand new in factory boxes. English Dovetail. Original cost $4500. Sell for $895. Can deliver. Call Tom (954)302-2423

CHERRY BEDROOM SET.

Miscellaneous

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

AIRLINES ARE HIRING -

WANTED TO BUY

Cash paid for junk cars. $150 and up. Running or not. Free pick up. 352-771-6191

Major collector paying ALL CASH on the spot for vintage sportscards(pre-1970). Autographs, Memorabilia, Coins And Pawn Tickets. Call anytime (216)219-6827 or (216)322-9898

AS SEEN ON TV


To Place a Classified Call 386-462-3355.

 

Of the six charter amendment proposals submitted by the Alachua County Board of Commissioners to be placed on the November ballot, one might not make it after all.

On July 13, a lawsuit was filed against Pam Carpenter, Alachua County Supervisor of Elections, and the Board of County Commissioners alleging that County Charter Amendment 3 is unconstitutional.

Joseph Little, who was on the Charter Review Commission, is representing the plaintiff, Dwight E. Adams, a retired University of Florida physics professor.

The lawsuit requests a declaration that amendment 3, if adopted, would be unconstitutional and void, that it be withheld from the ballot.

And if this case is not resolved in full by the Nov. 2 general election, the plaintiff requests that the votes on amendment 3 be sealed until all litigation, including appeals, has been concluded.

The amendment in question pertains to the “home rule” section of the county charter, and it directly deals with municipal powers.

Over a lengthy process of meetings and public hearings, the 15-member Charter Review Commission (CRC) selected six proposed amendments to recommend for placement on the ballot. Amendment 3, as approved by the CRC, is titled “Require Both County and Municipal Elector Approval of Charter Amendments Affecting Certain Municipal Power.”

With some specific exceptions, it would require that any future charter amendment that would limit municipal power (meaning an individual city’s autonomy), would have to be approved by a majority of votes within the municipality as well as a majority of votes countywide.

During a July 22 meeting, High Springs City Commissioner Larry Travis announced that as the president of the Alachua League of Cities, he is working on recruiting a legal team to take on this lawsuit, and he is also involved in forming a committee, headed by Gainesville Mayor Craig Lowe, to raise awareness and support for amendment 3.

He said another Florida county has already ruled a similar piece of legislation to be constitutional. And it was mentioned at the meeting that cities can legally support an amendment as long as it does not fund any political or campaign advertisements.

Little declined to comment at this time.

 

The "Precautionary Boil Water Notice" that went into effect Thursday morning, July 22, to residents served by the City of Hawthorne Public Water System has been lifted.

 

The satisfactory bacteriological clearance demonstrated no bacteriological contamination of the water system.

 

The precautionary boiled water notice was advised while a new water supply tank was brought online that resulted in a loss of pressure on Thursday morning, July 22.

 

Please contact John Cywinski, City of Hawthorne Public Works Department, at 352-481-6111 or Anthony Dennis, Alachua County Health Department, at 352-334-7931 if you have any questions regarding this matter.

 

LEGAL NOTICE

Fictitious Names

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO REGISTER FICTITIOUS NAME

 

Pursuant to Section 865.09, Fla.Stat., notice is herby given that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of SAWYER AVENUE INVESTMENTS located at 15710 NW US Hwy 441, Suite 2, Alachua, Alachua County, Florida, 32615, intends to register said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. DATED at Alachua, Florida, on this 20, day of July, 2010.  SAWYER AVENUE INVESTMENTS By: /s/ CHRISTOPHER A. KOROSIC and THOMAS G. KORDAS

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - July 22, 2010)

PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA

 

CASE NO: 2010-CA-0708

 

DIVISION: "K" REBECCA F. BUTLER, Petitioner, v. JOENATHAN BUTLER Respondent. ________/

NOTICE TO SALE

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to an Amended Summary Final Judgment of Partition in favor of Petitioner dated July 7, 2010, and entered in Case No.: 01-2010-CA-0708 of the Circuit Court of the EIGHTH Judicial Circuit, in and for ALACHUA County, Florida, wherein REBECCA F. BUTLER, is the Petitioner, and JOENATHAN BUTLER, is the Respondent, I will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash in the Lobby of the Alachua County Civil Courthouse, 201 East Uniersity Avenue, Gainesville, Florida, at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 10, 2010, the following described property: LOT SIXTY-TWO (62), a replat of NORTHWOOD PINES, UNIT FIVE (5), a subdivision, as per plat recorded in Plat Book I, pages 56 of the Public Records of Alachua County, Florida.

 

IF YOU ARE A PERSON CLAIMING A RIGHT TO FUNDS REMAINING AFTER THE SALE, YOU MUST FILE A CLAIM WITH THE CLERK NO LATER THAN 60 DAYS AFTER THE SALE. IF YOU FAIL TO FILE A CLAIM, YOU WILL NOT BE ENTITLED TO ANY REMAINING FUNDS. AFTER 60 DAYS, ONLY THE OWNER OF RECORD AS OF THE DATE OF THE LIS PENDENS MAY CLAIM THE SURPLUS.

 

WITNESS MY HAND and the seal of this Court on the 19th day of July, 2010,

 

J.K. "Buddy" Irby Clerk of the Circuit Court By: /s/ EriKa Powell Deputy Clerk

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - July 22 and 29, 2010)

CASE NO.:01-09-CA-3366 DIVISION: K BLUE CHIP MORTGAGE WHOLESALE FUND I, LLC Plaintiff, vs. JOHN BIRO and JANICE MARIE BIRO; LAS PAMPAS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC.; JOHN DOE and JANE DOE, as unknown tenants in possession, Defendants. ________/ NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgement of Foreclosure dated June 30, 2010 and entered in Case No. 01-09-CA-3366 of the Circuit Court of the Eighth Judicial Circuit in and for ALACHUA County, Florida wherein BLUE CHIP MORTGAGE WHOLESALE FUND, LLC is Plaintiff, and JOHN BIRO and JANICE BIRO, et al., are Defendants, I will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash in the lobby of the ALACHUA COUNTY Family/Civil Justice Center, 201 E. University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601 at 11:00 a.m. on the 24th day of August, 2010 for the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgement, to wit: A tract of land situated in the Northeast 1/4 of Section 26, Township 9 South, Range 19 East, Alachua County, Florida, being more particularly described as follows: For a point of reference commence at the Northeast corner of Section 26, Township 9 South, Range 19 East and run South 00°09'00'' East along the East line of said Section 26 and the centerline of Northwest 34th Street, 623.70 feet; thence run South 89°51'00'' West, 100.00 feet to a point on the North right-of-way line of Northwest 37th Avenue; thence continue South 89°51'00'' West along said right-of-way line a distance of 260.00 feet; thence run South 00°09'00” East a distance of 70.00 feet; thence run South 89°51'00'' West a distance of 300.00 feet; thence run North 00°09'00'' West a distance of 390.31 feet; thence run North 89°36'20'' East a distance of 175.00 feet; thence run North 00°09'00'' West a distance of 85.40 feet; thence run North 89°51'00'' East a distance of 62.05 feet; thence run South 00°09'00'' East a distance of 162.74 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING. Thence run North 89°51'00'' East a distance of 53.00 feet; thence run South 00°09'00'' East a distance of 18.58 feet; thence run South 89°51'00'' West a distance of 53.00 feet; thence run North 00°09'00'' West a distance of 18.58 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING. IF YOU ARE A PERSON CLAIMING A RIGHT TO FUNDS REMAINING AFTER THE SALE, YOU MUST FILE A CLAIM WITH THE CLERK NO LATER THAN 60 DAYS AFTER THE SALE. IF YOU FAIL TO FILE A CLAIM, YOU WILL NOT BE ENTITLED TO ANY REMAINING FUNDS. AFTER 60 DAYS, ONLY THE OWNER OF RECORD AS OF THE DATE OF THE LIS PENDENS MAY CLAIM THE SURPLUS. DATED at Alachua County, Florida this 9th day of July, 2010. J.K. Irby Clerk of Court By: /s/ Erika Powell Deputy Clerk Submitted by: Matthews & Piazza, P.A. Vincent J. Piazza, Esq. 1325 S. Congress Ave., Suite 104 Boynton Beach, FL 33426 (561) 738-5501 Attorney for Plaintiff e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 8TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA

CITY OF HAWTHORNE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

 

On Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010 at 6:00pm at 6700 SE 221st St. Hawthorne, FL, the City Commission will hold a public hearing regarding the following ordinance:

 

ORDINANCE

 

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, ALACHUA COUNTY FLORIDA, VACATING AND ABANDONING AN ALLEY BETWEEN SE 218th STREET AND SE 216th TERRACE., AS MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED HEREIN; PROVIDING FOR LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS; PROVIDING FOR RECORDATION AND RESPONSIBILITIES; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF CONFLICTING ORDINANCES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR NON-CODIFICATION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

Copies of the proposed actions may be inspected by the public at City Hall on SE 221st St. The hearing will be open to the public and interested parties may appear at the hearing to be heard regarding the proposed action.

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - July 22, 2010)

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 08/09/2010, 10:00 a.m. at 14515 NW PEGGY RD, ALACHUA, FL 32615-5449, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids. 1FMDU34X7VUA27223 1997 FORD 1G3HN54C8LH367031 1990 OLDSMOBILE 1HGCD5533TA033091 1996 HONDA

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - July 22, 2010)

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 08/05/2010, 10:00 a.m. at 14515 NW PEGGY RD, ALACHUA, FL 32615-5449, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids. 1FABP22X5GK131150 1986 FORD 1GNDU06L3PT119684 1993 CHEVROLET 1LNLM81W2VY675114 1997 LINCOLN 1N6BD06T26C460487 2006 NISSAN 1Q87H3N127929 1973 CHEVY

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - July 22, 2010)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Advertising Networks of Florida, Put us to work for You! (866)742-1373 www.florida-classifieds.com.

Advertise in Over 100 Papers throughout Florida.

SPECIAL EVENTS

GUN SHOW JULY 24-25 SAT. 9-5 & SUN. 10-5 ATLANTA EXPO CENTER (3650 JONESBORO RD SE) BUY-SELL-TRADE INFO: (563)927-8176

NATIONAL ARMS SHOW

GOOD THINGS TO EAT

, 13789 NW US Hwy 441, Alachua Georgia Peaches, Organic Blueberries, Butterbeans and Fordhoocks, Acre Peas, Watermelon, Shelled Pecans, Florida Broccoli & Cauliflower, Cucumbers, Bell Peppers, Local Yellow Squash & Zucchini, Cabbage, Local Honey Fresh Local Silver Queen Corn, Amish Jellies and Jams, Brown Eggs, Foothills Butter, N. Carolina Apples & Apple Cider. Canning quantities available. Call 386-462-6158

C&R Produce

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

Excellent Pay, Benefits, Rider Program Additional Benefits/Company Drivers Medical Ins, 401k, Paid Holidays/Vacation. Star Transportation (800)416-5912 www.startransportation.com

Driver CDLA- Company Drivers & O/O.

 

DRIVERS: CRST NEEDS YOU! IMMEDIATE opportunities! No CDL, No problem! CDL Training Available. Great Benefits & Start Earning $750-800/wk! Call Today! 1-866-457-6236

IN-STATE DRIVING POSITIONS AVAILABLE! CDL-A w/ 1 yr. experience Outstanding pay & Benefits! Call a recruiter TODAY! (877)484-3042 www.oakleytransport.com

Drivers - FLORIDA TRUCK DRIVERS NEEDED ASAP!

NO TOUCH FREIGHT! No forced NE/NYC! 6 months OTR experience. NO felony/DUI last 5 years. Solos Wanted. New Team Pay Packages! (877)740-6262 . www.ptl-inc.com

DRIVER- GREAT MILES!

Cash paid for junk cars. $150 and up. Running or not. Free pick up. 352-771-6191

No experience, no problem! Need more training? We can help. Must be 23. (888)632-5230  www.JoinWiltrans.com

Drivers-CDL-A drivers.

$2,000 Sign On bonus. Great pay and benefits! 6 months Experience Required. Lease Purchase Available No Felonies. (800)441-4271 x FL-100

Drivers- Flatbed CDL/A

 

Gateway Bank in Alachua is seeking a Financial Service Representative/Teller.  Minimum 2 years experience as FSR required.  Please email resume to Janene Manning at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.386-418-8309 EOE

SERVICES OFFERED

FINANCIAL

Get cash for your structured settlement or annuity payments. High payouts. Call J.G. Wentworth. 1-866-SETTLEMENT (1-866-738-8536 Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau.

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)568-8321www.lawcapital.com

$$$ ACCESS LAWSUIT CASH NOW!!! $$$

ADOPTIONS

CONSIDERING ADOPTION? Loving married couple seeks to adopt. Will be Full-time Mom (age 36) and Devoted Dad. Financial security. EXPENSES PAID. Kim/Bill (888)399-3255 FL Bar# 0150789

ARE YOU PREGNANT?

EDUCATION

to become a Class A CDL driver, 21+. Assistance in job placement financial aid available. Call Jamie at (800)362-2793 ext 1964

Receive quality training

FARM & LIVESTOCK

PETS & SUPPLIES

 

Free kittens to good homes! Ready to go now. Many colors. Call 386-454-7426

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

Lots For Sale

-Top 100 cities to live in. Lots with spectacular mountain views, underground utilities, cool temps - low crime, property taxes & INS. No state income tax. Priced from the 20's. (931) 707-0393 www.crossvillerealty.com

CROSSVILLE TN

Waterfront Property

Only $89,900 Direct Atlantic Ocean Access! Adjoining lot sold for $309,900! All amenities complete! Paved roads, underground utilities, club house & pool. Excellent financing. Call now (877)888-1406 , x 2619

Coastal Waterfront Land Sale 7/24/10.

with Sandy Beach Shoreline! Only $37,900. Wooded, park-like setting on one of Alabama’s top recreational waterways w/ gorgeous sandy shoreline. All amenities completed. BOAT TO GULF OF MEXICO! Excellent financing. Call now (866)952-5302 x 5455

DIRECT WATERFRONT

Homes For Sale

1000+ Homes | Auction: 7/29 Open House: July 17, 24 & 25 REDC | View Full Listings www.Auction.com RE Brkr CQ1031187

FORECLOSED HOME AUCTION

Acreage & Farms

2.5acres, spectacular views, gated, paved road. High altitude. Easily accessible, secluded. Bryson City. $45,000. Owner financing: (800)810-1590 www.wildcatknob.com

NC MOUNTAINS - BEST LAND BUY!

- Putnam Co, Zoned Ag-Estate/horses, etc. fenced, wells, boathouse, outbuildings, elec. dividable, beaut. oaks/setting. house-pad, travel-trailer set-up, $325,000 (772)215-3453

LAKE COMO 10AC.

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

Cabin Shell, 2+ acres with great view, very private, big trees, waterfalls & large public lake nearby, $99,500 Bank financing (866)275-0442

NC MOUNTAINS CLOSEOUT SALE!

1 AC GILCHRIST COUNTY

 

Paved road frontage on CR 138. Cleared homesite. High and Dry! OWNER FINANCING! NO DOWN PAYMENT! Only $256/mo. Total $24,900. Call 352-215-1018

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

Mobile Homes For Rent

Fridge, Washer/Dryer and monthly pest control included. Fully fenced one-acre yard. Livestock allowed. Available August 1st. 386-418-4218  (leave message)

3BD/2BA DWMH Near Walmart Distribution Center.

Business & Office Rentals

Industrial warehouse, High Springs. 1,500 sq. ft. to 4,500 sq. ft. 10ft.x12 ft. roll-up doors. 386-454-2408

MERCHANDISE

Garage Sales

 

Sat., July 24, 8-12 Moving Sale

 

20738 NW 250 St, High Springs. Tools, mower, garden, toys, books, clothes, scooters, skates, exercise equipment, stroller, holiday items, grill and misc. Questions: 386-454-8381

For Sale

In original plastic, never used. Orig price $3000, Sacrifice $975. Can deliver. Call Bill (305)420-5982

LEATHER LIVING ROOM SET.

Solid Wood, never used, brand new in factory boxes. English Dovetail. Original cost $4500. Sell for $895. Can deliver. Call Tom (954)302-2423

CHERRY BEDROOM SET.

Miscellaneous

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

AIRLINES ARE HIRING

Miscellaneous For Sale

Only on DISH NETWORK. Lowest Price in America! $24.99/mo for OVER 120 Channels! PLUS - $500 Bonus! Call Today. (888)696-9121

FREE HD FOR LIFE!

WANTED TO BUY

Major collector paying ALL CASH on the spot for vintage sportscards(pre-1970). Autographs, Memorabilia, Coins And Pawn Tickets. Call anytime (216)219-6827

AS SEEN ON TV

Cash paid for junk cars. $150 and up. Running or not. Free pick up. 352-771-6191

Auctions

- Putnam Co, Zoned Ag-Estate/horses, etc. fenced, wells, boathouse, outbuildings, elec. dividable, beaut. oaks/setting. house-pad, travel-trailer set-up, $325,000 (772)215-3453

LAKE COMO 10AC.

IRS AUCTION July 28, 2010 Condo-4407 SW 21st Lane, Gainesville, FL For pictures and sale information go to irsauctions.gov or call (602) 501-2146


To Place a Classified Call 386-462-3355

 

letters_thumb250_I appreciate Commissioner Boukari’s explanation of our current financial plight in last week’s paper. He explained without blame and put the best light on it. I, however, have a different take on this.

He says we spent an additional $935,000 to build out the municipal complex which saved us money in the long run. I would say that instead of staying within the budget, that was the amount of the loan, we over spent by a million dollars. Staying within the budget would be the responsible use of the taxpayers’ money, over spending by a million dollars is not.

A million dollar gift is a lot of money for a town our size. Is the college a good thing to have here? Yes. Has it supplied any jobs here, yet? No. Would it have located here, the most logical place for it, with a little less largess from the city? I can’t believe that the college would have wanted the city to get in this much financial trouble.

The other issue is that these are just the big ticket items. There was also a flurry of new jobs created, salaries raised, trucks, cars, equipment bought. In other words, we went on a spending spree.

I think there is a very clear lesson here. The problem is I am not sure it has sunk in with the commission. As quoted in The Observer, Mayor Coerper thinks that the problem was we lowered taxes too quickly. I like the mayor. I voted for him. But this is not the problem, and not the lesson to be learned. Let’s be clear. At the time we cleared out the city’s savings account and moved money from restricted accounts to pay our utility bill, revenue to the city had increased 250 percent.  That should be a perfect time to lower taxes.

If, instead of freely spending, we had stayed within budget on the city complex, we would not be in this trouble. If we had not been quite so generous with Santa Fe College. If we had been more responsible by half on these two things it would have made up the million dollars.

Here is the lesson that should be learned, when times are good put money back because harder times are going to come. Isn’t there even a child’s fairy tale about this? This is simple stuff, yet what we hear is "We lowered taxes too fast.”

Now that’s a scary fairy tale.

Duane Hell

Alachua, Fla.

Affordable ideas for summertime fun – splash parks and pools

 alachua_waterpark_006The Alachua spray park has become a popular attraction for area youngsters looking to cool off from the summer heat. 

When it’s 97 degrees in the shade, playing with the kids in the yard or taking them to the neighborhood park for a romp around the jungle gym just won’t cut it.

But who can afford pricey commercial destinations for summer fun when the economic climate is as dire as the heat?

A single-day pass to Universal Orlando’s water park Wet ‘n Wild, for Florida residents, both adult and child, is $32 plus tax. Single-day admission to either of Disney’s water parks, Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon, costs $46 for Florida residents ages 10 and up and $40 for ages 3 to 9.

All of these attractions offer various deals and discounts, which can be read about at their respective Web sites. But when adding the cost of feeding a family for the day, on top of ticket prices, plus the cost of gas to get there and back, the numbers aren’t budget-friendly.

For families looking for fun ways to beat the heat without hanging the plastic in their wallets out to melt, there are plenty of places to check out right here in Alachua County.

Those looking for a chance to get out of the house without overheating, or overspending, visit the splash park at the City of Alachua Hal Brady Recreation Complex.

Located just a minute’s drive from downtown Alachua, at 14300 NW 146th Terrace, it doesn’t get any cheaper than free.

If the Orlando attractions are “water parks,” this is more like a “water playground.” But visit on a sunny afternoon and you will see that its modest scale does not deter from the gleeful shrieks of everyone from toddlers to 12-year-olds as they dart through the spurts of water shooting out of brightly colored piping.

Surrounding all the action is ample grass and a few picnic tables shaded by trees, beyond the range of any splashing or spraying. A high chain-link fence with a childproof gate encloses the entire area.

Rebecca, a mother of three, brought her son and two daughters to the splash park for the first time Wednesday afternoon. They live in High Springs, she said, and they usually go to Rum Island for a fun way to cool off.

“We wanted to try something new,” she said. She found out about the splash park via Facebook and decided to check it out.

Her children, 9-year-old Bryce, 8-year-old Hailey and 6-year-old Cheyenne, took a moment from playing to confirm their approval of the new choice.

The ultimate thing, their mother said, would be to have a pool.

The splash park was built about two years ago, according to recreation parks assistant Michael Washington. This summer, he said about 25 people minimum to 75 people maximum visit the park on an average day. Except for Saturdays, he added. On a busy Saturday the park might see as many as 100 guests.

It is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week in the summer, but hours may vary on the weekends if someone reserves it, which parents often do, he said, for children’s birthday parties.

Washington said it is free to reserve the park for a private party, but there are limits on how long it may be reserved.

If there is a craving for a pool to jump into, one can be found at the Westside Recreation Center in Gainesville.

Commonly referred to as Westside Park, the center is located at 1001 NW 34th Street.  The facility features the 50-meter H. Spurgeon Cherry pool, diving boards and diving towers, a “splash pad” and an “aqua slide.”

Summer hours are noon to 7 p.m. during the week, noon to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays.

Admission for adults is $3.65, and $2.35 for children ages 3 to 17 and for seniors 55 and up.

Gainesville is also home to two other public pools; the Northeast Pool, at 1100 NE 14th Street, and Mickle Pool, at 1717 SE 15th Street.

All three are staffed with lifeguards according to capacity, which usually amounts to six on duty at a time, according to the Aquatics Supervisor’s office.

Whether preferring to sunbathe or swim, knowing how to stay safe while doing it is the key to enjoying summer fun.

First, know the risks. According to a 2009 national survey by the American Red Cross, one in four adults have known someone who drowned.

To stay safe in the water, parents should know how to swim and how to perform CPR in case of an emergency. Children should never be left unattended around water, and the American Red Cross recommends that children take swimming lessons.

Don’t forget that staying out of the water can become just as dangerous as getting in.

To stay safe on land, wear sunscreen.

According to the American Cancer Society, “The vast majority of skin cancers are caused by unprotected exposure to excessive ultraviolet radiation (UVR), primarily from the sun,” and it is expected that almost 9,000 people will die from melanoma, a type of skin cancer, in the next year.

But while lathering up with the SPF, be it 15 or 100, don’t forget what other effects the hot sun can have on the body.

Whether swimming or joining in any outside activities in Florida’s summer heat, drinking plenty of water is all important.

Dehydration can lead to nausea, dizziness, heat exhaustion and even death.

And keep in mind that by the time a person is thirsty, he is probably already dehydrated.

By being prepared through swim lessons, supervision, CPR, sunscreen and plenty of drinking water, anyone can safely explore options for summer fun locally, like the Alachua splash park and Gainesville pools without having to sweat the cost.

Editor’s Note: This is the first in a series of articles Alachua County Today will be featuring over the coming weeks highlighting summer-oriented activities available locally that are affordable and family-friendly. Check out Fun Times in Hard Times in next week’s edition for more tips and suggestions about where to find budget friendly summer fun in your area.

County's proposed cost hike chills fire negotiations

 Frustrated with the county’s decision not to approve the enhanced fire assessment fee, and facing an anticipated $400,000 budget cut for the upcoming fiscal year, Alachua Commissioners discussed the city’s remaining options to pay for fire services at a budget workshop Monday.  Prior to the county’s decision last week to not implement an enhanced fire assessment fee, the county had presented the city a fire services agreement based on the proposed assessment fee structure.

Now, Alachua’s first option may be to renegotiate with the county, but commissioners expressed a willingness to look elsewhere for fire services if the county’s price is too high.

“I think it’s important to know that we have other options,” Commissioner Ben Boukari, Jr. said. “I think it’s not too farfetched to think that we could work something out with the City of High Springs,” Boukari said, referring to the City of High Springs Fire Department.

“I’m just a little irritated with the county right now over the numbers that are thrown at us,” Boukari said.

Those numbers being thrown at the city are $430,000; $669,000; and $1 million. The county’s enhanced assessment study sized up the cost of fire services for Alachua at about $430,000. That is $230,000 less than the $669,000 the city is currently paying for fire services, and $670,000 less than the $1 million the property owners of Alachua would have to pay if the city opted to join the county’s municipal service taxing unit (MSTU) for fire services.

Alachua commissioners said Monday that the $430,000 reflects the actual cost of providing fire service and that the city is paying more than it should.

“Even to be paying $600,000 these last couple of years, it seems like they’ve been ripping us off,” Commissioner Gary Hardacre said.

Commissioners Robert Wilford and Boukari agreed.

“If this is a card game, they’ve shown their hand,” Boukari said.

Wilford added, “It just seems awfully ironic that $400,000 and $1 million, and you come out to the middle figure, it’s $700,000.”

Hardacre proposed yet another option, that the city look into to starting its own fire department.

The commission didn’t make a decision Monday, and all the options are still on the table. City Manager Traci Cain said she would be working to set up negotiations with the county during the week.

Cain and Finance Director Marcian Brown are scheduled to meet with High Springs City Manager Jim Drumm and Fire Chief Verne Riggall Thursday.

Drumm said fire services will be the main issue discussed at the meeting but not the only one. He said both sides will look for ways they can share resources to get through a tough budget year.

“This is an opportunity for cities to sit and talk,” he said. “Everything’s open for discussion.”

If Alachua can’t save money on fire services, it will have to find other ways to make cuts to balance the budget.

For the past 10 years, the budget has consistently increased, Brown showed in a presentation at Monday’s budget workshop. The current year’s budget is more than double the budget for 2001.

However, due to dropping property values, this year’s general fund budget will be cut by about $400,000 – from $9.5 million to $9.1 million.

And in that $9.1 million budget, only $475,000 is set aside for fire services.

The city will not only have less money coming in, it will also have to work to build up its depleted unreserved fund. The audit for fiscal year 2008-09 revealed that the unreserved fund, which was at $1.3 million in 2005, is now negative $375,000. The city has stated its goal to build the unreserved fund back to 10 percent of the total budget, which would be about $910,000 for the upcoming fiscal year.

The city commission will meet July 26 to establish a proposed millage rate for the upcoming fiscal year, will hold budget workshops on Aug. 9 and Aug. 23, and will hold budget public hearings on Sept. 13 and Sept. 27. The fiscal year ends Sept. 30.

A railroad crossing that runs through downtown Hawthorne is a candidate to be shut down over safety concerns, a rail specialist from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) said Tuesday, in a presentation to the Hawthorne Commission.

The crossing is at Southeast 222nd Street.

Jan Bordelon, a rail specialist for FDOT, said the main criteria were safety and necessity. She said the lack of a signal crossing created a safety concern and availability of nearby crossings meant the crossing was not that necessary.

“This is a potential for us to remove a crossing with a very insignificant impact on the community.”

Commissioners and Hawthorne citizens saw the issue differently.

Commissioner Matthew Surrency said the safety concerns are overstated.

“I don’t think there’s going to be a crash. If there is a crash, it’s moving at 5 miles per hour,” Surrency said.

He said the bigger safety concern is for cars pulling onto U.S. Highway 301.

“I’d much rather dodge a 5-mile-an-hour train than a 55-mile-an-hour vehicle.”

Surrency also noted that closing down the crossing would deter business in the area and have a much bigger impact than Bordelon had suggested.

One of those business owners in the affected area, Shane Henry, owner of the Lake Area Animal Hospital, spoke against closing the crossing at the meeting.

He said it’s money and not safety or necessity that is motivating the closure.

“In 30 years, I’ve never seen any problems. Everybody cuts through there. So if you go through your criteria, I think it’s economics that CXS has pushed the Department of Transportation to shut this down,” Henry said.

“You thought we were stupid or something, and you were going to take advantage of little Hawthorne…. Wrong,” Henry added.

On June 22, FDOT began conducting diagnostic tests of railroad crossings throughout Florida. On June 30, FDOT and CSX submitted an application to close the Hawthorne crossing.

“In the past seven years, there has not been a collision between a train and a vehicle, but there is a potential,” Bordelon said.

She said alternatives to closing the railroad crossing would be costly. Maintaining the crossing would cost the city $2,000 annually and putting in a signal to improve safety would cost $200,000.

Bordelon said community input was important to the process. FDOT and CSX have offered $7,500 each to the city for agreeing to the closure. The money could be used for road repairs or safety improvements at other crossings.

“We always try and do it collaboratively and cooperatively, in the sense we bring everybody that is impacted to the table, and we try and get agreement,” Bordelon said.

She said the department is still in the process of collecting data and working with the city.

 “If we can’t come to an agreement, then the department is left with making a recommended order and our recommendation would be based upon the data, whether or not to permit the closure,” Bordelon said.

The City of Alachua narrowly avoided a disaster last Thursday when a lightning strike severed telephone communications at the Alachua Police Department (APD), including communications for the City's emergency dispatchers, for about five hours.

Normally, all 911 calls go through the Alachua County Combined Communications Center (CCC) and are then transferred or communicated to Alachua's dispatchers through telephone lines. However, when the lightning strike took down telephone communications at about 2 p.m. Thursday, APD was left using cell phones and radios.

Because APD upgraded its radio systems to a standardized 800 MHz earlier this year, Alachua's dispatchers were able to communicate with the CCC, and the Center was able to monitor Alachua's radio frequencies and dispatch officers.

Two grants and an anonymous private donation paid for the new system. The grants were both made possible by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, also known as the federal stimulus package. Together, the two grants amounted to about $150,000. An anonymous private donation of $100,000 brought the total funding for the project to about $250,000.

Alachua was the last municipality in Alachua County to upgrade to the system, and had the telephone outage occurred just a few months earlier, Alachua would have been left “playing it by ear,” said APD Lieutenant Patrick Barcia Jr.

“Because we have the new system, we were able to work in a partnership that we couldn't before,” Barcia said. “We wouldn't have been able to record any of the 911 calls for legal purposes, and we would have had to do everything over cell phones, which of course then you have to deal with spotty coverage and all of those issues.”

CCC Communications Commander Ryan Lee said that although there was not an especially high volume of calls from APD's coverage area during the telephone outage, the new radio system helped streamline the process.

“Fortunately, we have the same radio system and were able to, with a single click, select their radio systems and dispatch the officers,” Lee said, “so it made everything a lot easier.”

TubbsPolice arrested a man in the early morning hours of Tuesday after, they say, he stole a donation jar and a bottle of liquor from the Moose Lodge in Alachua.

At around 2:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Alachua Police Department (APD) Officer Donald Parks and K9 Officer Cesar Vargas went to the Moose Lodge at 14212 NW 154th Avenue in response to a complaint of a possible burglary, Lieutenant Patrick Barcia said.  It was there that the officers found 51-year-old James Ray Tubbs fleeing the building carrying several items according to a report.  Enlisting the help of his K9 Kaiser, Officer Vargas was able to apprehend Tubbs.

Barcia said Tubbs was caught with a tip jar used by the Moose Lodge for donations to various charities along with a bottle of whiskey.  That jar reportedly contained less than $50.  Tubbs attempted to take another bottle of liquor from the lodge but apparently dropped it as he fled the scene, Barcia said.

Tubbs, of NW 158th Place in Alachua was checked by medical staff after being bitten and caught by the police dog.  He was then booked into the Alachua County jail on charges of burglary, petit theft, criminal mischief and resisting arrest without violence.

Tuesday didn’t mark Tubbs’ first run-in with the law.  He was charged with burglary in 2000 for which he was sentenced to 10 years.  In 1997 he was charged with trafficking in stolen property, and in 1999 with possession of cocaine.  Tubbs was sentenced to less than three years for each of those charges, and served nearly eight years in total.  He was released from custody on Feb. 13, 2009.

Tubbs remains in the Alachua County jail on a $16,000 bond.

kitty_galore No More Homeless Pets, Inc., and Regal Royal Park Stadium are brining an exclusive pre-screening of “Cats and Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore,” at the Regal Royal Park Stadium, at 163702 West Newberry Road, in Gainesville.   A portion of the proceeds will go to No More Homeless Pets, Inc., a non-profit organization working to end animal euthanasia by spaying and neutering.

The $10 ticket will help to save lives of dogs and cats in Alachua County.

The show starts at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 24. For more information and to order tickets, call 352-376-6647.

Wes Skiles, a well-known cave diver, explorer, cinematographer and director, died Wednesday afternoon while diving off Boynton Beach, Fla.  Skiles had reportedly been filming for National Geographic prior to his death, but officials with the company say he had already wrapped-up his work on that project.

The cause for Skiles’ death is unknown, but fellow divers in his company at the time of the incident say he had planned to ascend to the surface to get additional film for his camera, but when they later ascended as well, they saw his body on the reef where they had been diving.  The divers brought his body to the surface and administered CPR, but he was later pronounced dead at an area hospital.

The 52-year-old High Springs resident was a renowned for his work in and knowledge of underwater caves, particularly in north central Florida.  Skiles owned and operated Karst Productions, a High Springs company and he also directed film and photography for such companies as National Geographic and Discovery.

For additional details, see the follow-up story to be published in the July 29 edition of Alachua County Today.

Updated July 21, 2010 at 7:30 p. m.

The City of Hawthorne is issuing a Precautionary Boil Water Notice effective this Thursday morning at 1 a.m. as the Public Works Department switches to a new water supply tank.  This work will result in a loss of pressure until 5 a.m. when pressure will be restored.

The City of Hawthorne will rescind this precautionary boil water notice upon receipt of satisfactory bacteriological sampling results.  Residents and customers who have questions regarding this issue should call 352-481-2432.

This Precautionary Boiled Water Notice will remain in effect until bacteriological testing demonstrates that there is no presence of bacteriological contaminates.  The City of Hawthorne anticipates this Notice will be rescinded by this Friday, July 23, in the afternoon. 

Contact John Cywinski, City of Hawthorne Public Works Department, at 352-481-2432 or Anthony Dennis, Alachua County Health Department, at 352-334-7931 for questions regarding this matter.

 

column

Guest Column by Ben Boukri, Jr, Alachua City Commissioner

 In recent weeks the City of Alachua’s financial situation has been covered widely in the media.  I think it is important for our residents to know, from one of their own, exactly where we stand.

On June 14, 2010, the audit for fiscal year 2008-2009 was presented at a regularly scheduled commission meeting.  The audit revealed that the City of Alachua’s financial situation had declined and the City met one condition out of a possible five of Florida State Statute 218.503(1).

Immediately, a workshop followed by a special commission meeting was called by the City Commission to address the city’s financial issues.  On June 23 those meetings were held and the Alachua City Commission implemented a 12 month hiring freeze effective immediately as well as directing staff to bring a detailed financial report to the City Commission on a monthly basis. 

On June 30, I sat down with City Manager Traci Cain to find out how the City of Alachua reached its current financial situation.

The City of Alachua has been a proactive community for many years and over the past several years has made a number of investments to improve the quality of life of its residents.  In 2006, the City donated $1 million to help bring a Santa Fe College campus specializing in emerging technologies to Alachua, increasing educational and employment opportunities locally. 

The City also expended $195,000 on renovations to the Cleather Hathcock, Sr. Community Center, bringing a much needed facility for our seniors. 

Another $935,000 was spent to complete the build-out of the City’s municipal complex.  This expense was not covered in the loan for the complex, but implementing the build-out concurrent with construction of the complex was estimated to bring substantial savings over the long term. 

The City has also experienced a number of lawsuits which increased legal expenses beyond budgeted levels.

These are some of the major costs that impacted the city’s operating account, leaving a shortfall to cover a $1.2 million utility bill as well as other expenses which were paid by transferring funds out of Alachua’s SBA (State Board of Administration) account.  Further, the City could not have foreseen the downgrading of its bond insurance policy company, which occurred late 2008, requiring the City to maintain additional money in unrestricted funds in the SBA.  This fund is essentially the City’s savings account.  By using these funds from this account to assist in covering operating and other expenses, the City is now in a position where we must replenish this account.  

So where is the City of Alachua today? 

Through a combination of decreased spending and revenue generation, the City is well on its way to an improved financial future. The City is paying its bills on time and is in better financial condition now than represented by the 2008-2009 audit.  Staff is developing an aggressive but achievable plan to replenish the SBA account.  City Manager Cain has reduced $1.2 million in budgeted expenses for fiscal year 2009-2010.  The City of Alachua currently has two properties for sale that are anticipated to net the City $1 million.  This revenue will aid in replenishing the City’s accounts as well.  The City may be able to transfer funds at the end of this current fiscal year to the SBA account.  Additionally for the record, the City of Alachua is current on all debt payments and obligations.   

I ran a campaign on fiscal responsibility and I am confident in saying Alachua is headed in the right direction.  It is now time, and has been for quite a while, for government at all levels to look for ways to reduce spending.  I will be doing my part in Alachua.

GatorBiteWillms

Truck bed, with 45-inch alligator that bit man who was trying to capture it.

An alligator crossing the road in Sanford Monday night got a surprise when a man decided to catch it and grabbed it by its tail. But the alligator's surprise was nothing compared to the man's when the reptile whipped around and bit him on the leg and then ran into some bushes.

As if getting bitten once wasn't enough, the man, who officials said appeared to be intoxicated, reached into the bushes to grab the gator again, and it obliged him by biting him, again.

The gator was trying to get to some water when Dirk Alan Willms, 44, (DOB 08/13/65), of 501 Lemon St., Sanford, decided to catch it.

Eventually, Willms subdued the 45-inch alligator and took it to his house. Someone who saw him with the alligator reported it to the Seminole County Sheriff's Office, which then called the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

FWC Law Enforcement Officer Naomii Tye responded to the call, issued Willms a ticket for possessing an alligator, a second-degree misdemeanor, and then released the small reptile in nearby Lake Jesup. The maximum penalty for a second-degree misdemeanor is 60 days in jail and $500 fine.

While Tye was filling out the citation, Willms commented that he should have cut the gator's tail off and left it where he caught it, and that he had caught several alligators in the past and had never been bitten.

"If someone sees an alligator that they think is a threat to public safety, they should call the FWC. They should never try to catch it themselves, no matter how small it is," said Tye. "As Mr. Willms found out, not only is it dangerous, it's against the law."

Willms received minor punctures and lacerations, and Tye instructed him to seek medical attention to avoid infection from his cuts.

The moral of this gator tale is if something isn't bothering you, leave it alone.

Catching and possessing alligators without a permit is against the law. Violators should be reported to the FWC's Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922. Callers may remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward if their information leads to arrest.

Farm Credit has named Jason Beutke its newest loan officer at the Alachua location.

Beutke began working with Farm Credit as a credit analyst in January 2008 after receiving a bachelor’s degree in food and resource economics from the University of Florida.  Since that time, he has been responsible for underwriting credits for loan requests.  In his new loan officer position, Beutke will fulfill the lending needs of members and potential members in Alachua and Union counties.

“I am excited for the opportunity to work directly with farmers and ranchers throughout our Association.  I am also looking forward to meeting more of our members and becoming familiar with their operations.  I hope to continue to foster the existing relationships between Farm Credit and current members, while developing new business opportunities for our Association,” Beutke said.

In addition to nearly three years experience with Farm Credit, Beutke brings a wealth of agricultural knowledge to his new position.  He grew up helping his parents, Amos and Sharon Beutke, run their commercial cattle operation in Alachua.  Beutke and his wife Kristen currently manage their own cow-calf operation and are involved in hay production.  He is also an active member of the Alachua County Cattlemen’s Association and Alachua County Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers.

Farm Credit of North Florida is an agricultural lending cooperative owned by its member-borrowers. It provides farm loans for land, equipment, livestock and production; and rural home mortgages. Farm Credit of North Florida has branches serving 18 counties. It is part of the national Farm Credit System, a network of financial cooperatives established in 1916 to provide a dependable source of credit to farmers and rural America.

The Alachua Lions Club has been serving the community and beyond for more than 70 years. On May 26, 2010 the IRS granted the Alachua Lions Club 501(c) (3) Charity Status.  The club now has the ability to raise more money and at the same time allow current and future donors to get a tax break for their contributions.  The Alachua Lions Charitable Foundation, Inc. is exempt under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and contributions to the Foundation are now tax deductible.

The Lions club motto “We serve” is demonstrated through the Alachua Lions Club support of many local charities and youth and community groups, as well as seeking to fulfill the challenge issued many years ago by Helen Keller: “To be the knights against darkness.”  To that end, Lions Clubs support research to prevent blindness and efforts to help and improve the standard of living of sight impaired people locally and around the world, along with disaster relief, health clinics, diabetes awareness and screening, and many other projects to make this world a better place for the less fortunate.  In addition, the local Alachua Lions Club has sponsored Alachua Boy Scout Troop 88 for more than 70 years. 

Social Security reaches almost every family in the United States, and at some point touches the lives of nearly all Americans. It not only helps older Americans, but also workers who become disabled and families in which a spouse or parent dies. Today, about 159 million people work and pay Social Security taxes. More than 53 million people receive monthly Social Security benefits. In 2009 alone, those benefits came to about $675 billion.

In addition to the national impact Social Security has on the U.S. economy, there’s no denying the difference it makes in communities all across America. In neighborhoods around the nation, the benefits paid help more than just individual beneficiaries. These people spend their benefit payments at the local grocery store, the local clothing store, department stores, and mom-and-pop shops. Benefits are used to pay for goods and services that sustain the local economy, keep local farmers farming, local retailers retailing, and local contractors contracting. In some counties, as much as 30 percent of the population receives Social Security benefits and those benefits make up as much as 20 percent of the local economy.

Both at the national and local level, Social Security makes a difference.  The average payment for a retired individual is $1,169 a month, which represents 40 percent of income for an average retired person. The monthly payment for a disabled person averages $1,065. For the widow or widower of a working family member, the average payment is $1,104. These are real numbers that help many individuals make ends meet.

The payments made to beneficiaries help individuals and families to stay afloat. But the byproduct is that these individuals are using their benefits to help keep the economy going.

It’s clear that Social Security makes a difference on a national, local, and individual level.

To learn more about Social Security, visit www.socialsecurity.gov.

County fire assessment fizzles

Faced with the options of raising taxes or reducing services when setting the portion of the property taxes that funds fire services, the county commission took a middle road Tuesday, moving toward doing a little of each to stave off massive cuts or massive tax hikes.

In better economic times, with property values rising, merely keeping the property tax rates the same would create an increase in revenue, but these are not better economic times.

At Tuesday’s meeting, the commission axed the proposed enhanced fire assessment fee, which the county had been working on since last October, and opted to increase the millage rate for property taxes.

The fire assessment was a municipal services benefit unit (MSBU) not calculated on the value of a property, but a flat rate based on its square footage or other factors.  The net result is that under an MSBU, all property owners would contribute to the fund, including those that due to homestead exemptions might otherwise not be subject to property taxes.

The enhanced fire assessment, on which the county already spent nearly $200,000 in the form of an assessment study and mailing notices, failed to regain the necessary support after taking a beating at the June 22 public hearing.

County homeowners and business owners berated the commission for nearly four hours – many saying their taxes for fire would double or triple.

As the meeting wore on, commissioners Lee Pinkoson and Cynthia Chestnut renounced their support for the enhanced fire assessment, leaving only commissioners Paula DeLaney and Rodney Long in favor of it.

The assessment would have raised $7.3 million, which would have been adequate revenue to fully fund fire services.

Instead, the county set the millage rate cap at 1.3391 mills, which it will vote on for final approval in September. The tax hike is not as drastic as the fire assessment, but it also falls about $840,000 short of fully funding the fire department. Staff estimated that if the commission does not raise the millage over last year’s rate, the county would have to cut 60 positions, 20 of which are reportedly unfilled at this time.

The millage rate for the current year is 1.18 mills. The jump to 1.3391 would be a 14 percent increase in the part of the property taxes that funds fire services, which is only a small part of the total property taxes.

At a July 6 meeting, Ed Bailey, director of public safety, made a list of proposed cuts to save the $840,000 and was able to do so by reducing recruiting and training programs but still retaining all fire engines and firefighter jobs.

The commission considered, but voted against, raising the millage rate 28 percent to 1.51 mills. It would have been a much more drastic tax increase but would have also kept the fire department from making any cuts.   

City of Alachua still faces decision on fire services

With the assessment failing to gain the necessary support, the City of Alachua finds itself as the only municipality in the county left out of the picture for the time being.

Waldo, Hawthorne and Archer all agreed to be part of a municipal services taxing unit (MSTU) for fire services.  An MSTU is a taxing unit levied on property to cover the cost of providing a specific service and is based on the value of the property.  Meanwhile, Micanopy, LaCrosse, Newberry, Gainesville and High Springs all have their own fire departments.

Alachua had agreed to the fire assessment, but not the MSTU for fire services. Now, the city will have the opportunity to opt in or renegotiate its contract with the county.

Alachua Commissioners had hoped that the assessment would pass because it would have meant a savings of about $200,000 for the city’s taxpayers. The city currently has a contract for roughly $600,000 with the county for fire services. Under the deal with the fire assessment, that would have dropped to about $400,000.

County Manager Randall Reid claimed that his office received a call from the City of Alachua Tuesday morning expressing an interest in adopting the MSTU for fire services.  City of Alachua Assistant City Manager Danielle Judd responded, however, that the commission had not discussed the MSTU and it had no consensus on the matter.

City of Alachua Commissioner Ben Boukari, Jr. spoke at a prior county commission meeting saying if the assessment failed, he expected a renegotiated contract to be about $200,000 less than in prior years.  Boukari said he wouldn’t be interested in paying more under a contract than would have been raised by the fire assessment which was expected to bring in about $400,000 to the county. 

If Alachua joins the MSTU on fire services, that number jumps up to about $960,000 according to county staff. Judd said at Tuesday’s meeting that Alachua will discuss the option of joining the MSTU at an upcoming meeting.

County commissioners, however, expressed concern that Alachua would not be willing to approve such an increase in taxes.  The City of Alachua’s current contract for fire services expires Sept. 30.

For the past 15 years, Alachua County has collected a $12.50 surcharge, added to every traffic ticket handed out in Waldo.

For Waldo, a city known for regularly pulling over speeders, those $12.50 charges have added up to about $90,000 annually. That money is supposed to be used to improve communication in departments throughout the county.

However, Waldo is concerned that the county is getting all of the benefit, and the city is getting squeezed out.

Waldo City Manager Kim Worley met with county officials July 1 for mediation talks to resolve the issue. She said the city was looking to reach an agreement, but the county was uncooperative.

“I’m frustrated,” Worley said. “They should have saved us the time and money and just skipped mediation, if they weren’t going to come to an agreement.”

On Tuesday, the Waldo City Commission discussed the next move, which could be filing a lawsuit against the county. Commissioners did not vote to file a lawsuit, yet, but they did give direction to the city attorney to look into the details for filing one and to bring it back to the commission at the next meeting.

Waldo wants to the use the money collected from those $12.50 surcharges on its own department.

Waldo Police Chief Mike Szabo said the state law allows the city to spend money collected from those charges on a variety of department needs.

The city has not yet decided how far back it would ask for money the county has collected from the charges – whether the approximate $90,000 collected this year, or the more the $1 million collected throughout the fund’s history.

Waldo is also reaching out to other cities to join the lawsuit. Gainesville, Alachua, High Springs and the University of Florida Police Department also send the $12.50 surcharge to the county.

Waldo has taken the lead on the issue, and from a financial standpoint, it has much to gain. Szabo said Alachua sends about $40,000 and High Springs sends about $20,000, compared to the annual $90,000 Waldo sends to the county.

The city attorney told the commission that if the mediation is any indication, he thinks the city would fare well in a lawsuit.

“If that mediator had been a judge, he would have ruled in our favor,” the city attorney said.

He also said that this specific lawsuit wouldn’t be of great cost to the city.

Although commissioners decided not to vote for the lawsuit yet, they did voice support for it.

A second dispute with the county

Waldo’s issues with the county aren’t limited to ticket surcharges. The city disagrees with the county’s requirement that the city call in to the county every time a Waldo police officer conducts a traffic stop.

Szabo said it’s done in the name of safety, to provide a location for officers that could be at risk, but he doesn’t think it’s necessary, given that every car has a laptop and that Waldo covers significantly less ground than does a county patrol car.

“The sheriff has said it’s about safety, but it’s not. It’s about money,” Szabo said.

The county charges the city $6.05 for every call it makes to the county. Worley said the city budgeted for these calls to add up to about $22,000 to $30,000 throughout the year, based on the city using its old procedure of calling in only when it deemed necessary, specifically at night or in isolated or dangerous areas.

Szabo said Alachua County Sheriff Sadie Darnell instructed his department to use the county’s procedure, which is to call in every traffic stop or be cut off from the system altogether.

The city complied, and the $6.05 charges have added up to triple the expected amount.

Worley wrote a letter detailing the city’s complaint to Alachua County Commission Chair Cynthia Chestnut on July 2 with the goal of reducing the charges to a flat fee of $30,000. She said the county has not yet accepted the offer.

Money potentially won from the lawsuit over the ticket surcharges could not be used to pay for the call-in charges because they are separate funds, Worley said.

Even school children know that when there is an emergency, calling 9-1-1 will bring help.

When High Springs City Commissioner Dean Davis received an e-mail from High Springs resident Sue Shell saying that she was overseas and needed help, he called police chief Jim Troiano.

But as Davis went on to read the message to Troiano over the phone on July 3, he began to suspect the whole thing might be a scam.

The e-mail was sent from Shell’s actual address, and it said she was in Wales and had been mugged, had no money, but still had her passport. It went on to ask the recipient to send whatever money they could to help her buy a plane ticket to come home.

The initial e-mail Davis received did not name a specific amount, which Troiano said is typical of e-mail “phishing.”  But Davis had already replied to that email asking how much she needed and how to get it to her.

The responding message instructed Davis to put $15,000 in a Western Union account, which had he done, could be collected by anyone with the account information.

As soon as he got off the phone with the commissioner, Troiano called ACE Hardware, in downtown High Springs where Shell works. She was the one who answered the phone, confirming the chief’s suspicion that she was never overseas and had not sent the e-mail.

As suspected, she told police she knew nothing about it.

After officers were sent to ACE and to Davis’ home, they determined someone hacked into Shell’s e-mail account, possibly by introducing a virus to her computer. Whoever hacked in then was able to send an e-mail to anyone in her online address book.

As of Wednesday, Shell is still not able to use her computer, but she said she will be taking it in to get checked for viruses in the next couple of days.

Troiano said he knows of no other victims of this particular incident in High Springs at this time, but he did reference that a High Springs woman was the victim of another scam a month ago. It was similar to this one in that it involved sending money overseas.

That time it was a phone call a woman received, telling her that her daughter had been kidnapped.

“The bottom line is it can happen, and we urge people to be careful with what information they give out and what they open [on their computers],” Troiano said.

He added that people should be wary of deals or offers that seem too good to be true. No one gives something away for nothing.

Anyone who suspects they may have been a victim of a scam should contact local law enforcement agency.  And if it involves the risk that finances may already be compromised, they should contact their financial institution as well.

The chief also recommended that people check their credit report with a reputable company at least once a year to make sure no one is using their information to make purchases.

At a July 8 City Commission meeting, Davis publicly thanked Troiano for his help.

Spreading the joys of beekeeping

 Bees_Hitchock_019

Longtime Alachua resident and former grocer, Alan Hitchcock displays a beehive kept at his recently-acquired Santa Fe River Ranch just north of Alachua.  Bees are used to assist in the pollination of plants.  The hive was placed on the ranch by local beekeeper Chappie McChesney at Hitchcock’s request.

 Chappie McChesney once operated a commercial honeybee operation, and his experience with the buzzing insects dates back to his childhood when he first became interested in the art and skill of beekeeping.  Today, McChesney has scaled back his operations to that of an active hobbyist, and he enjoys showing others how to take on the unique task of maintaining healthy bee colonies.

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

 

NOTICE OF SALE

ADC Self Storage, in accordance with the Florida Self Storage Act, hereby notifies that the following units are scheduled for public auction, or other disposal, on Monday, July 26, 2010 at 10:00 A.M. The Auction, or other disposal, will be held at ADC Self Storage, 13701 NW US Hwy 441, Alachua, Florida 32616 A15 Robin Schweinberg A28 Dawn C. Daugherty A36 Thomas Valentino Stultz A42 Shelby Lee Fillingim B27 Feliciano Vega, Jr. B28 Larea Gillette Dirfenbaugh D03 Sharon Manning

(Published: Alachua County Today – July 8 and 15, 2010)

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 07/30/2010, 10:00 a.m. at 14515 NW PEGGY RD, ALACHUA, FL 32615-5449, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids. 3VWFA81H0TM008303 1996 VOLKSWAGEN

(Published: Alachua County Today - July 15, 2010)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Advertise in Over 100 Papers throughout Florida. 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 Georgia Peaches, Organic Blueberries, Butterbeans and Fordhoocks, Acre Peas, Watermelon, Shelled Pecans, Florida Broccoli & Cauliflower, Cucumbers, Bell Peppers, Local Yellow Squash & Zucchini, Cabbage, Local Honey Fresh Local Silver Queen Corn, Amish Jellies and Jams, Brown Eggs, Foothills Butter, N. Carolina Apples & Apple Cider. Canning quantities available. Call 386-462-6158.

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

Gateway Bank in Alachua is seeking a Financial Service Representative/Teller. Minimum 2 years experience as FSR required. Please email resume to Janene Manning at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 386-418-8309 EOE

DRIVERS: CRST NEEDS YOU! IMMEDIATE opportunities! No CDL, No problem! CDL Training Available. Great Benefits & Start Earning $750-800/wk! Call Today! 1-866-457-6236

Tree climber/foreman highly skilled in all phases of tree work. Florida Drivers License a must. Drug-free workplace. Full time work with benefits. 352-378-5801

Colonial Life seeks entrepreneurial professional with sales experience to become a District Manager. Life/Health license is required. Substantial earnings potential. Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (904)424-5697

Drivers - FLORIDA TRUCK DRIVERS NEEDED ASAP! IN-STATE DRIVING POSITIONS AVAILABLE! CDL-A w/ 1 yr. experience Outstanding pay & Benefits! Call a recruiter TODAY! (877)484-3042 www.oakleytransport.com

Drivers- Flatbed CDL/A $2,000 Sign On bonus. Great pay and benefits! 6 months Experience Required. Lease Purchase Available No Felonies. (800)441-4271 x FL-100

SERVICES OFFERED

FINANCIAL

CASH NOW! Get cash for your structured settlement or annuity payments. High payouts. Call J.G. Wentworth. 1-866-SETTLEMENT (1-866-738-8536). Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau.

$$$ ACCESS LAWSUIT CASH NOW!!! $$$ 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

ADOPTIONS

ARE YOU PREGNANT? CONSIDERING ADOPTION? Loving married couple seeks to adopt. Will be Full-time Mom (age 36) and Devoted Dad. Financial security. EXPENSES PAID. Kim/Bill (888)399-3255 FL Bar# 0150789

EDUCATION

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

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

Lots For Sale

CROSSVILLE TN-Top 100 cities to live in. Lots with spectacular mountain views, underground utilities, cool temps - low crime, property taxes & INS. No state income tax. Priced from the 20's. (931) 707-0393 www.crossvillerealty.com

Acreage & Farms

1 AC GILCHRIST COUNTY

Paved road frontage on CR 138. Cleared homesite. High and Dry! OWNER FINANCING! NO DOWN PAYMENT! Only $256/mo. Total $24,900. Call 352-215-1018.

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.

NC MOUNTAINS - BEST LAND BUY! 2.5acres, spectacular views, gated, paved road. High altitude. Easily accessible, secluded. Bryson City. $45,000. Owner financing: (800)810-1590 www.wildcatknob.com

SOUTH EAST GEORGIA 292 AC - $1975/AC Satilla River, lake, hardwoods & planted pine. Outstanding recreational & timber investment. Just 20 miles from I-95. Must see pictures and more on website! (478)987-9700 www.stregispaper.com St. Regis Paper Co.

FARMS, REPOS, LAKES! 5 upstate NY counties! 16 acres - Abuts State Land - $19,900; 5 acres - Lake Lot, 1 hr NYC - $39,900; 7 acres - Mini-Farm - $49,900. Catskills to the Finger Lakes! Owner terms available! Hurry! (888)698-1471

Commercial Properties

FOR SALE: 6 + acres for development - Rail Road Avenue - wooded - R3 zoning (high density) lot size 50 x 90 allowed, $280,000. Call 352 231-2405.

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

WANTED HOME TO RENT

House-couple, artist, jack of all trades. Will repair or renovate for rent credit. Two cats, need small work area. References, experienced. Under $500. 386-697-1442

Condos For Rent

FOR RENT: 1 BR - 1 BA Trukey Creek Condo- great shaded location, end unit, garage, all appliances. Perfect for retiring couple. Small pet with pet deposit allowed, 1st/last month rent - minimum 1 year lease. $700 per month. Call 352-231-2405.

Business & Office Rentals

Industrial warehouse, High Springs. 1,500 sq. ft. to 4,500 sq. ft. 10ft.x12 ft. roll-up doors. 386-454-2408.

FOR RENT: Great location - downtown High Springs, has been sandwich shop, unique furniture store and office. About 500 sq. feet plus wrap-around porch of about 400 additional sq. feet. $850 per month. Call 352 231-2405.

MERCHANDISE

Furniture

LEATHER LIVING ROOM SET. In original plastic, never used. Orig price $3000, Sacrifice $975. Can deliver. Call Bill (305)420-5982

CHERRY BEDROOM SET. Solid Wood, never used, brand new in factory boxes. English Dovetail. Original cost $4500. Sell for $895. Can deliver. Call Tom (954)302-2423

Garage Sales

Garage Sale 13629 NW 135th Drive Hunter Woods Sat, July 17 and Sun, July 18 9 a.m. -?? Tools, furniture, clothes, misc.

Auctions

FORECLOSED HOME AUCTION 700+ Homes | Auction: 7/29 Open House: July 17, 24 & 25 REDC | View Full Listings www.Auction.com RE Brkr CQ1031187

 IRS AUCTION July 28, 2010 Condo-4407 SW 21st Lane, Gainesville, FL For pictures and sale information go to irsauctions.gov or call (602) 501-2146

 


To Place a Classified Call 386-462-3355.

Q_-_DouglassDSC_0065

L-R: Clarence Lofton and father-in-law Eugene Wright make repairs to Lofton's home in the Douglass Neighborhood.

Within the historical core of the city, in a neighborhood scattered with empty lots and condemned structures, there are still people who can remember when it was a thriving community; full of opportunity and promise.

In the 1960s and 70s, the Douglass Neighborhood was a modest but prosperous pocket of life in southeast High Springs. Like most of the city, it was founded on jobs and commerce fueled by the railroad.

It was also home to the Douglass School, an African-American facility that opened its doors before the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which would never see the day of integration.

Development came to a halt in the 70s when new Health Department regulations for septic systems made it impossible to build on the small lots in the neighborhood, and the school closed.

Today the area stands in disrepair and is plagued by crime.

John Dewar, a member of the Housing Needs and Improvements Committee, doesn’t live directly in the neighborhood anymore, but he owns property there. The school will never come back, he said, no matter what you do. But the idea is to make the community as close as it can be to what it once was.

At a July 8 meeting, the High Springs City Commission unanimously voted in favor of adopting an ordinance rezoning the Douglass Neighborhood as a “Planned Unit Development.”

This was the first major step toward implementing a revitalization plan more than two years in the works, but there are still bumps in the road toward development.

Beginning in 2009, the neighborhood has been put on the city’s sewer system, and the city amended its zoning requirements to once again allow for smaller lot sizes, as septic regulations would no longer be an issue.

In addition to changing the official zoning of the area to allow for development, the commission also approved preliminary plans for the development that residents hope will take place.

City planner Christian Popoli laid out extensive details about the types of housing and businesses that will be allowed, community facilities, as well as sidewalks, entrance signage and the overall aesthetic design.

The city Plan Board worked together with the Housing Needs and Improvements Committee to get input from the community and put this plan together.

The plan explicitly prohibits mobile homes, and at the suggestion of Mayor Bill Coughlin, will be amended to prohibit pawnshops and check-cashing type businesses.

But there was one provision that raised a point of contention with the commission and is apparently a source of controversy within the community, plan board and committee, too.

The Douglass Neighborhood Plan forbids any type of food or beverage vendor from setting up shop in the community. That means no convenience stores, no grocery stores and no restaurants.

Commissioner John Hill expressed a concern that having a local store of some sort within the community is part of what will create that “neighborhood feel.” Shouldn’t they have somewhere, he asked, within walking distance, where they can buy their milk or eggs?

Furthermore, Commissioner Eric May raised the question of how a ban on these businesses could impede growth. He said grocery stores and restaurants are exactly the kind of businesses needed to start and support a self-sustaining micro-economy, such as is desired for the Douglass Neighborhood. 

Chairman of the Housing Needs and Improvements Committee, Jessica Hall, lives in a different area in High Springs now, but she grew up in the neighborhood.

“We want businesses, but what we don’t want is the alcohol and the beer.”

Because the city cannot dictate what a business can or cannot sell on a case-by-case basis, it could not ban alcohol sales specifically within the Douglas Neighborhood. So instead, because the community adamantly opposes making alcohol available within its boundaries, the plan forbids any business that would typically sell beer, wine or liquor.

Hall said that many people who own property there want to start small businesses to serve the community.

Hall said she’d like to open a food establishment and she wouldn’t sell alcohol, but that doesn’t mean others won’t. People get greedy; if there’s more money to be made by selling alcohol, she said, somebody’s bound to do it if they can.

But the commission questioned whether there is a guarantee that no one will be able to sell alcohol, because non-traditional outlets can sell it if they so choose.

Commissioners pointed out examples of barbershops that sell beer and even a surf shop in St. Augustine that sells beer as well.

Because it wasn’t immediately clear what the law actually states, the commission decided to have the city attorney research the matter, and depending on what he finds, the plan could be revised.

Hall said she hopes there is a way to allow for food sales while still controlling alcohol sales.

But Dewar stressed the importance of ensuring successful economic development.

“The community, as it is now, shouldn’t worry about what business is coming in and what they may or may not sell. They should worry about the unlicensed ones there now that sell liquor, beer, sandwiches and everything else.”

Everyone did agree that the plan, as a whole, should move forward.

“Amendment 4 will give you a new vote on your community’s future.”

That’s what Florida Hometown Democracy has to say about Amendment 4, not surprising since the grassroots organization is sponsoring the amendment. And according to a 2008 report by the Florida Department of Community Affairs, that is true. In fact, if Amendment 4 existed as law during the 2006-2007 fiscal year, registered voters would have had about 130 “new votes.”

The proposed amendment to the Florida constitution will appear on the November ballot. If the measure is approved by voters, it will require citizens to vote on every change to be made to a municipality’s comprehensive land use plan.

The 2008 report stated that on average, planners reviewed 130.1 changes in the 2006-2007 fiscal year. On average, that could translate into about 130 different proposals every year.

At its July 8 meeting, the High Springs City Commission passed a resolution to officially oppose Amendment 4.  

Commissioner Eric May, who proposed the resolution, echoed the concerns of other state municipalities and organizations, including the Florida League of Cities, that are against the amendment.

He explained it could lead to frequent, chaotic elections and would slow down any local development.

It’s been said that Amendment 4 would cause Florida’s local economies to collapse because of the standstill it would create in already arduous processes of starting or expanding business.

Additionally, he said it would lead to increased power for interest groups and private companies, rather than the people, because individuals will be swayed by the well-funded campaigns of these entities to vote in their favor, rather than what might actually be best for the community.

Another concern is that it will lead to an onslaught of lawsuits when the public wants to protest a change that gets approved.

A similar piece of legislation was enacted at a local level in 2006, in the City of St. Pete Beach, and according to local media reports, the city is fed up with the legal bills it is racking up, and is in the process of considering putting a referendum question on the Nov. 2 ballot to change the city charter back.

For additional information on both sides of the issue, read what the originators of the measure have to say at http://floridahometowndemocracy.com and read what the critics have to say at http://florida2010.org.

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Barreto_small_BioThe children of this state are the future of hunting and fishing. They are the ones who will become the next generation of sportsmen and continue the traditions we enjoy today.

To make sure these kids are introduced to fishing, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is holding summer fishing camps that will teach students how to be self-sufficient fishermen.

During these camps, the children go through a series of biology lessons that include the scientific procedures of fish dissection, how to determine the age of fish as well as scaling, skinning and filleting their catch. They learn fish facts that include fish identification, distinguishing characteristics, habitats, feeding preferences and bag limits.

Rod and reel assembly, cane pole use, tackle types, knot-tying, bait selections for specific species of fish, and catch-and-release techniques round out the fishing lessons. The students also receive boating safety information and get a tackle box of their own, which they use when they are taught how to fish from the bank and a boat. 

The FWC surveys each camper before and after the program. All parents have agreed to have their child participate in this study, which includes revisiting the child throughout the year as part of efforts to document again that children who go through this program have increased self-esteem and made better grades in school.

One thing I want to emphasize here is that hunters and anglers helped pay for these fishing camps when they purchased their fishing and hunting licenses. Everyone who purchases a license has the opportunity to donate for the purpose of developing youth programs. 

I am very proud of our dedicated staff who are making this happen, but the credit belongs to all the hunters and anglers who contributed.  They are investing in the future of wildlife and fisheries conservation.

Unfortunately, many people don’t know about this program. I’ve spoken to people who admitted they declined to donate because they didn't believe the money would be spent on youth programs.  Folks agree that if they had known programs like ours would receive the money, they would have given.

These donated dollars are going to good use. Eight camps were held in June. Here are the dates and locations of the remaining camps:

§  July 19-23 and July 26-30 – Beau Turner Youth Conservation Center (BTYCC) in Monticello.

§  July 26-30 – Oldsmar, City of Oldsmar Parks and Recreation.

§  July 26-30 and Aug. 9-13 – Ocala/Horseshoe Lake, Marion County Parks & Recreation.

There are spots available for campers at the BTYCC camps.  The Oldsmar and Ocala camps have been filled.

For the $200 registration fee, kids between 9 and 15 years old get a week at the day camp, a rod and reel and a tackle box loaded with the things they’ll need to get started. To sign your child up for one of the camp sessions, call Rae Waddell at 850-933-4322 .

To help support the camps, just say “yes” when a license vendor asks if you’d like to donate $5 to the FWC’s youth education programs.

Let’s make sure that our future fishermen get the chance to learn their craft.

Q_-_Feature_1_Pharmacist_Adam_shows_Addi_and_Cassi_Hempel_first_bottles_of_cyclodextrin

Twins Addison and Cassidy Hempel receiving their first dosage of Cyclodextrin in April 2009 via an infusion through surgically inserted mediports.

There’s nothing worse for parents than seeing their children suffer.

But what do parents do when doctors tell them there is nothing that can help make your sick child better?

In October 2007, Chris and Hugh Hempel, of Reno, Nevada, learned that their twin daughters, Addison and Cassidy, have an ultra-rare, fatal genetic disease called Niemann Pick Type C disease (NPC). The disease is caused by abnormalities of a specific gene that controls the body’s ability to regulate cholesterol at the cellular level.

In patients with NPC, like Addi and Cassi, as their parents call them, the gene doesn’t function properly, allowing harmful amounts of cholesterol to accumulate throughout the body and brain.

Often referred to as “Childhood Alzheimer’s,” it’s a degenerative disease, leading to the gradual loss of basic motor skills, the ability to walk and speak, memory loss, and ultimately death.

Addi and Cassie were 3 when they were diagnosed. Now they’re 6.

But a local laboratory may hold the key to helping the twins and others like them.

A disease with no cure

Addi and Cassi are two of about 500 people in the world with Niemann Pick Type C. As with many other ultra-rare diseases and disorders, because there is such a small patient population, and thus not a huge profit to be made, it is notoriously difficult to fund research for experimental treatments and new drug development.

When the twins were diagnosed, there was only one medication available known to “possibly” show improvements in NPC patients.

Zavesca is in the second stage of a clinical trial, and the twins’ insurance company approved it as an “off-label” treatment, explained their mother, Chris.

When the doctors prescribed it, they said it would not cure Addi and Cassi’s condition, and there was no guarantee they would improve at all. Zavesca is known to show more results in older patients, and has proven less effective in children as young as the twins.

But the Hempels refused to settle for no solution.

“We’re working toward showing that there may be a way out of a hopeless situation,” said Chris.

A small company that could make a big difference

CTD Holdings, Inc. is a public corporation dealing in the development, marketing and selling of cyclodextrins. The name, CTD, stands for Cyclodextrin Technology Development.

Though the company’s address reads “High Springs,” its headquarters is technically located in unincorporated Alachua County.

The property is hidden amidst untouched green fields and farms, and the occasional home, less than 10 miles southwest of downtown High Springs.

CTD president and chief executive officer Rick Strattan explained that cyclodextrins are composed of rings of sugar molecules that are used to make non-water-soluble substances water-soluble.  In other words, when a cyclodextrin compound is introduced into a substance that would not dissolve in water, that substance becomes dissolvable.

Chris Hempel, who is constantly checking on all the latest research relating to Neimann Pick Type C, came across a study from the University of Texas Southwestern, on the effects of cyclodextrin injections in mice with the same genetic defect as her daughters have. The mice were getting better.

She started reading everything she could find on cyclodectrin. It wasn’t long before she contacted CTD’s Strattan.

The plan was to receive approval to treat Addi and Cassi with cyclodextrin infusions, in hopes that it would make the cholesterol clogging up their cells water-soluble.

More than 50 percent of the human body, Strattan pointed out, is made of water.

This backup of cholesterol that their bodies can’t process would dissolve — maybe not entirely, but at least enough to slow down the disease.

The dilemma was that Chris had no evidence that cyclodextrins were safe for human use. But at the urging of Strattan, she convinced Johnson & Johnson to release data showing just that, as the company uses cyclodextrins in an antifungal product.

The next step was to file an Investigational New Drug Protocol, or IND, with the Food and Drug Administration.

After doing the paperwork, the Hempels obtained compassionate use approval from the FDA in April 2009, meaning Addi and Cassi could receive cyclodextrin infusions, though the treatment is not FDA-approved for the market and no one else can get it legally in the United States.

The twins now get infusions once a week of Trappsol Cyclo, the name brand product from CTD. Since starting the treatment, their mother said they are showing improvements in their balance and basic movements; they can walk and they’ve shown improved swallowing capabilities.

She said now she’ll be asking the FDA to approve putting the Trappsol directly into Addi and Cassi’s spinal columns, in order to reach their brains.

“We want to arrest the progression of the disease — or at least slow it down more,” explained Chris. “But we don’t know what will happen. It’s never been done before.”

FDA designation will move research along

In May, the Hempel family and CTD Holdings, Inc. shared a monumental triumph on the path toward more effective treatment for Neimann Pick Type C.

The FDA granted orphan drug status to Trappsol Cyclo for the use of treating NPC.

“Orphan Drug” is a special designation given to products used to treat diseases with a patient population fewer than 200,000. With about 500 patients worldwide, NPC qualifies.

The designation provides protection in the market, naming CTD the exclusive patent holder for an extended amount of time. It also allocates tax exemptions for human trials to be held. This helps to re-coop some initial production costs, explained Strattan.

New facility will create local jobs

Currently, Strattan is in the process of forming a new company, in collaboration with his affiliate Dr. Jeffrey Tate, to head the research and production of Trappsol Cyclo. The name of the new company is Sphingo Biotech. The name derives from the fact that Neimann Pick is a sphingo lipid metabolism disease.

They intend to use the orphan drug benefits toward this company, which will in turn help to fund the next phase in getting Trappsol Cyclo market approval.  Market approval will allow physicians to write prescriptions for it like any other medication, and that revenue would fund research for possible treatments for other cholesterol diseases, both rare and common.

But Strattan said he couldn’t elaborate on that yet.

Solutions to the most rare diseases, Chris pointed out, can help the most common ones.

“Do you know how many millions of people are impacted by cholesterol problems?” she asked. “My children just happen to have one of the worst ones.”

About two weeks ago, Tate received approval on the necessary permits to build a new facility on the CTD property.

A few hundred square feet of additional structure will house a pulse-drying technology used to combine various pharmaceuticals with cyclodextrins, making them water-soluble, which allows for smaller, more concentrated doses.

Cyclodextrins are industrial chemicals that must be transformed into an intravenous substance for pharmaceutical applications, they explained.

The pulse-drying facility will dissolve the industrial material in highly purified water to clean it up, and then dry it using pulse technology to make it safe.

“We take cornstarch and turn it into magical bio-chemicals,” Tate said. The process uses electricity, propane gas and water. There is nothing coming from this operation, they said, that would harm the environment.

It’s worth noting that CTD already has a global market for cyclodextrin products. As this new facility is completed, it will bring a variety of jobs, from highly specialized to entry-level positions, to the area.

“This is an instance where we’re serving a global market from a small rural headquarters,” Tate said.

Discussions of possible collaborations have been started with the University of Florida, but they could not elaborate yet.

Though Tate urged him not to get ahead of himself, Strattan said this could become the mecca for treatment, meaning it could become the international destination for people with NPC and other cholesterol diseases.

county_fireAlachua County Commissioners reviewed three options for funding fire services Tuesday.

The county had been set to approve a new enhanced fire assessment that has been in the works since October, but public outcry at a June 22 meeting swayed commission votes and reopened the discussion for how the county would fund its fire services.

The enhanced assessment is still on the table, along with three new options.

Option No. 1 is to raise the millage rate from 1.18 mills to 1.51 mills. This would mean an increase of about $32 for every $100,000 in taxable value. This option requires unanimous support for approval because it’s the maximum level the commission can raise the millage rate. This option would fully fund the department and avoid cuts deeper than the ones already enacted.

Option No. 2 comes into play if the commission can’t all agree on raising the millage rate 1.51 mills. With a supermajority, or four out of the five votes, the commission can raise the millage rate from 1.18 to 1.34, the equivalent of a $16 increase for every $100,000 of taxable value. This would save taxpayers some money but would leave the fire department about $813,000 short.

Option No. 3 takes a two-pronged approach, funding the department partly through property taxes and partly through the assessment. The millage rate would be reduced from 1.18 to 1.02, a $16 reduction for every $100,000 of taxable value. And the assessment would be in effect, but at 25 percent of the level previously discussed. This would fully fund the department, diversify and stabilize the county’s revenue streams and avoid placing such a dramatic increase on the types of properties hit hardest by the full enhanced assessment.

County staff compiled a list of items that could be cut to make up the $813,000. The biggest on the list was the capital improvement projects debt of $500,000. Director of Public Safety Ed Bailey said the county could put off a year on paying the debt as a way to cut costs and spare the department from needing to sell a fire engine, but it would only be a temporary solution. The county would be facing the same debt come budget time next year. Other cuts included public education, a special recruitment program restructuring and a district chief, who is retiring early.

Commissioners voted to get information at the next meeting for one more option – funding the department with the maximum millage rate allowed with only three-vote approval. The budget shortfall would be $1.6 million under such a scenario.

Bailey said that renegotiating contracts with municipalities is another option to cut costs. The county has contracts with Newberry, High Springs, La Crosse and Micanopy to pay these cities for services provided by city fire departments outside of city limits. Ending or renegotiating these contracts could mean cuts for these city departments.

The county also has a contract pending with the City of Alachua. Alachua agreed to the enhanced assessment months ago.

At the meeting Tuesday, Mayor Gib Coerper read a Feb. 9 letter from Alachua County Chairwoman Cynthia Chestnut to then-Mayor of Alachua Bonnie Burgess convincing the city to join the county assessment.

“There is a critical need for EFA (Enhanced fire assessment) in order to sustain fire services in our communities. It is my hope that Alachua will recognize the importance of EFA and adopt the consent ordinance,” Coerper said, reading from the letter.

Coerper then said, “We did do that Madam Chair in good faith. The new fire assessment within the city of Alachua will benefit our citizens, and I wish you would pass this.”

“We have started our budget process, as well as all the other communities have, and we want something concrete to put in the budget,” Coerper said.

Alachua City Commissioner Ben Boukari, Jr. said he was looking forward to the savings the city was expecting from the contract it already signed with the county. Alachua paid $670,000 last year and was slated to pay $430,000 this year.

“How can you come to us and say it’s going to cost us more than the $430,000 that you said it’s going to cost our citizens for fire services?” Boukari said.

“How can you come to us with $670,000 again?”

Citizens were once again vocal. At the June 22 meeting, commissioners listened to about four hours of public backlash against the enhanced assessment. With all the options on the table Tuesday, citizens had more to say.

Most were frustrated with all of the proposed options.

“Citizens have said to you they want tax relief; this is not going to do it,” said Alachua County resident Armando Grundy.

Many citizens, including resident Bruce Nelson, said funding fire was important, but if the county is going to raise taxes to pay for it, it needs to look to other areas in the budget to make cuts.

Closing out Tuesday’s meeting, commissioners did not tip their hands and left all options open, including the full enhanced assessment. Commissioners will meet again on July 13 to make a decision on the enhanced assessment and on the millage rate.

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: NORTHWOOD TOWING & REPAIR gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 07/21/2010, 11:00 am at 1540 NW 53 AVE GAINESVILLE, FL 32653, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. NORTHWOOD TOWING & REPAIR reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids. 1G1NE52M5V6160568 1997 CHEVROLET

(Published: Alachua County Today - July 08, 2010)

INVITATION TO BID

SEALED BIDS will be received and accepted by the Town of LaCrosse, Florida, until Monday, July 12, 2010, at 7:00 p.m. for the following tree trimming. The bids will be opened and read aloud on Monday, July 12, 2010, at the regular Town Council meeting. All Bidders are encouraged to attend a pre-bid tour to be held Friday, July 2, 2010, at 9:00 a.m. at the Town Hall in LaCrosse. The Town of LaCrosse is requesting bids, for: 1. Tree trimming over the streets to a height of 15 feet. 2. Trim all street right of ways from fence line to fence line or to the planted hedge lines where the right of way ends. 3. All trimmings will be removed and disposed of in a landfill or in an authorized receiving area. 4. All bids are to be sealed, and shall contain a current certificate of liability insurance of at least $300,000, and workers compensation insurance. 5. Bids will be received until 7 p.m. on July 12, 2010. The bids will be opened and read aloud at the July 12, 2010 Town Council meeting to begin at 7:30 p.m. 6. Any bid not containing requested certificates will not be read, and will not be considered. 7. A pre bid walk or drive thru will be at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, July 2, 2010. All interested should attend. Contact: Town Clerk, Shirley Pruitt, 386-462-2784 or Councilman Mitchel Harrell 386-462-0465 with any questions concerning this bid. Bids may be delivered, or mailed to Shirley Pruitt, Town Clerk, Town of LaCrosse, P.O. Drawer D, LaCrosse, Florida 32658. The Town reserves the right to accept or reject any and all bids.

(Published: Alachua County Today - June 24, July 01 and July 08, 2010)

NOTICE OF SALE

ADC Self Storage, in accordance with the Florida Self Storage Act, hereby notifies that the following units are scheduled for public auction, or other disposal, on Monday, July 26, 2010 at 10:00 A.M. The Auction, or other disposal, will be held at ADC Self Storage, 13701 NW US Hwy 441, Alachua, Florida 32616 A15 Robin Schweinberg A28 Dawn C. Daugherty A36 Thomas Valentino Stultz A42 Shelby Lee Fillingim B27 Feliciano Vega, Jr. B28 Larea Gillette Dirfenbaugh D03 Sharon Manning

(Published: Alachua County Today – July 8 and 15, 2010)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Advertise in Over 100 Papers throughout Florida. 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 Georgia Peaches, Organic Blueberries, Butterbeans and Fordhoocks, Acre Peas, Watermelon, Shelled Pecans, Florida Broccoli & Cauliflower, Cucumbers, Bell Peppers, Local Yellow Squash & Zucchini, Cabbage, Local Honey Fresh Local Silver Queen Corn, Amish Jellies and Jams, Brown Eggs, Foothills Butter, N. Carolina Apples & Apple Cider. Canning quantities available. Call 386-462-6158

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

Tree climber/foreman highly skilled in all phases of tree work. Florida Drivers License a must. Drug-free workplace. Full time work with benefits. 352-378-5801

Drivers - INTERMODAL OWNER OPERATORS. High Weekly Pay, Practical Miles, Home Daily, Regional Runs. 2 years intermodal exp., CDL Class A. Contact Mac/Janice at (904)644-0948

Drivers - FLORIDA TRUCK DRIVERS NEEDED ASAP! IN-STATE DRIVING POSITIONS AVAILABLE! CDL-A w/ 1 yr. experience Outstanding pay & Benefits! Call a recruiter TODAY! (877)484-3042 www.oakleytransport.com

DRIVER- GREAT MILES! NO TOUCH FREIGHT! No forced NE/NYC! 6 months OTR experience. NO felony/DUI last 5 years. Solos/Teams Wanted. Company call: (877)740-6262 www.ptl-inc.com

Part-time landscaper wanted. Experience preferred but not necessary. 352-375-5296

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

ALL CASH VENDING! Do you earn $800 in a day? 25 Local Machines and Candy $9,995. (888)629-9968 BO2000033 CALL US: We will not be undersold!

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

CASH NOW! Get cash for your structured settlement or annuity payments. High payouts. Call J.G. Wentworth. 1-866-SETTLEMENT (1-866-738-8536. Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau.

ADOPTIONS

ARE YOU PREGNANT? CONSIDERING ADOPTION? Loving married couple seeks to adopt. Will be Full-time Mom (age 36) and Devoted Dad. Financial security. EXPENSES PAID. Kim/Bill (888)399-3255 FL Bar# 0150789

EDUCATION

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

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

Lots For Sale

NC MOUNTAINS - BEST LAND BUY! 2.5acres, spectacular views, gated, paved road. High altitude. Easily accessible, secluded. Bryson City. $45,000. Owner financing: (800)810-1590 www.wildcatknob.com

Acreage & Farms

1 AC GILCHRIST COUNTY

Paved road frontage on CR 138. Cleared homesite. High and Dry! OWNER FINANCING! NO DOWN PAYMENT! Only $256/mo. Total $24,900. Call 352-215-1018

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

Commercial Properties

FOR SALE: 6 + acres for development - Rail Road Avenue - wooded - R3 zoning (high density) lot size 50 x 90 allowed, $280,000. Call 352 231-2405

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

Condos For Rent

FOR RENT: 1 BR - 1 BA Trukey Creek Condo- great shaded location, end unit, garage, all appliances. Perfect for retiring couple. Small pet with pet deposit allowed, 1st/last month rent - minimum 1 year lease. $700 per month. Call 352-231-2405

Business & Office Rentals

FOR RENT: Great location - downtown High Springs, has been sandwich shop, unique furniture store and office. About 500 sq. feet plus wrap-around porch of about 400 additional sq. feet. $850 per month. Call 352 231-2405

Vacation Properties

NC MOUNTAINS CLOSEOUT SALE! Cabin Shell, 2+ acres with great view, very private, big trees, waterfalls & large public lake nearby, $99,500 Bank financing (866)275-0442

MERCHANDISE

Furniture

CHERRY BEDROOM SET. Solid Wood, never used, brand new in factory boxes. English Dovetail. Original cost $4500. Sell for $895. Can deliver. Call Tom (954)302-2423

LEATHER LIVING ROOM SET. In original plastic, never used. Orig price $3000, Sacrifice $975. Can deliver. Call Bill (305)420-5982

Auctions

FORECLOSED HOME AUCTION 700+ Homes | Auction: 7/29 Open House: July 17, 24 & 25 REDC | View Full Listings www.Auction.com RE Brkr CQ1031187

Absolute Auction-Commercial property-Lincoln, Alabama near Honda plant-3 buildings (60K+/-sq ft), 19+/- acres. July 22, 1PM, gtauctions.com, (205)326-0833 Granger, Thagard & Associates, Jack F. Granger, 873

Notice of Public Auction July 28th, 2010 10:00 a.m. with registration at 9:30a.m. Location: Alachua County Courthouse, 201 E University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601 Property Offered: Address 4407 SW 21st Lane, Gainesville, FL 32607-3835 Legal Description: LOT FORTY EIGHT (48), OF MARCHWOOD, AS PER A PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK "M", PAGE 47 OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA. Parcel: 06686-048-000 SUBJECT TO that certain Mortgage to Commodore Financial Services Corporation dated and recorded August 20, 1986 in O.R. Book 1634, page 313; assigned to Allied Group Mortgage Company May 2, 1994 in O.R. Book 1961, page 2137 of the Public Records of Alachua County, Florida, which mortgage Grantee hereby assumes and agrees to pay according to the terms thereof. Prior to any sale or other transfer to any future Grantees, the existing loan taken subject to shall be either paid in full and satisfied or assumed through a full qualification process such that the Grantors are released from any and all liability under the existing loan. Sec-Twn-Rng: 10-10-19;Use: SINGLE FAMILY; Tax Jurisdiction: Gainesville 3600;Area: MARCHWOOD; Subdivision: MARCHWOOD; Legal: MARCHWOOD PB M-47 LOT 48 OR 2075/1896 Property is an unoccupied Single Family Condominium structure situated within a row of similar units. MINIMUM BID - $38,228.54

www.ustreas.gov/ auctions/irs Under the authority in IRC 6331 and 6335 the property described herein was seized from Robert D Howard and will be sold at public auction. Only the right, title and interest of Robert D Howard is offered for sale. If requested the IRS will furnish information about possible encumbrances, although No encumbrances were found. All property is offered subject to any prior valid outstanding liens in favor of third parties against the taxpayer which are superior to the lien of the U.S. The US makes no guarantee or warranty, expressed or implied, as to the validity, quality, or condition of the property or it’s fitness for any use. No claim will be considered for allowance or adjustment or for rescission of the sale based upon failure of the property to conform with any representation expressed or implied. Full payment is required upon acceptance of the highest bid. Notice of sale has been given in accordance with all legal requirements. All payments must be by cash, certified, or cashiers or check drawn on any bank of trust company incorporated under the laws of the U.S., payable to U.S. Treasury. For more info: www.ustreas.gov/ auctions/irs Darlene Shadday, (602) 501-2146

(Published: Alachua County Today - July 08, 2010)

CAMPING

CAMPERS & TRAILERS

PUBLIC AUCTION 450 + Mob Homes/Campers Online Bidding Available NO MINIMUM PRICE Sat July 10 @ 9am Carencro, LA www.hendersonauctions.com (225)686-2252 Lic#136


To Place a Classified Call 386-462-3355.

 

 

 

 In November, High Springs citizens will get an opportunity to amend the process by which vacant City Commission seats can be filled mid-term.

As the City Charter now reads, if a seat becomes vacant, the remaining commissioners may appoint someone to fill the position until the next regular election.

But during a June 24 meeting, the current commission voted unanimously in favor of passing an ordinance to submit a proposal for an amendment to the City Charter to be placed on the November ballot, for the citizens of High Springs to decide.

The commission discussed two different versions of the amendment but decided on ordinance 2010-10 alt. (for alternative).

If voters pass this amendment, it would change the way a vacant commission seat is filled.

The prposed law would require that if there were more than six months remaining before the next regular election, a mandatory special election must be held to fill the vacant seat for the remainder of the term.

If there were less than six months remaining, the commission could choose to appoint someone to fill the position but only until the next regular election. The commission may also choose to appoint someone to the position until the special election is held, but it is not required.

Initially, Mayor Bill Coughlin suggested that the alternative language not be read and the commission should just go with the first version, because the second is “not that great.” He quickly apologized and urged city attorney Thomas DePeter to go on with the alternate version when he was told that Commissioner Eric May had made a specific request for it to be presented, too.

May explained he prefers this amendment because it facilitates keeping all the commission seats’ terms in sync with the regular election schedule, and it requires the new commissioner to be elected by the people.

Both he and DePeter pointed out that according to some basic research DePeter did, the requirement for a mandatory special election was the most common method among other cities comparable to High Springs.

After clarifying the details of the language, all the commissioners, and Coughlin, agreed on this version.

“It’s an elected position — it should always be elected,” May said.

But the final call will be up to the voters in November. If the amendment doesn’t pass, the charter will remain as it is now.

The following table contains a list of site plan documents submitted to the City of Alachua by Walmart for its Supercenter store
Cover letter Winburnletterdated6-25-10(2).pdf
Architectural Renderings
ArchitecturalElevation.pdf

Landscaping /xeriscapting letter

3873-00-XeriscapeLettertoCityofAlachua.pdf
Geo technical report on site
WebGeoReport-3873.pdf
Bus Shelter 3873AlachuaFLR09_BusShelterfinal.pdf
Comprehensive Plan Compliance Letter 3873-00-MemoreCompPlanCompliancedated6-25-10.pdf

Traffic Report

3873-00-TrafficReportSeptember2009.pdf
Taxable Retail Sales (Economic Survey)
3873-00Wal-MartTaxableRetailSalesStudy.pdf
Capacity letter on utilities /facilities CapacityLetter-3873.pdf
Fee Calculator CityofAlachuaFeeCalculator.pdf
Stormwater management plan FinalStormwater-3873.pdf
Request for variance
VarianceApplication-Attachmentdated6-17-10.pdf
Sinkhole study
WebCompleteSinkholeStudy.pdf
Site Plans 3873-SiteImprovmentPlans.pdf
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
3873-SiteImprovmentPlans.pdf

WEB_DSF2118It’s the question every Alachua city official has probably been asked countless times over the last year – Where is the proposed Alachua Walmart Supercenter store?  Monday, the answer to that question became a bit clearer when the mega-retailer submitted site plans for the massive 155,005 square foot store.

The City of Alachua is reinforcing its hold as an area leader in recreation by making a move to purchase additional recreation land. 

The City Commission voted Monday night 5-0 to authorize City Manager Traci Cain to enter into negotiations and a contract to purchase approximately 110 acres for future recreation purposes for the City at a price tag of $1.25 million. 

The property to be purchased is located west of the Hal Brady Recreation Complex and for several years has been slated to be a 200-home subdivision known as Heather Glen.

Assistant to the City Manager Adam Boukari gave a presentation to commissioners Monday evening, outlining the details of the property with potential layouts of future recreation facilities.  The Commission gave a nod to the project, but required that the City not expend any of its General Fund to acquire the property. 

The City will have 12 months to raise the total funds of which $1.15 million would be the purchase price and the remaining $100,000 would be the property owner’s carrying costs for 12 months.

Boukari stated that the City would be able to dedicate $300,000 of Wild Spaces, Public Places tax revenue toward the project.  The sales tax, which was passed by Alachua County voters in 2008, is a two-year half-cent surtax that sunsets in December 2010.  The City has currently received over $546,000 in surtax revenue to date.

Several area residents, including some who live near the parcel to be acquired, were in attendance at Monday night’s meeting and spoke to the Commission regarding the project.  The vast majority of those speaking about the proposal were supportive of the property being converted into recreational uses. 

Residents from Colonial Heights subdivision, which is a residential neighborhood adjacent to the 110-acre property, did offer their concerns.  The residents were generally supportive, but stated they would like to see a fence erected between Colonial Heights and the proposed recreation property.  Residents also stated that they would like to see a buffer between the properties to limit the impacts of ball field lights and sounds.

The property’s appraised value is $2,060,800 and the current property owner, JTD Land at Heather Glen, LLC, will be making a charitable contribution of the difference in appraised value and the City’s $1.15 million purchase price.  The City currently uses some of the 110-acre property for parking for its annual July 4th celebration.

Boukari stated that over the next 12 months the City would be looking for grants to assist in funding the project as well funds from other government entities.  Additionally, Boukari reported the City would initiate an aggressive fundraising campaign for private contributions for the property.

Fireworks"The Largest Small Town Fireworks Display in America" will be happening Sunday, July 4th in Alachua at the Hal Brady Recreation Center.  Events start at noon and last into the evening with fireworks set to illuminate the skies at 9:30 p.m.  Food, entertainment and children's activities.  Youngsters will love Kidz Corner, where children will be thrilled with nonstop fun and activities from noon to 7 p.m. - and it's absolutely free.  Explore the city's splash park or have fun on huge waterslides...rock climbing wall...bounce house, bungee jump...petting zoo...face painting...  There will be plenty of food vendors on hand as well as aw BBQ eating contest. 

Directions to Hal Brady Recreation Complex (look for signs):

From U.S. 441 Gainesville: Travel West to Alachua.  Turn Left at CR 241/235 (Capital City Bank on corner).  Travel South on CR 241/235 until CR 2054/Peggy Rd.  Turn right at on to CR 2054/Peggy Rd.  If you go over the railroad tracks you've gone too far.  It is right before the tracks.  Travel West on CR 2054/Peggy Rd. (approx. 5 blocks) and turn right on to NW 146th Ter.  Recreation Complex is on the left.

From I-75 Gainesville: Travel North to Alachua Exit 399.  Turn left onto U.S. 441 East.  Travel approximately 1.5 miles and turn right at CR 241/235 (Capital City Bank on corner).  Travel South on CR 241/235 until CR 2054/Peggy Rd.  Turn right at on to CR 2054/Peggy Rd.  If you go over the railroad tracks you've gone too far.  It is right before the tracks.  Travel West on CR 2054/Peggy Rd. (approx. 5 blocks) and turn right on to NW 146th Ter.  Recreation Complex is on the left.

Event Schedule:

Noon – 7 p.m. – Kidz Corner

*Bungee Jump    *Rock n’ Roll    *Tropical slide
*Roaring River Slide    *Bounce Houses    *Speed Pitch
*Rock Climbing Wall    *Giant Dry Slide    *Twin Spin
*Obstacle Course    *Face Painting    *Petting Zoo
*Volleyball    *Splashpark    *Skatepark

Noon – 5 p.m. – Indoor Activities

*Fashion Show    *Live Musical Entertainment
*Senior Cha-Cha-Chas    *Talent Show

Noon – 10 p.m. – Vendor Area Open

4:15 p.m. – 9 p.m. – Live Musical Entertainment

Tuff Times Band    4:15 p.m.
County Road    5:15 p.m.
Little Mike & Tornadoes    6:45 p.m.    
Bryce Carlisle    8 p.m.

6:15 p.m. – Newberry’s Backyard BBQ Rib-Eating Contest

9:30 p.m. – Fireworks

Peterson_Family_Fun_Day__DSF2064Even late June’s sizzling afternoon temperatures and sporadic thunderstorms didn’t deter locals from gathering for fun, food and festivities.  Area residents arrived in droves Saturday to enjoy the fourth annual Family Fun Day, hosted by the Mike Peterson Foundation at Skinner Field.

Hundreds showed up for the event, which featured family friendly activities such as face painting, inflatables, a rock climbing wall, kickball and numerous other games. Dinner was also provided free of charge.

Peterson created the Mike Peterson Foundation as a means of giving back to his hometown of Alachua and nearby Gainesville, along with his NFL cities of Jacksonville and Atlanta. The foundation’s mission is to support families in need in the community and to stimulate the positive development of youth through education, recreation and life skills programs. To learn more about the foundation or its events, call 800-717-0337 or visit www.mikepeterson53.com

LEGAL NOTICE

 

PUBLIC NOTICE

CITY OF HAWTHORNE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

On Tuesday, July 13th at 6:00pm at 6700 SE 221st St. Hawthorne, FL, the Planning and Zoning Board will hold a public hearing regarding the following ordinances:

ORDINANCE

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA, RELATING TO AN AMENDMENT OF TEN OR LESS ACRES OF LAND TO THE FUTURE LAND USE PLAN MAP OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, AS AMENDED, PURSUANT TO AN APPLICATION BY THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, UNDER THE AMENDMENT PROCEDURES ESTABLISHED IN SECTIONS 163.3161 THROUGH 163.3215, FLORIDA STATUTES, AS AMENDED; PROVIDING FOR CHANGING THE LAND USE CLASSIFICATION FROM RESIDENTIAL MEDIUM DENSITY TO COMMERCIAL OF CERTAIN LANDS WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA; PROVIDING SEVERABILITY; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

ORDINANCE

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA, RELATING TO THE REZONING OF LESS THAN TEN CONTIGUOUS ACRES OF LAND, PURSUANT TO AN APPLICATION BY THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE; AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING ATLAS OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS, PROVIDING FOR REZONING FROM ‘RSF-3’ (RESIDENTIAL SINGLE FAMILY) DISTRICT TO ‘CN’ (COMMERCIAL, NEIGHBORHOOD) DISTRICT OF CERTAIN LANDS WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA; PROVIDING SEVERABILITY; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

Copies of the proposed actions may be inspected by the public at City Hall on SE 221st St. The hearing will be open to the public and interested parties may appear at the hearing to be heard regarding the proposed action.

(Published: Alachua County Today - July 01, 2010)

INVITATION TO BID

SEALED BIDS will be received and accepted by the Town of LaCrosse, Florida, until Monday, July 12, 2010, at 7:00 p.m. for the following tree trimming. The bids will be opened and read aloud on Monday, July 12, 2010, at the regular Town Council meeting. All Bidders are encouraged to attend a pre-bid tour to be held Friday, July 2, 2010, at 9:00 a.m. at the Town Hall in LaCrosse. The Town of LaCrosse is requesting bids, for: 1. Tree trimming over the streets to a height of 15 feet. 2. Trim all street right of ways from fence line to fence line or to the planted hedge lines where the right of way ends. 3. All trimmings will be removed and disposed of in a landfill or in an authorized receiving area. 4. All bids are to be sealed, and shall contain a current certificate of liability insurance of at least $300,000, and workers compensation insurance. 5. Bids will be received until 7 p.m. on July 12, 2010. The bids will be opened and read aloud at the July 12, 2010 Town Council meeting to begin at 7:30 p.m. 6. Any bid not containing requested certificates will not be read, and will not be considered. 7. A pre bid walk or drive thru will be at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, July 2, 2010. All interested should attend. Contact: Town Clerk, Shirley Pruitt, 386-462-2784 or Councilman Mitchel Harrell 386-462-0465 with any questions concerning this bid. Bids may be delivered, or mailed to Shirley Pruitt, Town Clerk, Town of LaCrosse, P.O. Drawer D, LaCrosse, Florida 32658. The Town reserves the right to accept or reject any and all bids.

(Published: Alachua County Today - June 24, July 01 and July 08, 2010)

NOTICE OF PROPOSED ENACTMENT OF ORDINANCE BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WALDO, FLORIDA

 

Notice is hereby given that City Council of the City of Waldo will consider the following ordinance for second and final reading on July 13, 2010, at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as may be heard, at the Yerkes Center, 14245 Cole Street, Waldo, Florida All interested parties may appear and be heard with respect to the proposed ordinance.

ORDINANCE NO. 2010-03

An Ordinance of the City of Waldo, Florida, annexing a portion of the City of Waldo Urban Reserve Area pursuant to Chapter 90-496, as amended by Chapter 91-382 and Chapter 93-347, Special Acts, Laws of Florida, known as the Alachua County Boundary Adjustment Act; making certain findings; including within the corporate limits of the City of Waldo, Florida a certain rectangular, compact and contiguous area generally located east of the City limits and east of US Highway 301 in Section 11, Township 8 South, Range 21 East, Alachua County; providing inclusion of the Area in Article II of the City Charter; providing for land use and zoning regulations; providing for persons engaged in an occupation, business, trade, or profession within the area; providing directions to the City Manager/ City Clerk; providing a severability clause, and providing an immediate effective date.

A copy of the proposed ordinance is available for public inspection at City Hall, 14655 Kennard Street, Waldo, Florida, during regular business hours. Persons with disabilities requesting reasonable accommodations to participate in this proceeding should contact City Hall at (352) 468-1001 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting date. Please be advised that if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Council with respect to any matter considered at said hearing, that person will need a record of the proceedings, and that for such purpose, that person may need to insure that a verbatim record is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

(Published: Alachua County Today - July 01, 2010)

NOTICE OF PROPOSED ENACTMENT OF ORDINANCE BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WALDO, FLORIDA

 

Notice is hereby given that City Council of the City of Waldo will consider the following ordinance for second and final reading on July 13, 2010, at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as may be heard, at the Yerkes Center, 14245 Cole Street, Waldo, Florida

All interested parties may appear and be heard with respect to the proposed ordinance.

 

ORDINANCE NO. 2010-05

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF WALDO, FLORIDA, PROVIDING CONSENT FOR THE ENTIRE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF WALDO, FLORIDA, TO BE INCLUDED IN A NON AD VALOREM ASSESSMENT FOR A MUNICIPAL SERVICE BENEFIT UNIT CREATED BY ALACHUA COUNTY FOR THE PROVISION OF SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT COSTS; PROVIDING CONDITIONS FOR THE CONSENT; PROVIDING THAT THE CONSENT IS FOR THREE YEARS; AND PROVIDING AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE DATE.

A copy of the proposed ordinance is available for public inspection at City Hall, 14655 Kennard Street, Waldo, Florida, during regular business hours.

Persons with disabilities requesting reasonable accommodations to participate in this proceeding should contact City Hall at (352) 468-1001 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting date. Please be advised that if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Council with respect to any matter considered at said hearing, that person will need a record of the proceedings, and that for such purpose, that person may need to insure that a verbatim record is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

(Published: Alachua County Today - July 01, 2010)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Advertise in Over 100 Papers throughout Florida. Advertising Networks of Florida, Put us to work for You! (866)742-1373 www.florida-classifieds.com.

LOST & FOUND

LOST Shih-tzu Brown Male "Chewy" Missing since Saturday night 6/26/10 from Southside Terrace area in High Springs If seen please call 386-454-9757 or 352-275-1009

GOOD THINGS TO EAT

C&R Produce, 13789 NW US Hwy 441, Alachua Georgia Peaches, Organic Blueberries, Butterbeans and Fordhoocks, Acre Peas, Watermelon, Shelled Pecans, Florida Broccoli & Cauliflower, Cucumbers, Bell Peppers, Local Yellow Squash & Zucchini, Cabbage, Local Honey Fresh Local Silver Queen Corn, Amish Jellies and Jams, Brown Eggs, Foothills Butter, N. Carolina Apples & Apple Cider. Canning quantities available. Call 386-462-6158.

EMPLOYMENT

 

Help Wanted

Pet Groomer needed Experience a must, for busy newly remodeled Lake City shop. Good pay guaranteed. Shop voted best of the best 2 years in a row. Lots of business and money to be made by a good groomer willing to do a good job and earn it. Must have own equipment and references call Becky at 386-754-5553.

Colonial Life seeks entrepreneurial professional with sales experience to become a District Manager. Life/Health license is required. Substantial earnings potential. Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (904)424-5697

Drivers - FLORIDA TRUCK DRIVERS NEEDED ASAP! IN-STATE DRIVING POSITIONS AVAILABLE! CDL-A w/ 1 yr. experience Outstanding pay & Benefits! Call a recruiter TODAY! (877)484-3042 www.oakleytransport.com

Cash paid for junk cars. $150 and up. Running or not. Free pick up. 352-771-6191.

TRAVEL, WORK, PLAY! Now hiring 18-24 guys/gals to travel w/fun young biz group. NY LA MIAMI. 2wk PAID Training! Hotel & transportation provided. Return guaranteed. Call today/Start today! (800)245-1892

Driver CDLA- Company Drivers & O/O. Excellent Pay, Benefits, Rider Program Additional Benefits/Company Drivers Medical Ins, 401k, Paid Holidays/Vacation. Star Transportation (800)416-5912 www.startransportation.com

Part-time landscaper wanted. Experience preferred but not necessary. 352-375-5296.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

 

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

ALL CASH VENDING! Do you earn $800 in a day? 25 Local Machines and Candy $9,995. (888)629-9968 BO2000033 CALL US: We will not be undersold!

SERVICES OFFERED

 

FINANCIAL

CASH NOW! Get cash for your structured settlement or annuity payments. High payouts. Call J.G. Wentworth. 1-866-SETTLEMENT (1-866-738-8536). Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau.

$$$ ACCESS LAWSUIT CASH NOW!!! $$$ 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

ADOPTIONS

ADOPT - Happy, fun, financially secure, childless couple will share love, laughter and bright future with your newborn baby. Expenses paid. Call Marge and Vito (800)517-0256 FL Bar# 0150789

ARE YOU PREGNANT? CONSIDERING ADOPTION? Loving married couple seeks to adopt. Will be Full-time Mom (age 36) and Devoted Dad. Financial security. EXPENSES PAID. Kim/Bill (888)399-3255 FL Bar# 0150789

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

 

Acreage & Farms

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.

1 AC GILCHRIST COUNTY

Paved road frontage on CR 138. Cleared homesite. High and Dry! OWNER FINANCING! NO DOWN PAYMENT! Only $256/mo. Total $24,900. Call 352-215-1018.

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

 

Business & Office Rentals

Industrial warehouse, High Springs. 1,500 sq. ft. to 4,500 sq. ft. 10ft.x12 ft. roll-up doors. 386-454-2408.

Vacation Properties

NC MOUNTAINS - BEST LAND BUY! 2.5acres, spectacular views, gated, paved road. High altitude. Easily accessible, secluded. Bryson City. $45,000. Owner financing: (800)810-1590 www.wildcatknob.com

VIRGINA MTN CABIN-Galax area Brand new! Great views, private, fishing in stocked trout stream! 2 acres, $159,500, call owner, (866)275-0442

MERCHANDISE

 

Furniture

LEATHER LIVING ROOM SET. In original plastic, never used. Orig price $3000, Sacrifice $975. Can deliver. Call Bill (305)420-5982

CHERRY BEDROOM SET. Solid Wood, never used, brand new in factory boxes. English Dovetail. Original cost $4500. Sell for $895. Can deliver. (954)302-2423

Miscellaneous

AIRLINES ARE HIRING - Train for high paying Aviation Maintenance 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. $150 and up. Running or not. Free pick up. 352-771-6191.


To Place a Classified Call 386-462-3355.

A public records lawsuit filed against the City of High Springs about two weeks ago has raised questions about a city employee with a controversial past and about what constitutes a public record.

This is not the first time Clinton Knowles has come under public scrutiny. Before joining the High Springs Police Department as a reserve officer, he was fired from the Sarasota County Sherriff’s Department in 2008 for an alcohol related incident.

The city is now being sued by High Springs resident Robyn Rush, who seeks to obtain documentation of a pre-employment polygraph test that Knowles took when he applied for a part-time position in the police department earlier this year.    

Rush made multiple requests for the record, several pages of which the city eventually gave her, though portions of the text were redacted, or blacked out.

Rush maintains that under Florida public records law, additional portions of the documents should be made available.

Police Chief Jim Troiano expressed a concern that the city’s refusal to release the documents in their entirety could be misconstrued as an attempt to cover something up.

He said the city is just trying to abide by the law as best it can.

And the Florida Attorney General’s Office, he pointed out, notified both parties that “it appears that the City of High Springs is complying with the requirements of the Public Records law and that it has taken steps to satisfy your [Rush’s] public records request.”

Initially, Rush contacted the Attorney General about her concern that the city was not in compliance with public records law. The Attorney General subsequently corresponded with both Rush and the city, advising them of the office’s determination, but no formal mediation was every held among the three entities.

“The bottom line is we’re not trying to hide anything,” Troiano said. If city officials could release the documents, according to their understanding of the law, he said he’d be the first to hand them over. 

As Rush stated in an e-mail to the Attorney General’s Office, she doesn’t think the statute the city is citing as reason to withhold parts of the record should apply to the specific material in question.

Florida law exempts materials containing employment examination questions and answer sheets from public record. The rational is that releasing such materials as public record could provide an opportunity for potential applicants to cheat.

“In the case of a polygraph, it is an evaluation of ‘truthfulness’ and no amount of study can cause an advantage in the ‘test,’” Rush argued.

Because of the controversy surrounding Knowles, one might assume the worst of what could be written beneath the blacked-out sections of his polygraph record.

Rush is suing the city to release those redacted sections so she can see for herself.

Troiano said there’s nothing in the redactions that would disqualify him as a candidate for the department’s open part-time position.

The official result of the polygraph, which was determined by the Alachua County Sherriff’s Office detective who administered the test, was “inconclusive.”

Troiano went on to say he considers Knowles to be fully qualified for the position, and he, as well as all three of the department’s sergeants, made formal recommendations ranking him as the number one candidate.

The chief said his recommendation was based on Knowles’ training and experience and how he has performed in his current position as a reserve officer thus far.

“He’s far exceeding the expectations of some and certainly living up to the expectations I had of him.”

But despite the avid support from his commanding officers, Knowles was not selected to fill the part-time position.

The position has remained open, Troiano said, for lack of a qualified candidate. And though Troiano and his sergeants consider him to be qualified, city manager Jim Drumm would not approve the appointment of Knowles as a part-time officer.

Drumm said he made that decision based on concerns about Knowles’ record and about putting him on “permanent status.”

The candidate ranked second for the position, Ryan Lee Scott, is undergoing the hiring process now, according to Drumm.

As for the pending lawsuit, Rush’s attorney, Joseph Little, submitted a request for an accelerated hearing on the grounds of enforcing Florida public records law, which is designed to maximize government transparency.

How the judge rules on this case could set a precedent for future public records disputes.

Troiano said he is confident the city will prevail.

Much of how a city conducts its meetings is set in stone. Robert’s Rules of Order must be followed. Citizens must be given an opportunity to speak. And in Florida, commissioners can’t discuss city issues with other commissioners unless they are at a public meeting.

But one area of flexibility that remains is the city’s power to place certain items of business on a consent agenda. These items are approved in one felt swoop – without discussion from the commission or citizens. Often these are routine items, but many have voiced concerns that the consent agenda can and has been used to pass through controversial items without scrutiny.

Larger cities like Gainesville normally pass through several items via a consent agenda, allowing the commission to focus in on the main issues of debate.

But the smaller municipalities of Alachua County, which in theory have less on their plate, wrestle with whether a consent agenda is even worth the hassle.

At a June 14 commission meeting, Newberry briefly resurrected the idea of using a consent agenda, only to bury it minutes later.

Commissioner Bill Conrad said he researched the idea for a couple of weeks and decided that the time saved would not be worth the risk involved.

One of those risks Conrad was alluding to is a lawsuit, which Alachua, a city that routinely uses a consent agenda, has faced recently.

Charles Grapski and Michael Canney filed the lawsuit, after the city refused to provide minutes from the April 2006 election board of canvassers meeting before the city’s next commission meeting. The minutes were then placed on the city’s consent agenda, preventing Grapski or Canney from commenting on them at the meeting.

The city initially won the lawsuit, but parts of the decision were reversed on appeal. The First District Court of Appeal held that the city violated public records laws by not turning over the meeting’s minutes. However, the court did not take issue with the city’s use of the consent agenda to approve meeting minutes, ruling that it was not a violation of open meeting laws.

Other cities have handled the consent agenda issue in a variety of ways.

Like Newberry, High Springs has steered clear of using a consent agenda. City Manager Jim Drumm said the issue has come up in a couple of meetings in the past few years but has never been seriously considered. He said the bi-monthly meetings usually last about three to four hours, and he doesn’t think a consent agenda would speed up the process much, since most of items that would be slated for a consent agenda rarely take up much time, anyway.

Hawthorne made the transition to using a consent agenda when the city hired City Manager Ed Smyth last year. Before Smyth, Hawthorne did not use a consent agenda, and the transition worried some citizens and commissioners that items would pass under the radar. However, Hawthorne commissioners have routinely pulled several, occasionally all, of the items off the consent agenda and opened them up for discussion, rendering the issue moot.

Even smaller municipalities such as Waldo and La Crosse only meet once each month for about two hours. Waldo City Manager Kim Worley said she understands how it can be useful in larger cities like Gainesville but said it isn’t necessary for a small city like Waldo.

editorials_thumb250_This 4th of July Americans worldwide will celebrate the founding of our nation.  For 234 years the United States has been a symbol to all those who love, respect and yes, hunger for freedom.  Let us not forget that while we enjoy magnificent displays of fireworks, thousands of our military personnel remain abroad.  As we stand in awe of the flashes of light during this holiday weekend, let us remember that these displays symbolize the "rockets’ red glare” and the “bombs bursting in air" that Francis Scott Key so eloquently described in our national anthem.

The loss of lives in the fight against terrorism and oppression drives home the reality that maintaining the freedoms we enjoy comes at a high price.  This has always been so.  Since the birth of our nation, patriots have placed themselves in harm’s way to protect our way of life.

Americans enjoy peace and prosperity gained through great sacrifice, and we should remember the debt owed to those who came before us.  It was not without great courage that the Continental Congress and the American Colonies declared independence from Great Britain.  The freedom and national heritage, which we celebrate annually, cost our forefathers dearly.  Some lost their homes, their fortunes, their families, and some paid the ultimate price.

As we go about our day-to-day lives, can we say we truly know what constitutes “sacrifice?”  Are we willing to risk the loss of our livelihood, property or even our lives to defend our nation and our freedom?  Today, hundreds of thousands of men and women are doing just that.  They are our United States military, on duty and on call 24/7/365 days a year.

During this holiday weekend, take a moment to reflect and thank these brave individuals who are responsible for the rights and privileges Americans enjoy.  And for those of the opinion that America has somehow lost its greatness, consider the millions of people in other countries who would gladly exchange their lives for ours, and their country for America.

This Independence Day, as we celebrate with family and friends, pause for a moment to remember our military and the individuals who make it possible for us to celebrate the Fourth of July here in our small corner of the world.  Offer a prayer for the safety of our fighting men and women across the globe, and be appreciative of all who have made Independence Day worth celebrating.

We at Alachua County Today take this opportunity to wish all our readers a happy and safe 4th of July. 

Military_Kids__DSF2067

 

The City of Alachua commission honored nine Santa Fe High School graduates who have committed to entering the military.  A plaque expressing the City’s appreciation for the recruits’ willingness to serve was presented by Mayor Gib Coerper to each of the recent graduates.  Honored by the commission were U.S. Air Force recruit Rebecca Newborn, U.S. Army recruits, Tyler Bell, James Bernal, and Kyle Prizament, U.S. Army ROTC recruit Ashley Williams, U.S. Marines recruits William Devaney, Joel Griffin and Mason Howard and U.S. National Guard recruit Hannah Robertson.  The young men and women were joined by their families and local recruiters as they accepted their plaques.

Sudzee_DSF2197

 Owner Sharon Johnston and a handful of volunteers cut down the Sudzee Dudz sign Wednesday afternoon, ceremoniously laying the business to rest.

“Sudzee Dudz is going to the big dry cleaners in the sky,” Johnston said.

Johnston, 64, said she sold the business to two men, who plan to move it to a newer, bigger building in High Springs. Johnston said she’s had problems with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) over the old property since 2008.

“They are trying to accuse me of doing something that I didn’t do,” Johnston said.

She said she’d rather not say more about the issue because it’s still up in the air.

The property, at 14988 N.W. U.S. Highway 441, is owned by John Cloyd. Johnston said she doesn’t know what will happen to the property but thinks the building should be condemned because it’s falling apart.

Johnston said selling the business will allow her to retire, something for which she has long been planning. She’s worked in dry cleaning for 47 years, the last 14 as the owner of Sudzee Dudz in Alachua.

Johnston said closing Sudzee Dudz was a happy day because the business will still live on, just at a new location and under new ownership.

She said the business will also have a new name because Sudzee Dudz has personal meaning to her.

Johnston came up with the name when she was giving her three-year-old granddaughter a bubble bath. When Johnston’s granddaughter jumped into the tub, Johnston said, “Look at you, Sudzee Dudz.”

“I said, ‘when I get a business, I’m going to call it that,” Johnston said.

She said she will not have a financial interest in the business but will help the owners get the business going.

“I have 47 years experience to dump in their lap, and they’re going to be successful,” Johnston said.

She said the key to her success was to make the business personable to the people in the community.

“This is my family here in Alachua,” Johnston said. “Every customer that came to my business was part of my family. I knew their kids. I knew their husbands, their wives, what they did, what they wore”

She said her business was not just a cleaners, but a hangout, a haven, a sanctuary.

She said she’d often tell people, “You don’t have to bring clothes in here, just come and visit me.”

Johnston rarely had employees, but oftentimes had people helping out, many of whom were there helping out one last time, including Annie Bell Black, Tony Mantlo, Bruce Garrison, Timmy Mathis and Randy Durden.

She hopes the customers will come and see her at the High Springs location at 210 N.W. Santa Fe Boulevard.  Johnston said the new business will retain the personable feel of the old business but will also have plenty of new services and features.

 

While some residents might be worried about running up their sewer bill watering their lawns this summer, others are just trying to deal with the fact that all the irrigation in the world couldn’t make money grow on trees.

                As the High Springs City Commission convened for its regular meeting June 24, everyone was ready and waiting to here a scheduled presentation on the results of a recent utility rate study. The study was done to see if and how wastewater billing is affected in the summer months when people use increased amounts of water that doesn’t actually feed back through the system, like for watering their lawns.

                But before they could get to that, commissioners had to answer Lauren Curry.

                She came before them to discuss what she found to be questionable, perhaps unfair practices in late fee billing and utility shut-off.

                Curry explained she was one of 55 residents who had their water shut off this month. Part of the problem was what a surprise it was to her when it was turned off on June 22, rather than June 25, which according to her, is traditionally, reliably, the day of the month it will get shut off if you haven’t paid.

                She also presented some research that suggested High Springs may have the highest late fee of any city in the state of Florida.

                City commissioners and the city manager called on the city’s licensing and billing director, Rita Troiano, who was in the audience, to help clarify some of Curry’s concerns.

                Troiano said the city can’t always guarantee one set date that shut offs will occur, because there are just two staff members who are responsible for doing them all. She also pointed out that the city tries to avoid ever shutting off utilites on a Friday, because that would leave residents waiting until Monday to have their water (or other utility) turned back on.

                Another of Curry’s concerns was what happens if a bill is due over the weekend—does it then become due the Friday before, or will it not be due until the following Monday?

                Troiano said it will always be due the next business after the weekend due date.

                As far as the issue of overly high late fee rates, the commission indicated that it’s a valid concern shared by many, including some of the commissioners themselves, and it will be looked into.

                Toward the end of the June 24 meeting, which nearly ran to midnight, the commission finally heard from city engineer Mike Clark on the findings of the recent utility rate study.

                The study stemmed from citizen concerns that they were being overbilled for wastewater that was not actually being processed by the sewer system.

                Clark explained that the data he presented came from a very small sample of just a year, which isn’t as accurate as the findings of a study done over more time would be. But according to these figures, the city saw no notable spike in summer wastewater billing vs. usage.

                The city wanted to check that billing was fair, as residents expressed worries that they might be paying for a service they aren’t actually using. Clark addressed the common notion that bills spike in summer because of increased irrigation, but he said “we cannot compare this [High Springs] to a much larger community.”

                In other words, because of the size of High Springs, both in population and industry, spikes in usage can almost always be correlated to some sort of event within the community that would explain them.

                All this could change though, he pointed out, as the rest of the city is gradually hooked up to the system.

columnTonyYoungFWCBy Tony Young

 To me, the best part about hunting is not harvesting game but spending quality time in the outdoors with friends and family. 

            One of the best ways to do just that is through dove hunting.  However, great dove hunts are in such high demand they’re often difficult to find.

            That’s why the FWC created its Special-Opportunity Dove Club Program – to offer hunters the chance of experiencing exceptional dove hunting on the state’s best public dove fields.

            Dove Club permits enable one adult and one youth (under age 16) to hunt all scheduled dates for the dove field of their choice.  Permits cost only $150 and enable both hunters to each take a daily bag limit of birds.  There are a total of eight hunts on all but one of the selected dove fields (Caravelle Ranch has six), and all hunts are from noon until sunset and take place on Saturdays, starting Oct. 2 and ending Jan. 8.

            Last year, 1,436 birds were harvested from five fields.  And this coming season, there will be six special-opportunity dove fields scattered throughout the state from which to choose.

One of the fields is on the Allapattah Flats Public Small-Game Hunting Area in Martin County, east of Lake Okeechobee.  There are 25 Dove Club permits available for the 100-acre field, and participants last year experienced an average take of nearly two birds per hunter per day, harvesting 363 birds. 

The North Newberry Public Small-Game Hunting Area in Alachua County has 13 Dove Club permits on its 40 acres.  That field really produced last season, with 410 doves taken by only 107 hunters! 

Another field is on the Combs Farm Public Small-Game Hunting Area in Baker County, where there are 10 Dove Club permits for the 35 acres.  Caravelle Ranch in Putnam County has a 200-acre dove field with 30 Dove Club permits available, and the field on Hilochee Wildlife Management Area in Lake County has 15 Dove Club permits available to hunt its 58 acres.

The remaining special-opportunity dove field, the Frog Pond Public Small-Game Hunting Area in Miami-Dade County, was the top producer in past years but was unavailable last season.  It will be open this year and is going to have about 30 Dove Club permits available to hunt its 50 acres.

            There’s been a change this year: Dove Club permits will not be sold first-come, first-served during Phase I as they have been in the past but will instead be issued by random drawing.  And the Phase I application period for applying runs July 1-19. 

After obtaining the correct application worksheet by going to MyFWC.com/Hunting and clicking on “Limited Entry Hunts,” you can apply for these season passes by filling out a single worksheet (with up to five dove field choices) and turning it in at any county tax collector’s office, license agent or by going online at www.fl.wildlifelicense.com. During Phase I, hunters may be awarded a permit for only one dove field.

If you’re successful in getting drawn, you must pick up and pay for your Dove Club permit at any of the same places mentioned above by Aug. 9.  You can check drawing results in late July at MyFWC.com/Hunting, again by clicking “Limited Entry Hunts.”  And any applicants who provide their e-mail address will be notified by the FWC via e-mail if they are drawn. 

            Brochures on each of these areas are available online at MyFWC.com/Dove.  Also at that Web address, beginning in late September, hunters will be able to find the most up-to-date information on these six special-opportunity dove fields, as well as Florida’s other public dove fields.  The website is updated every Thursday throughout the dove season, and information includes dove densities, previous weeks’ harvests and field conditions.

So if you’d like to join the FWC’s Dove Club, you need to try to do so in July.  Remember to introduce someone new to hunting when you can.  As always, have fun, hunt safely and ethically, and we’ll see you in the woods!

columnBy Eric May, Vice-Mayor, High Springs

It was a hot summer day in late July when I found myself stumbling across a newspaper article that forever changed my life.  The story was the announcement of the upcoming local election for two High Springs City Commission seats. 

You see, I was always the type of person who, like most of you, had some sort of dislike of government but really had never taken action on it.  The more I thought about it, the more I knew what I had to do.  The time was right for me to step off the sidelines and answer the call of public service, to change our government from the top down. 

So that week I went down to City Hall and met with a friendly city employee who gave me the necessary paperwork to get me started.  Before I knew what hit me, I found myself in a field of eight candidates vying for two seats.  One of the seats was held by a nine-year incumbent Mayor/Commissioner and current Alachua County Commission Candidate Jim Gabriel, and the other was held by a popular six-year incumbent, both considered to have strong name recognition.

The next four months were a bit of a blur, and could be described as a roller-coaster of campaigning and hard work.  The end result?  My premise of smaller government, Reagan conservative ideals, and promises of less taxes struck a chord with voters who put me and another newcomer into office.  Last November I was sworn in as High Springs' newest Commissioner, joining what I consider to be one of the finest commissions in recent history. 

Seven months have come and gone since that ceremony and I am happy to report I am part of a commission that is doing what our founding fathers wanted: putting more power back into the hands of the people.  We are reducing government waste, reducing fees, reducing processing times, increasing private property rights, and at the end of the day, improving our citizens' lives by increasing their liberties.  

In that short span of time I have had the pleasure of supporting and voting for suspending impact fees to help the local economy, eliminating overbearing historic regulations, gutting a highly restrictive sign code, avoiding utility rate increases, taken steps to eliminate the business-unfriendly conditional use permit, passed a comprehensive plan that provides for a better future for High Springs, completely remade the City website and email system improving citizen contact, and even reduced the commission's own salary.  The changes have been so substantive, in fact, that leaders from the Gainesville area are approaching High Springs more and more because the longstanding impression that High Springs was not business friendly is fading away.

Despite all this progress, last week, in response to facing criticism for wasting in excess of $420,000 in taxpayer's money during his tenure, Jim Gabriel called us a “do nothing commission.”

Mr. Gabriel, your comments in that article exemplify the reason you lost your re-election bid; you've lost touch with your boss, the people. Furthermore, your race for the County Commission has exemplified why partisan politics are broken; anyone can call themselves a Republican, just pay the fee and sign the paperwork.  But, it's a sad state when public officials like yourself vote for tax increases, increased fees, and wasteful spending projects and then go on to a higher office, putting the “R” behind their name on the ballot, expecting people to believe you are a conservative.

No, the title of Conservative is one that is earned through actions and voting records. It is a title that men and women like me have worked hard to earn and must work even harder to keep.

The impact of the gulf oil spill combined with the lingering overall economic malaise has Floridians feeling much worse off than they did a year ago, according to a new University of Florida survey. 

 Consumer confidence fell three points in June to 67, but the biggest decline of all components in the survey was in perceptions of personal finances now compared with a year ago. That measure fell nine points to 45.  Perceptions of personal finances one year from now fell four points to 75. 

 “We had expected consumer confidence to decline due to the effects of the oil spill,” said Chris McCarty, survey director of the Bureau of Economic and Business Research.  “What we did not expect was the main effect to be in the components measuring perceptions of personal finances both now and in the future.”

 The personal finance questions tend to be much less volatile than those looking at national trends and reflect real effects on consumers that tend not to rebound quickly. 

 “The decline in the personal finance questions suggests that on top of the weak recovery, the oil spill has caused some real economic pain, such as through jobs related to tourism and perceptions of lower property values,” he said. “We don’t expect this decline in perceptions of personal finances to turn around quickly.”

 Perceptions of U.S. economic conditions over the next year fell two points to 64, while perceptions of U.S. economic conditions over the next five years fell two points to 70.  Perceptions as to whether it is a good time to buy big-ticket items that often require credit or loans fell one point to 79.

 Overall economic news for Floridians has been mixed, McCarty said. Prior to the oil spill, housing sales had been fairly strong and prices for lower-priced homes appeared to have hit a bottom. Home sales, particularly of new homes slipped dramatically as the tax rebates ended in April.

 Unemployment in Florida registered its second straight decline of 0.3 percent and is now 11.7 percent. This is still historically high, and many of the declines are likely due to temporary Census hires which will disappear after June, he added. 

 “The economic effects of the oil spill are only now starting to show up in the data, although they have been known to residents and businesses along Florida’s west coast for nearly two months,” McCarty said. “It is likely that sales tax revenues, already down from the recession, will decline further as tourists put off trips. This will inevitably translate to a budget deficit in next year’s legislative session, which promises to be more difficult that the one that just ended.”

 McCarty predicted recent losses in consumer confidence are unlikely to regain until the leaking oil is stopped and the spill’s short- and long-term effects are known. “We should expect confidence, and therefore retail sales, to be anemic through the summer and perhaps well into the fall,” he said.

 The research center conducts the Florida Consumer Attitude survey monthly. Respondents are 18 or older and live in households telephoned randomly. The preliminary index for June was collected from 435 responses. 

editorialsThe Fourth of July weekend traditionally is one of the most popular boating holidays of the year.

Barreto_small_Bio Florida boaters ramp up the fun factor afloat with picnics, tubing, waterskiing, attending fireworks displays and visiting waterside restaurants. 

These activities alone don’t constitute anything that might be dangerous – except when boaters abuse alcohol, don’t wear life jackets, don’t consider weather developments or don’t keep a sharp lookout ahead, to the sides and behind their vessels. 

One of the main duties of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers is the enforcement of boating safety regulations.  Many sheriff’s departments and local police departments also have law enforcement officers afloat to help out with marine safety issues.  All these law enforcement agencies will be on the water, helping to ensure the safety of the boating public during the extended holiday weekend – and they are all involved in “Operation Dry Water,” a national effort to call attention to the dangerous practice of operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol or drugs.  Boating safety details in high-use areas will be targeting inebriated boaters.

In spite of a strong presence of law enforcement officers on the water, Florida all too often leads the nation in fatal boating accidents. Copious amounts of both saltwater and freshwater recreational opportunities and a 12-month boating season are factors that combine to increase the odds that boating accidents will happen here.  Yet, these factors cannot excuse the exercise of poor judgment by an irresponsible skipper.

There is an addition concern specific to the western reaches of the state’s boaters this holiday weekend.  Oil from the Deepwater Horizon event is toxic to people as well as wildlife.  To avoid causing additional damage to ourselves and our environment, boaters should avoid areas where booms are deployed and oil is present. If near oil booms, keep speeds down to minimum wake or slower.  Wakes from vessels can damage booms, and traveling through oil can contaminate a vessel, further spreading toxic chemicals in an already highly stressed environment.  As for the direct effects of oil on your vessel, piloting through oil or tar will damage your vessel’s engine and your bank account. 

Boating is a fun recreational activity, but only as long as your habits on the water are punctuated with responsible behavior and good common sense.

This past Sunday Pastor James Richardson and 4-year-old Hailey Rye share a moment during the Father’s Day Service at Spring Hill United Methodist Church which is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year.

Q_-_Feature_1_DSC_0088Americans celebrate a lot of birthdays—birthdays of founding fathers and civil rights leaders, and there’s an especially big birthday that’s coming up on July 4.

This month a local church was recognized in celebration of its 150th birthday. There weren’t any fireworks, but the history speaks for itself. 

Pat Frazier, who’s been attending services at Spring Hill United Methodist for about 43 years, said her father remembers when men and women sat on separate sides of the sanctuary during worship. He was born in a house just down the road from the church.

“Daddy’s been comin’ here for 78 years,” she said. 

That means her family has been attending the church for at least 121 of the 150 years it’s been in existence.

It was recognized for those 150 years at the 2010 Florida Annual Conference Event of the United Methodist Church, along with 34 other anniversaries, another three of which were for 150 years.

The event took place in Lakeland from June 10 through June 12, and the Spring Hill pastor, James Richardson, attended with his wife, Janie.

The Florida Conference is a regional division of the Methodist church, Richardson explained. It is one of 233 worldwide.

Regional History

Q_-_Feature_2_DSC_0111  The century-and-a-half-year-old house of worship holds a unique place in Florida’s history. It was originally built as a place for slaves to hold services so they would continue to practice Christianity and not revert to native African religious practices.

The first building was erected in 1860 on a five-acre piece of property off Bellamy Road. According to a history of the church written and compiled by Carolyn Traxler Testrake, a descendent of one of the area’s founding families, the parcel of land was purchased for $50.

The road, known today as Old Bellamy Road, was the first East-West thoroughfare in Florida.                

It was built with federal funds starting in 1824 and completed in 1826. It stretched about 440 miles from St. Augustine to Pensacola, following an old trail called Alligator Road.

Old Bellamy Road still exists today, though it no longer runs straight through the state. There are sections that have been cut up by development over the past 174 years, and its mostly unpaved dirt, gravel and sand.

If you went there today…

But if you follow County Road 235A (also called NW 173 Street) north from Santa Fe High School, it will take you twisting and turning past rural residences and untouched countryside, over Interstate 75 and eventually you will come to a turn-off where the pavement drops off to dust and pebbles.

That is a portion of the original Bellamy Road; the portion the church sits just off of is less than a mile down from the yellow and white-striped asphalt.

In its 150 years, the property has endured deterioration, storm damage and as a popular story goes, a fire, though according to Testrake’s history, there is no official record of it.

During the 1950s, a Sunday school annex was built which included a social hall, a kitchen, classrooms and bathrooms.

For its 100th birthday in 1960, the church celebrated the addition of picnic tables and an outdoor shelter; all built by men of the church using lumber from cedar trees on the property.

More recently, when church members decided in 2008 that the time had come to do some renovations and repairs on the bell tower, they discovered there was no actual bell. One was donated and remains hanging now, able to be rung.

Amidst the many transformations it has gone through, the church has managed to retain some of its original out-fittings. The pews are the same ones hand-crafted by slaves 150 years ago. They do, however, sport the 1970’s addition of crimson cushions.

There are a multitude of people in the congregation today, who, like Pat Frazier, are descendants of the church’s original founding members and the original settlers of the area.

Carolyn Traxler Testrake represents the living generation of the founding family of the town of Traxler, Florida. Now it’s classified as a ghost town. Her great-grandfather, William H. Traxler, was one of region’s original settlers.

There’s a graveyard situated beside the church that’s brimming with even more history, some of which is documented on gravestones, and some is passed down from generation to generation in the form of stories that may well be true, though there isn’t always proof.

The stories on the gravestones include those of infant mortality and civil war veterans. The ones that aren’t recorded in official records include the death of a gypsy girl, whose family, legend has it, buried her in the cemetery as they were passing through.

Pastor Richardson said the story goes that for years after her death, gypsies would leave trinkets at the girl’s grave whenever they came back to the area.

There are an unknown number of unmarked graves belonging to slaves, too.

Another original feature of the property still intact can be found out around the cemetery.

Testrake’s history of the church and the region makes numerous mentions of early hardships settlers endured, including swarms of mosquitoes, which at that time meant the spread of deadly disease.

Though their bites are generally no longer life threatening in developed nations, the buzzing black insects are still very much a part of the property. Visitors planning on exploring the historical cemetery, are advised to bring bug repellant.

Carrying on a legacy

Q_-_Feature_3_DSC_0100  On the other hand, the church itself boasts the comforts of air conditioning and a welcoming congregation. It’s obvious during a Sunday morning service that everyone knows everyone, and most of them make a point of extending greetings to any stranger in their midst.

Richardson, who was born and raised in High Springs, has been the pastor at Spring Hill United Methodist for about nine years.

The church has 138 official members, and he said attendance at weekly services average about 105 to 110 people. That can include people who aren’t official members, too.

“I love the people here,” he said, “Spring Hill is a special place.”

Q_-_group_bible_garden

 From miniature model cars and airplanes to life-size statues of movie characters, enthusiasts of all genres find ways to replicate what they love.

In 2007, a Dutch contractor named Johan Huibers opened the doors of his life-size replica of Noah’s Ark to the public. According to an Associated Press article, Huibers, a creationist, built the ark to one-fifth the size described in the Bible. That equates to two-thirds of a football field in length, standing as tall as a three-story house.

Here in High Springs, another sort of biblical replica is being built.

Last Saturday, a group of about 12 volunteers met at The Oasis, 25914 NW 182 Avenue, a 26-acre tract of land that serves as the international headquarters of The Biblical Botanical Garden Society.

They came to help with the on-going project of replicating a first-century village.

According to Sonny Edmondson, an affiliate of the Bethlehem Celebration Association, the director of the High Springs Bible Gardens at the Oasis, Dr. Ed Bez, has a vision of maintaining the village replica as a permanent feature of the gardens.

The decision to re-create a biblical village goes back to fall of 2009, Edmondson said, but the first work day didn’t start until March.

Volunteer workdays, like the one last Saturday, are pre-scheduled at least once a month, and the village should be complete by December.

Come Christmas time, the plan is for the Bethlehem Celebration Association to host a live nativity at the newly constructed, “ancient” village.

Edmondson said the event will be free and open to the public, and the organization is not affiliated with any one church or denomination. “Everyone is welcome.”

And they’re always looking for more volunteers in the meantime, he added.

Bez said the next workday will be Saturday, July 17.

Q_-_Accident_DSF1535Autopsy results provided few answers to the cause of a March 2 accident which claimed the lives of three High Springs residents.  A son, a mother and a grandmother were killed when their car crashed into a metal pole near the Days Inn on U.S. Highway 441 in Alachua.

Autopsy results were not able to conclusively identify the cause of the accident but did offer a possible explanation.

Alachua Police Department Officer Jesse Sandusky said the pathologist identified the most likely explanation was that Mary President, the driver of the car, was actively having a seizure, causing the car to careen out of control.

President had a history of having seizures and was on seizure medication. However, the theory cannot be confirmed because the autopsy could not determine whether she was indeed having a seizure just before the crash.

The Nissan Infiniti Q45 had been traveling at an approximate speed of 80 miles per hour as President apparently lost control, Sandusky said. 

As it was traveling southbound and changing lanes on U.S. 441, the car clipped a pick-up truck, drove off the road entirely, hit a culvert and went airborne, hitting the pole nearly 20 feet in the air. The pole sheered the car into two sections, leaving no survivors.

The three occupants of the car were Jarron Irby, 8, his mother, Faith President, 27, and her mother, Mary President, 61. The bizarre circumstances of the accident left many questions unanswered, mainly what caused the driver to lose control of the car?

Sandusky said the department ruled out a possible mechanical malfunction as the cause of the crash.

The toxicology screen came back negative for any substance abuse, and the medical examiner did not find any other medical conditions that might have led to the crash.

All three of the car’s occupants were wearing seatbelts, Sandusky said.

He said there is nothing further the department can do, and he expects the investigation to be closed by the end of the week.

A hiring freeze will be in effect for the City of Alachua for the next 12 months, the commission approved unanimously on June 23.

To help save money and replenish the city’s depleted reserves, no new employees will be hired for the next year, with the exception of one position: the assistant finance director. Any position that opens up due to a current employee leaving will have to be brought before the commission.

This freeze on new hires is one of several cost-cutting items the commission discussed, but it’s the only one the commission voted on Wednesday.

Commissioners scheduled the workshop after receiving the audit for 2008-2009, which found that the city had spent $1.7 million of restricted funds on city operations.

The audit, prepared by the accounting firm Purvis Gray and Company, concluded, “Due to the lack of unrestricted fund balance and net assets, the City has used restricted resources resulting in certain violations of contracts or agreements. The continued use of restricted resources could potentially lead to further action taken by creditors or others, and leave the City with insufficient funds to operate.”

To prevent dipping any further into the reserves, commissioners also discussed changing the City Hall workweek from five eight-hour days to four 10-hour days, a move that has saved the City of Gainesville more than $100,000 annually. The commission delayed making a decision on the issue and instead directed the staff to do further research on the costs and benefits of such a move.

The commissioners also voted for a rate study on city employee’s salaries, to compare the salaries of Alachua employees with those of employees in similar cities.

And to keep a closer eye on future financial matters, the commission voted for the city staff to prepare monthly financial reports with a balance sheet noting revenues and expenditures.

The City of Alachua Transit System (CATS) has also been discussed as a way to save money but was not brought up at the workshop.

 

 

 

After two hours of public comment Tuesday on the county’s proposed fire assessment fee, one resigned resident said, “Everything’s been said.”

Apparently, that was not the case, as the comments keep coming for another two hours, followed by two more hours of debate among the commissioners.

On Wednesday morning, at 12:34 a.m., the meeting, which had started at 5 p.m. adjourned, with the assessment, many had viewed as done deal, hanging in the balance and an increase in the millage rate once again under consideration.

The commission voted 3-2 to direct the staff to prepare the budget for two different scenarios – a raise to the maximum millage rate that needs a unanimous decision, and a raise to a lower millage rate that requires a supermajority, or four out of the five votes. The commission also deferred action on the assessment until the July 13 meeting.

About 40 county residents spoke on the issue, many going well over the allotted three minutes, and nearly all bashed the assessment as unfair.

Residents came prepared with accounts of the unaffordable jumps in rates they would be subject to under the assessment.

Many of those who spoke were like Linda Warrington, a senior citizen living on a fixed income and facing a doubling of their fire assessment rates.

Warrington, a Micanopy resident, has lived in the same house for more than 50 years. She’s seen her property taxes rise from $50 in 1957 to more than $2,000 today.

The reason the price under the proposed assessment would be so much higher for residents like Warrington is due to the way it’s calculated.

Under the current system, the Municipal Services Taxing Unit, or MSTU, the rate is based on the assessed value of the house. For residents like Warrington that assessed value is even lower than its actual value due to exemptions like the Homestead Exemption and the Save Our Homes Exemption.

The proposed assessment is based not on assessed value but on square footage, hazard level of the building and whether the building is urban or rural. Also, none of the aforementioned exemptions are factored into the rate. This means fewer people are exempt, creating a wider, more stable revenue stream.

It also shifts the tax burden from the wealthy to the middle class and the poor, argued county Commissioner Mike Byerly, the one commissioner who came out against the assessment early on.

Byerly said the assessment creates winners and losers, and it significantly increases taxes for only one sector of the government, at the detriment to others.

“It substitutes a new set of problems for the old ones,” Bylerly said.

Business owners also spoke against the assessment.

Sally Goforth said rates on her mini-storage business would jump from $737.12 to $6,382 under the assessment. Goforth said the government should have to tighten its belt the same way she as a business owner does, a sentiment echoed by many other business owners in attendance.

Others in attendance asked the county to make the sacrifices that private citizens were already making.

“If you can’t afford steak, eat chicken. And right now, it’s chicken-eating time,” said Steve Moody, resident and owner of several properties in the county.

Comments like this and many others throughout the night were met with applause, which County Commission Chairwoman Cynthia Chestnut warned those in attendance not to do before the meeting. Still, applause broke out several times, prompting Chestnut to pound her gavel and settle down the room.

Director of Public Safety Ed Bailey assured residents that the fire department was already making sacrifices.

“We’re already through the flesh and down to the bone,” Bailey said. “Anything else goes, we’re going to joints.”

Bailey said the department has already undergone a 7.5 percent reduction for the current year, and even with a modest increase in the MSTU, the department would be short about $833,000. That translates into taking two fire engines off the road, Bailey said.

Commissioner Rodney Long was the strongest proponent of the assessment on the commission.

Commissioners resolved to come to some conclusion before adjourning, twice pushing the time limit to 12:30 a.m. and then again to 1 a.m.

The commission did reach a conclusion, but did not make a final decision about how it would fund fire services.

Whatever action is taken regarding the millage rate or the assessment in future meetings, it will have a strong impact on Hawthorne, Waldo and Archer – the three cities that signed on for the assessment on the assumption that it would pass. If the assessment does die, the rates in those three cities will be tied to the MSTU.

Alachua also agreed to the assessment but not to the MSTU, so the city will still have to work out a deal with the county to pay for fire services for the upcoming year.

Newberry, Lacrosse, Micanopy and High Springs all have fire departments and previously worked out agreements with the county to be paid for calls made out of city limits and into other cities or unincorporated area.

High Springs City Manager Jim Drumm said the county and the city have an agreement, but the county has yet to give final approval. He said the county could still reject the contract and the negotiation process would be reopened.

He said the contract was not contingent on the assessment passing. The county can always back out of the contract, if it’s unable to make the payments for the city’s department to cover outside of the city limits, Drumm said.

A night that started as the final meeting to resolve a process that has lasted several months is now left open with loose ends.

LEGAL NOTICE

 

Fictitious Names

NOTICE OF INTENT TO REGISTER FICTITIOUS NAME

Pursuant to Section 865.09, Florida Statues, notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Owner: Sara Beth Yates, 122 Turkey Creek, Alachua, FL 32615 doing business under the firm name of: Gifts by Sara Beth located at 122 Turkey Creek, in the County of Alachua, in the City of Alachua, Florida 32615, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated this 22 day of June, 2010.

(Published: Alachua County Today - June 24, 2010)

PUBLIC NOTICE

CITY OF HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the following Item(s) will be heard at a meeting held by the City Commission of the City of Hawthorne, Florida, at a public hearing on July 6, 2010 at 6:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter can be heard, in the Commission Meeting Room, City Hall located at 6700 South East 221st Street, Hawthorne, Florida.

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, ALACHUA COUNTY FLORIDA, PROVIDING CONSENT FOR THE ENTIRE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA TO BE INCLUDED IN A NON-AD VALOREM ASSESSMENT FOR A MUNICIPAL SERVICE BENEFIT UNIT CREATED BY ALACHUA COUNTY FOR THE PROVISION OF SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT COSTS; PROVIDING CONDITIONS FOR THE CONSENT; PROVIDING THAT THE CONSENT IS FOR THREE YEARS; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

On the date, time and place first above mentioned, all interested persons may appear and be heard with respect to the proposed actions. This/ These ordinance(s) may be inspected by the public prior to the hearing at City Hall located at the address above. (Published: Alachua County Today - June 24, 2010)

INVITATION TO BID

SEALED BIDS will be received and accepted by the Town of LaCrosse, Florida, until Monday, July 12, 2010, at 7:30 p.m. for the following tree trimming. The bids will be opened and read aloud on Monday, July 12, 2010, at the regular Town Council meeting. All Bidders are encouraged to attend a pre-bid tour to be held Friday, July 2, 2010, at 9:00 a.m. at the Town Hall in LaCrosse. The Town of LaCrosse is requesting bids, for: 1. Tree trimming over the streets to a height of 15 feet. 2. Trim all street right of ways from fence line to fence line or to the planted hedge lines where the right of way ends. 3. All trimmings will be removed and disposed of in a landfill or in an authorized receiving area. 4. All bids are to be sealed, and shall contain a current certificate of liability insurance of at least $300,000, and workers compensation insurance. 5. Bids will be received until 7 p.m. on July 12, 2010. The bids will be opened and read aloud at the July 12, 2010 Town Council meeting to begin at 7:30 p.m. 6. Any bid not containing requested certificates will not be read, and will not be considered. 7. A pre bid walk or drive thru will be at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, July 2, 2010. All interested should attend. Contact: Town Clerk, Shirley Pruitt, 386-462-2784  or Councilman Mitchel Harrell 386-462-0465 with any questions concerning this bid. Bids may be delivered, or mailed to Shirley Pruitt, Town Clerk, Town of LaCrosse, P.O. Drawer D, LaCrosse, Florida 32658. The Town reserves the right to accept or reject any and all bids.

(Published: Alachua County Today - June 24, July 01 and July 08, 2010)

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 07/14/2010, 10:00 a.m. at 14515 NW PEGGY RD, ALACHUA, FL 32615-5449, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids. 1G1ND52JOY6106270 2000 CHEVY

(Published: Alachua County Today - June 24, 2010)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Advertise in Over 100 Papers throughout Florida. 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 Georgia Peaches, Organic Blueberries, Butterbeans and Fordhoocks, Acre Peas, Watermelon, Shelled Pecans, Florida Broccoli & Cauliflower, Cucumbers, Bell Peppers, Local Yellow Squash & Zucchini, Cabbage, Local Honey Fresh Local Silver Queen Corn, Amish Jellies and Jams, Brown Eggs, Foothills Butter, N. Carolina Apples & Apple Cider. Canning quantities available. Call 386-462-6158

EMPLOYMENT

 

Help Wanted

Sitework Construction Company is Hiring!

Finish Loader Operator, Grader Operator and UU Pipe Foremen Needed. DFWP Full Time M-F. Apply: Andrews Paving, Inc., 6327 NW 123rd Place, Gainesville, FL 32653.

Pet Groomer needed Experience a must, for busy newly remodeled Lake City shop. Good pay guaranteed. Shop voted best of the best 2 years in a row. Lots of business and money to be made by a good groomer willing to do a good job and earn it. Must have own equipment and references call Becky at 386-754-5553

Driver CDLA- Company Drivers & O/O. Excellent Pay, Benefits, Rider Program Additional Benefits/Company Drivers Medical Ins, 401k, Paid Holidays/Vacation. Star Transportation (800)416-5912  www.startransportation.com

Drivers - FLORIDA TRUCK DRIVERS NEEDED ASAP! IN-STATE DRIVING POSITIONS AVAILABLE! CDL-A w/ 1 yr. experience Outstanding pay & Benefits! Call a recruiter TODAY! (877)484-3042 www.oakleytransport.com

Cash paid for junk cars. $150 and up. Running or not. Free pick up. 352-771-6191

Drivers-CDL-A drivers. No experience, no problem! Need more training? We can help. Must be 23. (888)632-5230  www.JoinWiltrans.com

Farm Field Laborers

Lohr's Orchard is in need of five temporary laborers for planting, harvesting fruits and vegetables, other work as necessary. Starting now thru Dec. 28th, $8.59/hr SWA MD1035750. In-season will be expected to work 7 days a week, some weeks necessary to 60hrs or more, no less than 45 hrs per week, will be expected to work inclement weather, to remain until season is complete. Housing supplied if necessary, travel reimbursed if completes 50% of season. Contact Candace 443-807-0887 for interviews. Must have proof of legal work papers.

(Published: Alachua County Today - June 17 and 24, 2010)

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

 

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

ALL CASH VENDING! Do you earn $800 in a day? 25 Local Machines and Candy $9,995. (888)629-9968 BO2000033 CALL US: We will not be undersold!

THINK CHRISTMAS - START NOW! OWN A RED HOT! DOLLAR, DOLLAR PLUS, MAILBOX OR DISCOUNT PARTY STORE FROM $51,900 WORLDWIDE! 100% TURNKEY CALL NOW (800)518-3064 WWW.DRSS4.COM

SERVICES OFFERED

 

FINANCIAL

CASH NOW! Get cash for your structured settlement or annuity payments. High payouts. Call J.G. Wentworth. 1-866-SETTLEMENT (1-866-738-8536 Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau.

$$$ ACCESS LAWSUIT CASH NOW!!! $$$ 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

ADOPTIONS

ARE YOU PREGNANT? CONSIDERING ADOPTION? Loving married couple seeks to adopt. Will be Full-time Mom (age 36) and Devoted Dad. Financial security. EXPENSES PAID. Kim/Bill (888)399-3255 FL Bar# 0150789

ADOPT - Happy, fun, financially secure, childless couple will share love, laughter and bright future with your newborn baby. Expenses paid. Call Marge and Vito (800)517-0256

EDUCATION

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

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

 

Waterfront Property

VIRGINA MTN CABIN-Galax area Brand new! Great views, private, fishing in stocked trout stream! 2 acres, $159,500, call owner, (866)275-0442

BANK FORCED LIQIUDATION SMOKY MTN LAKE PROPERTY/TN. PRICED PENNIES ON THE DOLLAR! ALL REASONABLE OFFERS ACCEPTED! AMENITIES! CLOSEOUT SALE! JULY 9-10-11 CALL MAP & PRICING. 877-644-4647 x302

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

 

Mobile Homes For Rent

3BD/2BA DWMH Near Walmart Distribution Center. Fridge, Washer/Dryer and monthly pest control included. Nice yard. Available early July, 2010. 386-418-4218 (leave message)

Business & Office Rentals

Industrial warehouse, High Springs. 1,500 sq. ft. to 4,500 sq. ft. 10ft.x12 ft. roll-up doors. 386-454-2408

MERCHANDISE

 

Appliances

Hotpoint upright freezer. 15 cu. ft. Works fine. $75. You pick it up. 386-454-8305 (High Springs)

Furniture

CHERRY BEDROOM SET. Solid Wood, never used, brand new in factory boxes. English Dovetail. Original cost $4500. Sell for $895. Can deliver. (954)302-2423

LEATHER LIVING ROOM SET. In original plastic, never used. Orig price $3000, Sacrifice $975. Can deliver. Call Bill (305)420-5982

WANTED TO BUY

Cash paid for junk cars. $150 and up. Running or not. Free pick up. 352-771-6191


To Place a Classified Call 386-462-3355

 

PetersonFamily Fun Day in Alachua

Free Youth Football Camp in Gainesville

Atlanta Falcons LB Mike Peterson will host two events later this month to benefit local youth and their families and to raise awareness for his charitable organization, the Mike Peterson Foundation.

 On Saturday, June 26, Peterson will host his third annual Bring It Youth Football Camp at Citizen’s Field in Gainesville from 9:30 am – 2:00 pm. This free camp is open to boys and girls between the ages of 8 and 17, and is a non-contact camp. The coaching staff consists of active and former NFL players, in addition to area high school coaches. Camp registration is limited to the first 300 registrations on a first-come, first serve basis.  The registration forms, as well as online registration, are available at www.mikepeterson53.com.

 Also on Saturday, June 26 and following the camp, the Mike Peterson Foundation will host its fourth annual Family Fun Day from 5 – 8 p.m. at Skinner Field in Peterson’s hometown of Alachua. This free event is open to all area residents and will feature family friendly activities such as face painting, water dunk tank, three-legged races, sack races and numerous more games. Dinner will also be provided.

 Peterson created the Mike Peterson Foundation as a means of giving back to his hometown of Alachua and nearby Gainesville, along with his NFL hometowns of Jacksonville and Atlanta.  The Foundation’s mission is to support families in need in the community and to stimulate the positive development of youth through education, recreation and life skills programs. To learn more about the Foundation or its events, please call 800-717-0337 or visit www.mikepeterson53.com.

As a town originally built around the railroad, much of the history of the present-day city rests on the rail line that runs through it. But it’s becoming apparent that the future of High Springs, maybe even more so than its past, is invested in the local rail system.

As reported first in Alachua County Today, over the past several weeks, local officials from both the city and Alachua County governments have been writing letters and making phone calls to ask for help and look for possible solutions to save the rail.

An ongoing effort to retain and expand the local branch of a national piping manufacturer, Prime Conduit, sparked the rail crusade.

The Council for Economic Outreach at the Greater Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce, which is heading the Prime Conduit project, discovered that the viability of an expansion at the High Springs location is solely dependant on whether the rail remains operational.

The problem is the 14 miles of rail, running from Newberry through Crystal River, are in need of about $500,000 worth of repairs, according to David Ramsey, from the Council for Economic Outreach.

Ramsey said the rail does not bring in enough revenue for its owner, Florida Northern Railroad, part of A Pinsly Company, to be able to afford the repairs.

This is why the Council for Economic Outreach, the High Springs City Commission and the Alachua County Commission are all working to find a way, or ways, to help fund the repairs.

Prime Conduit is one of several area businesses that depend on the rail for shipping. And as both City Manager Jim Drumm and Mayor Bill Coughlin previously pointed out, the rail would continue to serve as an asset to the community when it comes to attracting new business to the area.

Following a June 3 joint meeting of the city and county commissions, a letter was sent to inform the Florida Department of Transportation of the need for funds and to inquire about the availability of specific money from a previous project that fell through.

Ramsey said they’re still waiting for a response to the letter, and he hopes to have more solid news to share in the next week or two.

“We’re still in the process of working with the department of transportation and with elected officials to garner support and find options,” he said.

County Commissioner Lee Pinkoson said Congresswoman Corinne Brown, the U.S. House representative of the third congressional district of Florida, was also contacted concerning the issue.

Brown’s staff was not yet able to comment on the matter, but said she is aware of the situation and is also looking into options. Brown is involved with the Committee for Transportation and Infrastructure, and she is chair of the subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.

Pinkoson also mentioned the possibility of applying for a TIGER Discretionary Grant. TIGER stands for Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery, and the funding for these grants, comes from the American Recovery Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Ramsey explained that the minimum award from a TIGER Grant is $10 million, and this project only calls for about one tenth of that. But the Council for Economic Outreach is exploring how it might be able to pair other projects with the rail to qualify. This is just one of many potential funding sources the council is looking into.

He said he couldn’t really elaborate on others just yet.

Pinkoson echoed Ramsey, saying the county is completely on board with the effort. “We don’t want High Springs to suffer an economic setback.”

 Ask a regular Joe on the street what he knows about bees, and he’ll no doubt believe you to be talking about the kind brought to the U.S. long ago from Europe for honey-making purposes.

honeybee2

Ask University of Florida postdoctoral researcher Akers Pence, and he’ll tell you all about different kinds of bees – those native to North America – how they’ve rarely been studied, how critical they are but how little is known about them.

To that end, Pence is directing the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences’ portion of a five-year study of native pollinators. Specifically, the study will try to determine the most effective ways to attract the native pollinators, keep them around, and encourage them to pollinate Florida’s crops.

The study, part of a larger effort called Operation Pollinator, has been supported with a $160,000 grant for its first year by Syngenta and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and includes research partners at Michigan State University and the University of California, Davis. The effort is aimed at evaluating native pollinators, especially bees, as pollinators of agricultural crops.

Today marks the start of National Pollinator Week, which runs through June 27. Events are being held across the country to draw attention to their value and their plight.

Efforts to study the native pollinators are especially timely because honey bees, long considered the “heavy lifters” among pollinators in modern agriculture, have been declining at an alarming rate, Pence said.

Researchers all over the country have been working to find the causes behind Colony Collapse Disorder, which has caused widespread bee die-offs since late 2006.

UF has several graduate students working on native pollinator studies, as well, said IFAS honey bee specialist Jamie Ellis.

Among them: Anthony Vaudo is studying native honey bee conservation in South Africa; Jason Graham is studying native pollinator habitat, nesting materials, how to encourage native bees to nest and educate Floridians about  native pollinator conservation, and Katie Buckley is studying native bees that use specific Florida wildflowers. Fulbright scholar Pablo Herrera is studying native pollinators’ effectiveness with blueberries and watermelons and undergraduate honors student Julian Aris is researching wasps attracted to specific wildflower plots.

In research fields at IFAS’ Plant Science Research and Education Unit in Citra just outside Gainesville, Pence has four sites, each with experimental plots filled with combinations of native perennial and annual wildflowers, and is monitoring them to determine which works best to attract native bees and other pollinators.

Once that is known, agricultural producers and even backyard gardeners could plant those types of flower mixes to encourage the native bees to visit and linger.

On one recent morning, Pence and UF entomology junior Jonnie Dietz used butterfly nets and a stopwatch to go through each plot systematically – 10 minutes of observation, and another 10 minutes capturing pollinators for documentation back at the lab.

Researchers at Michigan State and UC Davis have similar field experiments under way, Pence said.

Researchers hope to find easy and inexpensive ways for agricultural producers to help native pollinators and boost farm yields. It’s imperative that they do: Some of the U.S. crops that are 90 percent or more dependent on pollination include almonds, apples, citrus, sweet cherries, melons, squash, cucumbers and blueberries. And 35 percent of the world’s food production depends on pollination.

“That’s what this native pollinators work is all about,” Pence said. “There are about 4,000 bee species in North America, 316 of them in Florida – and we can only recognize maybe two or three of them in flight. So getting a chance to study them, up close, is great.” 

LEGAL NOTICE

 

PUBLIC NOTICE

 

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 07/07/2010, 10:00 a.m. at 14515 NW PEGGY RD, ALACHUA, FL 32615-5449, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids. 1G1ND52J5Y6121718 2000 CHEVROLET 1G4NV54U0MM275377 1991 BUICK JS2GB41S415205623 2001 SUZUKI

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - June 17, 2010)

 

 

 

 

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 06/30/2010, 10:00 a.m. at 14515 NW PEGGY RD, ALACHUA, FL 32615-5449, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. A-1 AUTO REPAIRS OF ALACHUA INC reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids. 1FMZU62E62ZB26378 2002 FORD

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - June 17, 2010)

 

 

 

 

 

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 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 29, 2010 or thereafter. Units are believed to contain household goods, unless otherwise listed. Interstate Mini Storage, 2707 SW 40th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32608. Ph. (352) 371-0852. UNIT M7 Scott Fitzgibbon UNIT K3 Shawn Klein UNIT G12 Melvin Brown UNIT B18 Marcous Farlin UNIT H10 Ronald Ray UNIT I71 Lauren Krasnow UNIT M9 Heather Job UNIT L13 Kristi Vieira

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - June 10 and 17, 2010)

 

 

 

 

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

 

 

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

 

Advertise in Over 100 Papers throughout Florida. Advertising Networks of Florida, Put us to work for You! (866)742-1373 www.florida-classifieds.com.

 

 

 

 

SCHOOLS/INSTRUCTION

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

GOOD THINGS TO EAT

 

 

C&R Produce, 13789 NW US Hwy 441, Alachua Georgia Peaches, Organic Blueberries, Butterbeans and Fordhoocks, Acre Peas, Watermelon, Shelled Pecans, Florida Broccoli & Cauliflower, Cucumbers, Bell Peppers, Local Yellow Squash & Zucchini, Cabbage, Local Honey Fresh Local Silver Queen Corn, Amish Jellies and Jams, Brown Eggs, Foothills Butter, N. Carolina Apples & Apple Cider. Canning quantities available. Call 386-462-6158.

 

 

 

 

EMPLOYMENT

 

 

 

Help Wanted

 

 

Start a New Career in Heat & Air. National Trade School. We will assist you in finding a JOB. 3wk Training Program. National Accreditation. (877)994-9904.

 

 

 

WANTED: LIFE AGENTS. Earn $500 a Day, Great Agent Benefits. Commissions Paid Daily, Liberal Underwriting. Leads, Leads, Leads. LIFE INSURANCE, LICENSE REQUIRED. Call (888)713-6020

 

 

Cash paid for junk cars. $150 and up. Running or not. Free pick up. 352-771-6191.

 

 

 

Farm Field Laborers

 

Lohr's Orchard is in need of five temporary laborers for planting, harvesting fruits and vegetables, other work as necessary. Starting now thru Dec. 28th, $8.59/hr SWA MD1035750. In-season will be expected to work 7 days a week, some weeks necessary to 60hrs or more, no less than 45 hrs per week, will be expected to work inclement weather, to remain until season is complete. Housing supplied if necessary, travel reimbursed if completes 50% of season. Contact Candace 443-807-0887 for interviews. Must have proof of legal work papers.

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - June 17 and 24, 2010)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REGIONAL DRIVERS NEEDED! More Hometime! Top Pay! Up to $.41/mile company drivers! 12 months OTR required. HEARTLAND EXPRESS (800)441-4953 www.heartlandexpress.com

 

 

 

BYNUM TRANSPORT- needs qualified drivers for National OTR positions. Food grade tanker, no hazmat, no pumps, great benefits, competitive pay & late-model equipment. (866)GO-BYNUM. Need 2 years experience.

 

 

 

 

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 CALL NOW (800)518-3064 WWW.DRSS4.COM

 

 

 

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C&R Produce, a local landmark

Q_-_CR_FeatureDSC_0087

A.J.  Rawlins shows his nephew how to weigh and price fresh okra at the family’s produce market located on busy U.S. Highway 441 in Alachua.

 

It may not take much for fruits and vegetables to go bad. Leave them out too long or wait too long to eat them, and even refrigerated they’re bound to go bad soon enough.

Unlike its fragile merchandise, one local produce stand has proven it has a long shelf life, and it’s not likely to expire any time in the foreseeable future.

Alachua's C&R Produce has become a landmark in the local community in Alachua. Anyone who has ever driven north on U.S. Highway 441 between Gainesville and High Springs is sure to have seen a somewhat awkward and disproportionate figure in overalls, waving at them, perched against the colorful sign that reads “C & R Produce,” in half-backwards, playful lettering.

A Growing History

About 28 years ago, the business started in the back of a pickup truck at that same roadside spot, selling Georgia Jet sweet potatoes, said A.J. Rawlins; the “R” of C&R.

He and his brother-in-law, Ira Cruce, co-own and operate the produce stand.

It expanded from the bed of Rawlins’ truck to a tent and picnic table, he said, and eventually into an actual structure.

It had a roof and stood about 20 feet long by about 12 feet wide, give or take. Though there were shutters on the front that could be closed down at night, there was an opening in the back with no door.

If you were to ask Rawlins if he ever had any problems with people taking advantage of the property after hours, he’d tell you there was never really any trouble, because the stand had its on special security.

“There was this old man who lived out here,” Rawlins said.  “He was a WW II veteran. The locals all knew the man, and he would usually camp out in a ditch on the other side of the road across from the produce stand.”

Back then there was a chicken wire fence that ran across the grass in front of the stand, Rawlins explained, and in the morning sometimes, the fence would be bent out of shape as if someone had tried to climb over it.

“You see, we had this couch out back where we’d take breaks,” and on the mornings when the fence was bent, there would often be a peach pit or other fruit seeds left on the ground by the couch, along with cigarette butts.”

Unfortunately, one day the old man was hit and killed by a vehicle as he was crossing the road.

Since that day, Rawlins and his family never found the fence bent again. There were no more mysterious peach pits or cigarette butts by the couch.

Rawlins said they could never be sure, but he and his family think the man would keep an eye out for them. He never took more than his nap on the couch and a piece of fruit here and there, and maybe thanks to him, neither did anyone else.

These days, Rawlins said he has his two nephews to look out for the stand; 24-year-old Kevin, and his brother 22-year-old Tim, also known as “Meatloaf” and “The Tool Man,” respectively, according to their uncle.

“They’ve been working with us since they was little tiny fellas,” he said.

Harvesting Business

Stepping into the open-air shop as it now stands, about three times the size of the original door-less structure, the smell of fresh Georgia peaches assails your senses.  Coming out of Florida’s mid-day summer sun, one might be tricked, if only for a moment, into thinking the enclosure is air-conditioned.  The tin-roofed building offers a spot of shade and a bit of relief from the afternoon heat.

The produce stand features fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables, so inventory changes based on the season and what’s available.

Though they have come a long way from sweet potatoes in the back of his pick-up, Rawlins said he and Cruce aren’t looking to make too many more changes from where the business is now. They just want to keep it going, he said, making the little improvements they need along the way.

But there aren’t many places like C&R still around, and people like the feel of it. It’s an authentic piece of southern country life, and he said he and his family intend to keep it that way.

There aren’t many who can say their business hasn’t felt the effects of the nation’s economic slump, and Rawlins is no exception.

The price of gas has taken away some business, he said, because customers who used to go out of their way to buy their produce from him can no longer afford to drive out to the stand.

And it’s unbelievable how much things cost now, he added.

“Now I sell peas for $21 a bushel. I used to sell them for $8.”

He said he’s not too worried, though, about the possibility of invading corporate giants. Sure, he might lose customers at first, but when they realize what those stores are, and what they’re selling, the customers will come back.

That’s what happened when Fresh Market opened in Gainesville, he explained.

It’s obvious that Rawlins places great importance and value on all his patrons.

Visit for a while on a Saturday afternoon and watch as customers steadily trickle in and out and listen for a familiar greeting to every female, young or old.  Whether grey-haired and stooped from the ailments of time, or skipping in while holding a parent’s hand, Rawlins will holler across the little market, “And how are you today young lady?”

He tells them all they look lovely and tells the familiar ones it’s good to see them.

And though the kind-hearted southern gentleman’s flattery is reserved for all the “young ladies,” he welcomes the male customers with just as much earnest enthusiasm, as if each were a life-long friend stopping by to catch up on life’s latest events.

He is confident the business will survive the recession as well as the potential competition of “roll-back prices,” if you will, “as long as we treat our customers good.”

“There’s some you want to bite their heads off — but the customers always have to be number one.”

Keeping it fresh and local

The land that C&R is situated on, and about 13 acres extending behind it, is home to Rawlins’ and Cruce’s entire family.

Over the past couple of weeks, Rawlins said, “Some real estate lady has been leaving me messages.”

There are developers, he said, interested in buying the family’s land. “If they want to give us what we’re asking, then it’d be for sale.” But he doubts anyone would be willing to pay that amount, and the property is not for sale.

It seems that C&R will remain a local landmark for quite some time. 

From computers, to phones, to assembly instructions for IKEA furniture, the fast pace of today’s society calls for functionality and user-friendliness.

High Springs needs to be more user-friendly. It’s been said over and over during economic development workshops and regular commission meetings; if the city wants to attract business and industry, it must welcome new prospects with open arms, rather than make them jump through the hoops of bureaucratic procedures and paperwork.

This was the consensus during a June 10 meeting when the commission considered authorizing city staff to draft an ordinance to amend the process of obtaining a conditional use permit.

Under the advisement of City Planner Christian Popoli, Mayor Bill Coughlin identified a table of classifications and correlating rules within the city code that could be a viable place to start making changes.

The city’s entire land development code is due to come under full review in the coming months, but the commission expressed the intention to start as soon as possible with this particular aspect, because as the code now stands, the process of opening a business within the city limits can become an unnecessarily long and drawn-out process awash with red tape.

No official decisions were made, but the commission agreed to take up the issue at the next regular meeting on June 24.

letters 

Our federal government under two administrations has dropped the ball with a major regional problem and unfortunately the Gulf oil spill debacle succeeded the hurricane Katrina debacle in the same region of the country.  Where are FEMA and other government agencies when these problems occur?

The Gulf oil spill started on April 20, 2010.  Louisiana asked for federal assistance within a few days, but the federal government did not start recognizing the seriousness of the problem until May 1, 2010.  In late April, Louisiana asked the federal government (Army Corps of Engineers) for dredges to build protective sand berms on the coastline, but permission to build the berms was not provided until early June, which was too late to protect the coastline..

Approximately 150 boats equipped with oil skimmers are trying to siphon off the oil from the surface of the Gulf, but a thousand additional boats could be needed.  Why isn’t the federal government demanding BP hire and outfit with skimmers additional boats that are available in the Gulf of Mexico?  Why doesn’t the federal government make Navy and Coast Guard boats available?  I believe they could be equipped with skimming equipment.

Someone mentioned the need to have large tankers on site to help suction up the surface oil.  Why wasn’t BP required to provide the tankers?  The U.S. merchant marine has ships on call for emergencies.  The U.S. Navy has oilers (tankers). 

Talks by President Obama, visits to the Gulf beaches by the administration, meetings with BP, restitution by BP, and the eventual cleanup of the ecological disaster will not stop the flow of oil from the leaking well.  With all of our technology why haven’t we been able to figure out how to stop/contain the leak?

And why were oil companies allowed to drill for oil in the Gulf of Mexico without the installation of emergency remote control shut off systems?  The systems are currently employed on foreign deep water oil wells.

The federal government, with all of its resources, continues to be unprepared to respond to and manage the resolution of major regional disasters.

Donald A. Moskowitz

Londonderry, NH

After coordinating the successful Small Business Resource Fair in September of last year, State Representative Debbie Boyd is once again bringing together a team of community partners to present a second Small Business Resource Fair.  This event, scheduled for June 22 from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. at Lake City Community College’s Howard Conference Center, will focus on access to capital for small business owners.  “Strengthening the fundamental bond between lenders and business owners is critical to our economic recovery,” said Boyd.

Lending institutions from the area will have the opportunity to meet small business owners and share information on the services they have available.  Also planned is a series of panels designed to address all aspects of the business owner’s pressing need for capital.  These panels are:

Preparing to Access Capital for Your Business, with panelists Tiffany Reeves, Community Outreach Coordinator with the State of Florida’s Office of Financial Services; Sam Froio, Senior Stakeholder Liaison with the IRS Small Business/Self Employed Division and Anthony DiMarco, Executive Vice President with the Florida Bankers Association.

Traditional and Nontraditional Sources of Capital for Your Business, with panelists Joe Mueller, Program Director for the USDA Rural Development office; Peyton Woodard, Director of Capital Programs with Enterprise Florida; Ronald Johnson, Lender Relations Specialist with the U.S. Small Business Administration and Inez Long, Director of the Black Business Investment Fund, which has been tasked with administering the State of Florida’s Economic Gardening Program.

Alternative Methods of Financing Your Business Growth, with panelists

Robert Myers, Certified Business Analyst with the Florida Small Business Development Center; Linda Jennings with the Florida Economic Gardening Institute and Lloyd Adams with SCORE of Lake City.

Along with Representative Boyd, this event is being hosted by State Representative Leonard Bembry, the Small Business Development Center at the University of North Florida, Lake City Community College (soon to be Florida Gateway College), the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Lake City – Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, the Suwannee County Chamber of Commerce and the Gilchrist County Chamber of Commerce. 

There is no cost for the event, but sponsorships are still available.  For more information or to register, go to www.sbdc.unf.edu and click on Lake City Small Business Resource Fair in the “What’s New” section, or call 800-450-4624.

In 2008, voters approved the Wild Spaces & Public Places (WSPP) initiative – a half-cent countywide sales tax to protect natural resources and improve public recreational facilities.

On Monday, Newberry got down to the details of what the city would be doing with its share of the money raised from the tax.

The tax is currently projected to raise about $30 million, but only a small portion of that money will go to Newberry. Half of that money goes to the county, and the other half is split among the county’s nine municipalities, based on population.

All said in done, Newberry’s cut is roughly $528,000. The two projects so far slated for this money are the development of Triangle Park and the building of a multi-purpose center at Martin Luther King Jr. Park.

Architect Paul Stressing laid out four options for the commissioners to choose from for the layout of Triangle Park. Each layout included similar features – an amphitheater, picnic area, garden and playground – but with small variations in arrangement.

The current construction plan for the park includes several phases – starting with more basic features and expanding later on as more money becomes available.

According to the June 8 WSPP progress report, Newberry’s current projected budget for Triangle Park is $350,000, which would not be enough to complete all of the planned phases for the park.

Also, the money may stop rolling in, as WSPP is set to expire at the end of 2010 and would need to be put up for another vote in the election this November to continue. The recession already reduced the projected money from the tax from about $40 million to about $30 million. The recession may also put the brakes on renewing the program, as cash-strapped citizens may be less likely to vote for tax increases in tough economic times.

Commissioners also briefly discussed the other WSPP-funded project, the Martin Luther King Jr. multi-purpose center. The center is planned to be an area for residents of all ages to gather in the community.

The next step in the process is for Stressing to take the recommendations of the commission and complete the models to their specifications. Then the project can be accurately priced and will come back to the commission.

#     #     #

Cont: Recession may put brakes on funding

As time draws near for the city’s annual budget review, it’s becoming more and more evident that somewhere, corners will have to be cut.

City Manager Jim Drumm said some projected revenues are coming in even shorter than last year.

The county property appraiser recently announced that High Springs property values have dropped between seven and eight percent this year.

“That’s a $120,000 loss right there,” Drumm said.

There’s also an expectation that taxes coming from the state will be less. Sales tax revenue, for instance, is down because of the drop in the tourism industry.

Drumm said it’s too soon to say for sure, but it’s definitely possible that the city would have to slash public safety funds.

During a June 10 meeting, Police Chief Jim Troiano addressed the City Commission, requesting authorization to re-apply for a Community Oriented Policing Services, or “COPS” grant.

The city applied for funding from the COPS Hiring Program in 2009, which, as described on the U.S. Department of Justice Web site, is a “competitive grant program that provides funding directly to state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies nationwide to hire and/or rehire full-time sworn officers to increase their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts.”

The federal grant funds the full cost of salary and benefits for one full-time position for three consecutive years, on the condition that the municipality retains the position and funds it in full for a minimum of one additional year.

This year, the program is not accepting any new applicants and will select the award recipients from those did not receive the grant in 2009 but want to re-apply.

Both Troiano and Drumm said it’s likely that High Springs won’t get it. The commission agreed, however, that it’s worth the try. If the city is selected, it must accept the grant.

Recipients are chosen based on population and local crime rates, Drumm said. High Springs was awarded COPS funding some time in the mid ‘90s, at which time the guidelines were not as strict.

Troiano said he hopes to get this funding for an additional position to help offset the problem of an already short-staffed department.

“We have a limited number of positions, a few people out on light duty and two vacancies,” he explained, “…with our current scheduling issues, when someone goes on vacation or calls in sick, I am forced to pay overtime to compensate for the loss of the position.”

This generates significant additional costs, and the department’s union contract adds limitations to how he can use his staffing.

With the additional officer, the department would be better equipped to handle an increasing call load, and it could take on more proactive policing duties, which Troiano said the department hasn’t been able to do very much of in the past year.

As long as the projected budget already accounted for a cut to be made at the time the grant was awarded, the city would be able to use the funds to essentially break even in police staffing.

These days, you see the push to “go green” all around—from hybrid cars to reusable shopping bags, and lately maybe even activists boycotting BP gas.

Regardless of where you stand on the global warming debate or how concerned you are with Mother Earth, energy conservation has another appeal with which very few people would argue.

Saving electricity means saving money, and the City of High Springs needs every penny it can get.

So the commission decided during a June 10 meeting that until local sports leagues pick back up around the beginning of August, the city will start shutting the civic center outdoor lights off an hour early every night; meaning 10 p.m. instead of 11 p.m.

The commission also decided to stop running the lights completely at Memorial Park and at the Sports Complex. A new lighting schedule will start at those facilities later in the summer too.

Everybody makes mistakes. Sometimes, that’s just what being human means. But mistakes are much less tolerated when educated professionals with high levels of responsibility start making mistakes that cost others money.

It is not yet clear whether the arbitrator in charge of ruling on the Ginger Travers wrongful termination case made a mistake, or whether the arbitrator was just plain lazy.

Either way, the arbitrator’s “negligence,” as the commission called it, has left the city owing Travers another $13,000 to $15,000 in back pay to cover lost wages during the time between her termination and reinstatement as a city employee.

She’s already been paid about $23,000, but because the arbitrator took an extra seven months beyond the deadline to file a ruling to reinstate her, the city now owes the extra money.

Thomas DePeter, the city attorney, brought the issue before the commission during a June 10 meeting to ask whether the city should just go ahead and pay, or contest the ruling because it incurs unbudgeted city funds.

There was a unanimous approval to go ahead and pay the additional amount because it wasn’t Travers’ fault, and she shouldn’t have to bare the burden.

But at the suggestion of commissioner John Hill, the city will draft a letter reporting the arbitrator’s “negligent behavior.”

Hill declared, “These people ought to be jerked up by the shorts to make sure they’re doing the job right.”

A house, by any one of its various nicknames, is still the same house.

Q_-_HS_Pigg_House_2_DSC_00723

And the “Pigg Property,” whether called by that title, or the “Cedar Lane Property,” as it was more recently dubbed, is still the four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom single-family home at 15391 NW 214 Terrace in High Springs.

The only thing that has changed about the property is the owner.

During a June 10 meeting, the City Commission reluctantly accepted an offer on the infamous house, ending a four-year long struggle to sell it.

The buyer came before the Commission and said he was a High Springs native, but left when General Electric did to follow his job out of state. Now he is retired and wants to return, he explained.

Susan Walker, a Coldwell Banker M.M. Parrish Realtors agent from Gainesville, accompanied him at the meeting.

M.M. Parrish has the property listed, courtesy of Forrester Realty; the company originally selected by the city to sell the house. And Walker is the agent representing the buyer.

The city accepted an offer for $333,000, though the asking price was $410,000.

Mayor Bill Coughlin said he thought the commission should take the offer, though he didn’t want to. “But this is the reality of the market right now.”

Vice Mayor Eric May agreed, pointing out the city has already lost about $120,000 on interest-only mortgage payments alone, since the city purchased the property in January 2006 for $610,000.

City Manager Jim Drumm later put the estimated interest payments at about $135,000.

Why does a city need a house?

City Manager Jim Drumm said the idea to buy it originated when Gene Boles, the city planner at the time, identified the property in a comprehensive plan he brought before the City Commission.

It is situated between tracks of land owned by the Tillman family on one side and land owned by the White family on the other side.

There was talk of both families looking into residential development of their lands. The Tillmans were looking at building up to 1,000 new homes, Drumm said, and they would need a secondary route to access the neighborhood.

And thus was born the plan to purchase the property dubbed “Pigg” after the family name of its builders and owners from whom the city bought it.

It was thought that by purchasing the property, the city could retain a right-of-way that would allow for a road to be built in the future, and then it could sell the remaining property, less the right-of-way, maybe even for a profit.

A critical component of this reasoning was the rational that it would cost the city much more to obtain the right-of-way in the future, should it be forced to impose eminent domain.

“We were trying to think ahead,” said Jim Gabriel, who was a High Springs City Commissioner at the time. “We wanted to be proactive.”

There was a lot of thought put into it, he added. “It wasn’t a snap decision.” But the commission wanted to address the long-standing issue of traffic in the city. There was explosive growth happening at the time the purchase was made, and the intention was to plan accordingly.

No one knew what was about to happen, said Gabriel. “We didn’t have a crystal ball.”

Critics on all side

Mayor Coughlin called the ordeal “the biggest financial debacle in High Springs history.”

In order to cover just a portion of the balance left on the mortgage, plus additional expenses like closing costs on the sale, the city intends to use $175,000 from road funding.

Despite some rumors suggesting this may be an unlawful use of funds, city attorney Thomas DePeter confirmed that the money is actually coming from gas tax revenue allocated to fund right-of-way acquisitions.

Because the whole point of the original purchase was a right-of-way acquisition, and the city will retain about two acres of land on the southern portion of the property to allow for a road, should the need ever come to exist in the future, the use of that $175,000 is technically appropriate.

Drumm said, in fact, the city was especially careful to make sure that it would not violate the terms by which that money can be used.

It was determined that according to the assessed value of the land constituting the right-of-way, this was the maximum amount that could be taken from the “road funding,” and the remaining costs will most likely come from general funds, he said.

It’s important to realize, he added, that the pricing of these specific two acres can’t be arbitrarily compared to the value of some other random spot.

Would-be “geniuses” vs. “do-nothings”

The city’s decision to sell the house has already reignited a flame of controversy that’s been burning since the 2006 purchase.

In a June 11 blog post, Vice Mayor May suggested that it was irresponsible of the former commission to gamble with taxpayers’ money. Echoing Coughlin’s words, May called the issue, from purchase to sale, “arguably the worst financial disaster in our city’s history.”

Former commissioner Gabriel wasn’t surprised by the criticism from what he called “the do-nothing commission.”

He said he stands by the decision he and the rest of the former commission made. It was unconventional but it appeared to be the right choice at the time.

In his blog post, May referred to a newspaper story that quoted Gabriel saying that if the market hadn’t tanked, and the city flipped the property successfully, the commissioners would have “all been heralded as geniuses.”

May questioned the former commission’s determination that it was “worth the risk.”

It’s easy to call others out on their mistakes when you don’t take any action yourself, Gabriel added. If you don’t make any decisions you won’t ever have to stand up to any criticism.

After trying to hold out for a better offer, commissioners came to the unanimous conclusion that the city should cut its losses and sell the property.

Ten months ago the doors opened to the 18,000 sq. ft Santa Fe College’s Perry Center for Emerging Technologies in Alachua.  A second phase to the facility was completed earlier this year increasing the square feet to 23,000, with a third phase on the books pending funding.

And now, thanks to a $1.67 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) to Santa Fe College, the Alachua campus will enjoy another growth spurt.

Due to the successful grant application, which was 14 months in the making, the third phase of the center’s expansion will occur seven years ahead of schedule.

The funds will finance the construction of a biotechnology laboratory and classroom addition.  The 6,000 sq. ft. addition consists of one dedicated program laboratory for biomedical engineering technology, one general purpose laboratory for general biology and chemistry, one large classroom, and general office space.

Construction is expected to start in December of this year, with completion anticipated by fall 2011.

According to Chuck Clemons, Vice President for Development at Santa Fe College, plans for a third phase of the center has always been on the drawing board, the need was there, it was just a matter of acquiring the funding.

The expansion from the center’s current 23,000 sq. ft. to 29,000 sq. ft. will allow the center to double the number of students currently enrolled.  “The biotechnology and health related program is in its second year and we are at capacity,” said Clemons.  “This expansion will allow us to more than double capacity of students educated and trained at the Alachua center.”

The expansion will also allow for the acceleration of some of the general learning capacity at the Alachua campus.

The EDA reports that the project is expected to create 270 jobs and generate $380 million in private investment.  These figures are based on ultimate job creation associated with the center’s graduates and needs expressed by the health industry.

“The Alachua community will benefit greatly by the additional capacity of Santa Fe College,” said Clemons.  “The ability to open our doors to 60 – 100 more students a year will pay handsome dividends to the community.”

The $1.67 million grant comes with a 3:1 match requirement, meaning that Santa Fe College will chip in an additional $556,667 toward the project.

“These early successes only affirm it was the right decision to create a new campus in Alachua. The way the community has embraced the college’s mission has far exceeded the college’s expectations,” said Clemons.

Q_-_HawthorneElectionHawthorne incumbent DeLoris Roberts, left, and challenger Jennifer Kotowske, right, embrace after election results confirmed that Roberts had won the commission race with 58 percent of the vote, and will now serve her sixth two-year term.

Supporters of DeLoris Roberts camped out on the west side of 221st St. in blue, and supporters for her challenger, Jennifer Kotowske, camped out across the street decked out in red.

This was a new sight for Roberts, who has served five consecutive terms on the commission, starting in 2000. In each of those previous races, she ran unopposed.

This year Roberts had competition, but she came out on top with 131 of the total 227 votes, or 58 percent.

Kotowske, a personal banker at M&S Bank, received the other 96 votes, or 42 percent.

 “I’m grateful that they chose me as their public servant for another two years, and I thank them for their vote of confidence,” Roberts said.

Roberts said she did not take her competition lightly and went door-to-door to encourage people to vote.

Hawthorne has 872 registered voters, meaning 26 percent of voters came out this year. The turnout was higher last year, but there were also three races, compared with only one this year.

“I know I touched at least 800 doors,” Roberts said. “I actually put my tennis shoes and straw hat on to listen to their concerns. I had a chance to meet people I did not even know lived here. It was a very humbling and rewarding experience.”

Roberts and her supporters wore shirts with the phrase, “half a million reasons” on them. She said the slogan comes from the fact that she was able to lobby Tallahassee to get about $500,000 for Hawthorne in earmarks.

“I’m the only commissioner ever to bring a half a million dollars to Hawthorne from lobbying Tallahassee,” Roberts said. “What better reason, what better purpose to have than for the people to elect me again, so I can bring another half a million.”

Last year, challengers defeated incumbents in all three races, but that would not be the case this year.

Mayor Eleanor Randall also secured another two-year term, running unopposed.

Despite her defeat, Kotowske remained positive. She said she would continue to come to commission meetings and stay involved in the issues. She thanked her supporters and also left the door open for running in next year’s commission race.

“I am absolutely floored for by the number of people that came out and showed their support for me,” Kotowske said. “I’m grateful from the bottom of my heart, and maybe I’ll be out again next year.”

Kotowske described the campaign as “a great experience,” and she said she was glad the campaigns remained positive.

Roberts said she wanted to thank all the people who worked out front and behind the scenes to make her campaign a success. Now that the campaigning is behind her, Roberts said she will take a short break to spend time with family and grandchildren.

Her priorities in the city are to move forward with the Hawthorne Area Community Center and work to bring more small businesses to the city.

The Alachua County Health Department is alerting citizens to monitor their health and limit direct sun exposure as temperatures rise.
 
"The high temperature and humidity that we are experiencing make heat-related illness more likely," stated Jean Munden, Administrator of the Alachua County Health Department.  "Citizens should monitor their health and contact their medical provider if they start to feel ill due to the heat."
 
Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are the primary heat-related illnesses people suffer when the body's temperature increases.Citizens are urged to stay inside air-conditioned rooms or out of the sun when possible and drink plenty of light-colored fluids.  Additionally, citizens should never leave children or pets in vehicles, as the temperature inside a vehicle can reach deadly levels.
 
Warning signs of heat stroke vary but may include the following:
  •  An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F),
  • Red, hot and dry skin along with a rapid, strong pulse
  • Throbbing headache, dizziness, nauseas, confusion or unconsciousness
 Warning signs of heat exhaustion include the following:
  • Heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps
  • Dizziness, tiredness, weakness
  • Headache, nausea, vomiting, or fainting
 Citizens should limit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours, wear light clothing, and if exercising or working outdoors, rest often in shady areas.  Alachua County is expected to have temperatures in the 90's with sporadic rain throughout the week.
 
Click here for the Alachua County Health Department webpage.
 

waterCapt. Cindy Lewis, a scientist at the Keys Marine Laboratory in Long Key, takes University of Florida pharmacy researcher Hendrik Luesch and four of his lab members to a reef collection site about 10 feet deep near MarathonIn a race against time.

University of Florida marine researchers are hurrying to collect underwater marine algae samples in the Florida Keys while an ever-growing Gulf oil spill steadily migrates toward Florida, already reaching the Emerald Coast in the Panhandle.

 Hendrik Luesch, Ph.D., an associate professor of medicinal chemistry at the UF College of Pharmacy, took his research team to Long Key last week in hopes of advancing early drug discoveries that may yield cancer-fighting properties hidden in marine algae. It’s an expedition he has made annually for four years, but this year it seems there might be a limit on how long the ecosystem will yield its specimens.

 According to federal and independent scientists, as much as 2.5 million gallons of oil per day are spewing from a pipe in the Gulf of Mexico that engineers have failed to seal.

 “Cyanobacteria, or organisms that overgrow coral reefs, are shown to produce drug-like compounds that may be exploited for biomedical purposes such as anti-cancer drugs,” Luesch said.

 The warm waters and mild year-round temperatures allow marine life to flourish in the Keys, creating a predatory environment among these organisms, Luesch said. In order to survive, marine organisms develop defense systems, sort of like a chemical survival kit. Researchers use these toxic chemicals as the basis for creating drugs that can target and fight cancers.

 “It’s the biodiversity that makes the Florida Keys a hot spot for researchers,” Luesch said.

 At the same time, the coral reefs are also a very sensitive ecosystem, he said. For example, the extended chill in the tropical waters last January caused sea turtles to become cold-stunned and killed more than 85 percent of reefs in certain areas, according to Cynthia Lewis, a biological scientist at the Keys Marine Laboratory in Long Key, where the UF researchers collected specimens.

 Scientists in Florida don’t know what to expect, she said.

 “We are concerned and watchful,” she said. “We don’t know how far the marine impact may go.”

 Only two weeks earlier, Lewis and nine other scientific teams under the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission took baseline samples on the Gulf and Atlantic coasts from Key Largo to Key West to establish pre-impact marine wildlife assessments, Lewis said.

 One challenge with his research, Luesch said, is the randomness of finding an organism and the length of time it takes to isolate and test a compound for its specific drug-producing qualities. Environmental variables may change, which means the organism may change as well.

 “We may find an interesting species, but it takes months of research just to isolate the active compound and analyze the properties in our lab,” Luesch said. “Attempts to re-collect often fail because we do not always see the same organism again.”

 Two compounds from the oceans have been developed into drugs that are on the market today — one treats cancer, and the other is a pain reliever. Fourteen more are in clinical trials. Scientists simply don’t know how many biological organisms are in the ocean, Luesch said, but marine organisms often produce multiple compounds, and he estimates that more than 90 percent have not yet been discovered.

 What does the largest-ever oil spill disaster mean to Luesch and his research?

 “I am thinking what everyone else in the United States and in the world is thinking — what a catastrophe this is for mankind and especially the area in the Gulf of Mexico,” he said. “Secondly, I am concerned for the marine discovery efforts by our groups and other groups in this area.”

editorials

By Tom Vilsack, Secretary of Agriculture

June is National Homeownership Month.

Throughout the month, USDA, which is a primary lender in rural America, will reach out to local residents to talk about how our programs can help them repair their homes, making them more energy efficient, buy an affordable residence or find safe and sanitary housing in one of the many apartment buildings we have helped to fund.

A strong Nation is made up of strong families, and safe, quality housing contributes greatly to rural Americans' quality of life. The Obama Administration is committed to bringing the necessary resources to rural America provide decent, affordable housing to those who need it.

Let me share with you some of what the Administration through USDA is doing to help protect the American Dream, and how our efforts help local communities. In Gering, Nebraska, a community of about 8,000, there was a need for new, affordable housing. A local manufacturer, Magnolia Homes, needed new orders to keep from laying local residents off. USDA worked with the manufacturer, the city, housing organizations and local lenders to fund the construction of five new homes. The manufacturer then started work on more homes. Working with our partners, USDA helped stabilize a local business, increased the tax base and provided affordable housing for families in Gering. That’s the type of thing the Obama Administration is doing all across America.

USDA does more than help people buy homes: it helps owners remain in them. We have funds available to help limited-income seniors and families weatherize their homes and make needed repairs such as replacing inefficient heating systems, installing programmable thermostats, upgrading plumbing and electrical systems and improving accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

President Obama and I understand how important homeownership is to the nation’s continued prosperity. Homeownership is an essential component of the American economy and a key to vibrant rural communities. We work closely with the Department of Housing and Urban Development, State housing authorities, Tribes, local organizations and a host of lenders every day to assist income-eligible residents obtain safe, sanitary, affordable housing. We want to work with you as well.

At USDA, we are proud to celebrate our accomplishments and the spirit of homeownership this month, and throughout the year.

IMG_0606_CloanedFoal-393x590The management of a high-risk pregnant mare and her foal’s subsequent birth might be business as usual at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, but the case of Minnie and Mouse was anything but routine. That’s because Mouse, a spindly, dark brown Lipizzaner colt cloned from a Florida resident’s beloved stallion, was the first test tube baby delivered at UF.

Nearly six weeks after Mouse’s birth May 5 and a month after his discharge from UF’s Large Animal Hospital, he is a happy, healthy, bucking foal enjoying the good life at his home in Cocoa, Fla.

“There have been several issues with cloned offspring, and while this isn’t the first cloned foal, there are few in the world,” said Margo Macpherson, D.V.M., an equine reproduction specialist and associate professor at UF. “So the fact this baby is alive and is currently thriving is a very good thing.”

Since the technology was pioneered at Texas A&M University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in 2004, TAMU has produced 14 cloned foals, of which 12 survived and remain healthy, according to an article in the May 1 Journal of the American Veterinary Association.

Technically known as somatic cell nuclear transfer, the cloning process that resulted in Mouse’s birth also took place at Texas A&M.  Mouse’s owner, Kit Knotts, a Cocoa Beach, Fla., resident and a longtime client of UF’s Large Animal Hospital, knew that UF was experienced in the management of equine neonatal foals and had the expertise to carry Minnie and Mouse successfully through the latter part of Mouse’s development from nuclear transfer-produced embryo to live horse. Teams from UF’s equine reproduction, medicine and surgery services were all involved in that journey.

Knotts visited Gainesville in mid-March to meet with several members of UF’s reproduction and medicine teams. Two weeks later, Minnie arrived, just shy of 300 days gestation.

Meanwhile, Macpherson and cloning guru Katrin Hinrichs, D.V.M., Ph.D., of Texas A&M, began communicating about Minnie’s care and issues encountered in treating other cloned foals. In addition, Malgorzata Pozor, D.M.V., Ph.D., a reproduction specialist and clinical assistant professor, teamed up internally with Rob MacKay, B.V.Sc., Ph.D., a large animal medicine specialist and professor at UF, and Stephanie Meyer, D.V.M., a third-year large animal medicine resident, to plan the horses’ care.
    

Although veterinarians worried that Minnie would give birth prematurely, a situation that would have meant almost certain death for the foal, the mare held on to carry Mouse to term.

“When we believed the mare was close to foaling, the reproduction, medicine and surgical clinicians communicated regularly,” MacKay said. “Taking into consideration the special needs previously cloned foals have had at the time of birth, a strategic plan was formed early that encompassed all possible supportive therapies and intervention needs that may be required at the time of foaling. This included addressing any unexpected foaling complications for the foal and/or the mare.”

For example, UF veterinarians knew that for unknown reasons, many cloned foals have needed oxygen support at birth, so they planned ahead of time to start administering oxygen therapy immediately after the foal was born.

“Additionally, we knew an IV catheter was going to be required shortly after birth for administration of plasma, as we were aware that the mare’s colostrum quality was poor prior to her going into labor,” Meyer said.  Plasma is administered to transfer the parent’s antibodies to build the foal’s immune system.

Mouse’s birth proceeded without incident. Minnie passed her placenta within an hour of foaling, and the foal was sitting up and alert within five minutes – all good signs, veterinarians said. As time progressed, however, Mouse was unable to stand without assistance. At that point, veterinarians administered antibiotic therapy, supportive fluid therapy and regular feedings of the mare’s milk. Within the next few days, additional problems were diagnosed, similar to those seen in premature foals. UF equine surgeons operated on Mouse to remove his umbilical remnants, eliminate a urinary problem and remove a blood clot from his bladder. In about a week, the infections had greatly improved. Knotts was at Mouse’s side throughout his treatment.

“It was a complete pleasure to work with Kit. She was supportive of any therapies, preventative interventions and critical care monitoring recommendations that we felt would not only increase the foal’s chance of survival, but also his optimal health,” Meyer said. “I think this foal helped demonstrate that we are good at what we do. When challenged with new and unusual circumstances, we can have successful outcomes.”

Meanwhile, Knotts could not be happier. After arriving back home, Mouse quickly bonded with Marc, his healthy and sound 30-year-old DNA twin. Knotts has owned Marc, a Dressage champion, for 24 years. It was as a tribute to him — and after a futile nationwide hunt to find another horse she really wanted — that Knotts first embarked upon the odyssey of the cloning process.

She has no regrets. In fact, another surrogate mare pregnant with Marc’s next cloned twin is expected to journey from Texas A&M to UF in mid-August for management by equine specialists.

“I think the whole team approach we have is so outstanding,” Knotts said. “It’s not just the doctors; it’s the students and the nurses, even the stall cleaners. They’re just the most amazing crew I have ever encountered. The team is just top-notch.”

 

Floridas public transportation provides a safe, green and inexpensive option

The most dangerous road in America for fatal traffic accidents is the 382 mile stretch of I-95 in Florida according to National Highway Safety Administration data. To make matters worse, June marks the beginning of the hundred deadliest days of the year for drivers.

Thanks to public transportation, drivers have a safer and saner alternative to the stress of navigating Americas most dangerous roadway. Transit agencies from Miami to Jacksonville offer convenient, safe, and reliable alternatives to driving for Floridians and visitors.

Wes Watson, Executive Director of the Florida Public Transportation Association said, Travel by public transportation in Florida is one of the safest travel modes available anywhere. Bus and train safety statistics far surpass automobile or airline travel. According to the Federal Transit Administration, the fatality rate per mile travelled is a 28 times higher for automobile travel versus bus transit.

According to National Traffic Safety Administration data on fatal accidents crunched by the DailyBeast.com, and as reported widely by USA Today and other major newspapers, between 2004 and 2008, there were 1.73 deaths per mile of I-95 in Florida. Interstate 4 in Florida is ranked the third-most dangerous road in the country.

To learn about public transportation alternatives anywhere in Florida, please call 511. A list of all of Floridas transit agencies is available at www.FloridaTransit.org.

rip_imageFlorida Emergency Management officials are reminding residents and visitors that June 6-12, 2010 is National Rip Current Awareness Week. Beachgoers in the Sunshine State are urged to learn about this hazard and ways to stay safe from rip currents this summer.

“Rip currents are a dangerous phenomenon that can be found throughout the year along many of Florida’s beaches,” said David Halstead, director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management. “Rip Current Awareness Week is a perfect opportunity for our residents and visitors to learn about how to identify and protect themselves from this hazard.” 

A rip current is a narrow, powerful current of water that runs perpendicular to the beach, out into the ocean. These currents may extend 200 to 2,500 feet (61 to 762 meters) lengthwise, but they are typically less than 30 feet (9 meters) wide. Also, rip currents can often move at more than 5 miles per hour (8 kilometers per hour) or faster and are not always identifiable to the average beachgoer. 

 “In Florida, rip currents typically kill more people annually than thunderstorms, hurricanes and tornadoes combined, as was the case in 2009,” said State Meteorologist Amy Godsey. “It is important that beachgoers heed the advice of local officials and only swim at lifeguard-protected beaches.” 

Rip currents are the number-one concern for beach lifeguards. According to the United States Lifesaving Association, 80 percent of surf beach rescues are attributed to rip currents. The greatest safety precaution that can be taken is to recognize the danger of rip currents and always remember to swim at beaches with lifeguards.  

When at the beach:

  • Whenever possible, swim at a lifeguard-protected beach.
  • Never swim alone.
  • Learn how to swim in the surf.  It's not the same as swimming in a pool or lake.
  • Be cautious at all times, especially when swimming at unguarded beaches. If in doubt, don’t go out.
  • Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards. Lifeguards are trained to identify potential hazards. Ask a lifeguard about the conditions before entering the water. This is part of their job.
  • Stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties. Permanent rip currents often exist alongside these structures. Consider using polarized sunglasses when at the beach.
  • They will help you to spot signatures of rip currents by cutting down glare and reflected sunlight off the ocean’s surface.
  • Pay especially close attention to children and elderly when at the beach. Even in shallow water, wave action can cause loss of footing. 

Identifying a possible rip current:

  • A channel of churning, choppy water.
  • An area of having a notable difference in water color.
  • A line of sea foam, sea weed or other debris moving steadily seaward.
  • A break in the incoming wave pattern. 

If caught in a rip current:

  • Remain calm to conserve energy and think clearly.
  • Never fight against the current.
  • Think of it like a treadmill that cannot be turned off, which you need to step to the side of.
  • Swim out of the current in a direction following the shoreline. When out of the current, swim at an angle--away from the current--towards shore.
  • If you are unable to swim out of the rip current, float or calmly tread water. When out of the current, swim towards shore.
  • If you are still unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself by waving your arm and yelling for help.

If you see someone in trouble, don't become a victim too:

  • Get help from a lifeguard.
  • If a lifeguard is not available, have someone call 9-1-1.
  • Throw the rip current victim something that floats--a lifejacket, a cooler, an inflatable ball.
  • Yell instructions on how to escape.
  • Remember, many people drown while trying to save someone else from a rip current.

 Beachgoers who want to learn more about rip currents can visit www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov

 

column

Summer evening light-bearers

 Humidity hangs thick in the night air.  The sun has disappeared from the horizon, but the evening is still warm.  Suddenly there is a tiny twinkle – a gentle glow that flashes on and off every few seconds. A firefly!

            A firefly’s glow and flashing is how this member of the beetle family mates, defends itself and communicates it is in trouble.  These small insects live in marshes or wet, wooded areas and open fields by water. Many of the firefly’s food sources live near water.  Would you believe a firefly can eat snails? Fireflies also enjoy munching on slugs, caterpillars and other soft insects. Nectar is another food they enjoy.

            How does the firefly produce its flickering light in the night sky, and why does it flash?

            The light produced by fireflies is a chemical reaction in its abdomen. The cells it carries to make light are called photocytes.  These cells contain two chemicals: luciferin and luciferase. When fireflies breathe in oxygen, the chemicals create the light we see, which is why its family scientific name, Lampyridae, meaning “torch bearer,” is so appropriate.

            To attract a mate, male fireflies flash a series of lights.  The female sits low to the ground on a leaf or branch. If she likes what she sees, she signals back.  This can be a dangerous game of love.  Certain female fireflies imitate blinks of other, smaller species and will lure a male of that species so she can eat him.  The firefly also can become a meal when it flashes distress signals. 

            But the firefly’s flashes also may protect it.  The yellow light it produces warns predators that it doesn’t taste good.  The chemicals that make the firefly glow are bitter to birds and insects that are looking for a meal.

            Adult fireflies live only long enough to mate and lay eggs.  The larvae usually live for a year before becoming adults.  Firefly larvae also glow, which is why people call them glowworms.  There also are other beetles known as glowworms.

            Fireflies are important to scientific discoveries.  One of the neatest things a firefly has helped scientists invent is the glow stick. Also, scientists reproduced the glowing chemical it creates to help with many medical procedures.  The chemical helps scientists detect harmful bacteria in blood or urine and milk, juices and other foods.

Join the Get Outdoors Florida! movement and the Museum of Science in Boston to track fireflies.  Scientists want to learn as much as they can about these insects.  So, while you are outside looking for nature’s flashing beetles, you can help researchers learn where fireflies live and information about their activity during the summer. Visit www.mos.org/fireflywatch to learn more about the program and how to participate.

 Because of the large number of oil containment booms and cleanup equipment being deployed around the state in response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Boating and Waterways Section is asking boaters to slow down where oil cleanup is under way. 

 The FWC encourages all boaters to operate at slow speed within 300 feet of all authorized booms.  Boaters operating near any oil-containment booms or cleanup equipment should exercise extreme caution and comply with all applicable navigational rules.  Oil-skimming equipment is large and cumbersome, and it is restricted in its ability to maneuver.  As a result, boaters should be prepared to stay clear of these vessels when operating near them. 

Failure to operate at slow speed in these areas could result in injury, damage to vessels and damage to the containment booms.  Additionally, the wake that results from a vessel operating above slow speed in areas where a boom has been deployed can reduce the effectiveness of the boom, resulting in further environmental damage.

FWC officers and local marine units will be on the water encouraging boaters to operate at slow speed in those areas where cleanup efforts are under way. 

For more information, go to MyFWC.com/Boating.

Defense says he is on five medications including Prozac and Xanax

A 45-day jail sentence for Charles Grapski, which was set to begin on June 18, was deferred Tuesday after his attorney said he was suffering from numerous medical conditions.

Grapski’s court-appointed public defender, Holly Stacy, told the court Tuesday that her client was on a host of medications related to several ailments.  Among his reported conditions are depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), neurological damage and chronic pain.

The neurological damage is result of “being beaten,” Stacy said.  In describing Grapski’s alleged PTSD and neurological damage, she said he suffered the injuries as a result of being knocked unconscious.  That appeared to be an allusion to Grapski’s earlier claim that he was not conscious after Alachua police arrested him in 2007.

A one-time University of Florida PhD student and political activist, Grapski is reportedly prescribed Adderall for his ADHD condition, Prozac and Xanax for the PTSD anxiety and Hydrocodone for the chronic pain.  Grapski has now been prescribed Effoxor as an additional medication for his depression, Stacy said.

Stacy requested the court delay Grapski’s sentence in an effort to improve his medical condition while they prepare for a violation of probation hearing stemming from a February drug screening in which Grapski tested positive for marijuana use.

In asking Judge James Nilon to defer Grapski’s 45-day sentence, Stacy said, “I need [Grapski] to help me with this hearing,” referring to Grapski’s education in the field of biology.

“He needs help,” she said.

Nilon granted the request and pushed the date for his jail sentence to begin on Sept. 1, saying, “I’m going to grant the request under the current medical situation.  I don’t think that I have to, but it’s probably better all the way around for him and the jail personnel.”

In December, Grapski was sentenced to 10 years probation for two felony convictions of battery on a law enforcement officer.  He was also handed 45 days on the Alachua County Work Crew and 150 days in jail, of which, 105 had previously been served and credited toward the sentence.  That leaves Grapski with 45 days yet to serve.

After he allegedly failed a drug test in February, Grapski was arrested for violation of probation.  While he awaits a hearing for the violation, Nilon released Grapski on March 22 under the condition that he live in a drug free house and take a drug avoidance and treatment course.

Stacy said Tuesday that Grapski had undergone a drug treatment evaluation and that the person dong the evaluation was inclined to recommend a basic drug education program.  But Grapski was contesting that decision saying he didn’t need to undergo such a program.

By Tuesday’s hearing, Grapski enrolled in the program to begin Thursday.  That move came after Judge Nilon said last month that he didn’t feel the terms of Grapski’s pre-trial release were being met.

“He will be in compliance come Thursday and that is what [the evaluators] recommend.

“I expected him to be in treatment,” Nilon said, referring to his frustration that Grapski didn’t comply with the orders earlier.

Geoffrey Fleck, a prosecutor for the Office of the State Attorney in Gainesville asked, “Why does the State hear about this at 4:30?”  Fleck said if he had known Grapski was going to be in compliance, he could have saved his witnesses the trip to court Tuesday.

A case management hearing has been set for July 6 at 1:30 p.m.  A violation of probation hearing for Grapski’s failure of a drug test is expected to be set for August.

Children stood, mouths open, Yulee_Days_IMG_1601fingers in ears, in anticipation for the last blast of the day.

Families from Archer and the surrounding areas gathered around as Civil War demonstrators loaded the antique canon. At 1:30 p.m., the canon fired its last shot, clearly louder than some of the smaller children had been expecting.

The afternoon canon blasts were one of the many events of a day that featured live music, barbecue, a parade and a tour of the city’s oldest active industry: Maddox Foundry and Machine Works.

The day’s events were all part of Yulee Railroad Days, a tradition started in 1995 in honor of David Levy Yulee, Florida’s first senator and driving force behind Florida’s first trans-state rail line.

The festivities were not only to honor the impact of Yulee but also to remember Florida’s past.

Aside from the railroad that runs through the city, the most visible reminder of the city’s history is the Maddox Foundry and Machine Works, owned and operated by the Maddox family since 1905. The 105-year-old factory, which creates custom parts for industrial equipment, has been passed down through five generations.

On Saturday, Maddox Foundry opened its doors and held tours of the factory. Visitors were able to see the inner workings of the factory and hear about its storied past.

The event also featured a diverse group of vendors, from the historical, those selling homemade crafts to the cutting edge, those offering information on renewable energy.

The railroad Yulee spearheaded started construction in 1855 and finished on March 1, 1861, six weeks before the start of the Civil War. The rail stretches 155 miles from Fernandina on the Atlantic Ocean to Cedar Key on the Gulf of Mexico. It also runs through Starke, Waldo, Gainesville, Archer and Bronson.

Starting in 2004, the event has grown across the state of Florida with the goal of being the first linear festival be celebrated in towns across the state, according to a press release from Yulee Railroad Days Web site. For 2010, it was held in Archer and in Homosassa, where Yulee’s home is.

The Archer Historical Society and Railroad Museum sponsored the event.

During a recent dinner hosted in Micanopy, High Springs City Commissioner Larry Travis was sworn in as the new president of the Alachua County League of Cities.

Fellow league representative and mayor of the City of Alachua, Gib Coerper, said “I think he’ll bring a brand new energy level to the position.”

The league is a local faction of the Florida League of Cities. It is a collection of municipalities of which representatives come together to discuss regional and state issues. The network of leagues provides guidance and support to local governments, and the organization offers resources to help cities advocate for or against state legislation.

Coerper explained that they meet once a month to discuss issues and how to address them.

The league does not have actual legal power, but rather serves as a forum for new ideas and collaboration of local municipalities, as well as an avenue for education on state legislation.

Travis replaced Waldo Mayor Louie Davis as the county league’s president. Davis served in the position for nearly 12 years, Coerper said.

When Davis announced that he would be stepping down, he asked for volunteers interested in filling the position.

“Larry stepped up to the plate, and I think he’ll do a wonderful job.”

The idea of the league, he explained, is that collectively, the cities of Alachua County can address issues more effectively than they can individually.

Q_-_knoxboxThe fire department wants your keys.

Whether the keys are to your private business or your community church, High Springs Fire Chief Verne Riggall wants a copy made accessible to the fire department, in the hope that one day it could save you some money, or maybe even someone’s life.

That’s why he’s working on an ordinance proposal to be brought before the City Commission, which would call for new businesses to install a Knox-Box, and he is also readily encouraging already established ones to get them too.

So what is it?

As defined on the Knox Company’s Web site, “The Knox-Box Rapid Entry System provides non-destructive emergency access to commercial and residential property.”

Essentially, it is a secure box; a wall safe, installed on the exterior of a building containing a key or keys to the building, with the local fire department holding a master key that unlocks all the boxes in its municipality.

The idea is, as Riggall explained, for firefighters to be able to enter a building without damaging the property by breaking doors or windows when they respond to an alarm and no one is there to unlock the building.

The cost of a Knox-Box is relatively inexpensive, especially, he pointed out, in comparison to the cost of replacing an entire door.

“You’re looking at a couple hundred for the box versus as much as $1,000 for a new door,” he said.

Cheaper for your business and for the city

Using this system can save money in another way, too.

When the fire department responds to a fire alarm where there is no fire visible from the outside, and firefighters can’t get in the building to check if everything is okay, they have to wait a minimum of 30 minutes on the scene.

Every one of those minutes is costing the city money. It also compromises the level of service the department can provide at any given time.

If a unit is dispatched and waiting to make sure flames don’t suddenly burst from an empty, locked building, that means those firefighters can’t respond to another call where they might be needed.

And despite all the latest technology and the most responsible property owners, false alarms do happen.

Riggall said the High Springs firefighters respond to about 40 false alarms a year, on average.

Last year, they went to one new business 15 times in the same month, because of alarm system glitches that were being worked out.

By having a Knox-Box, a business can at least cut down on the time it takes firefighters to check that all is well. And in a case where they need to get immediate access to a property, it could save the owner a broken door or window.

Security

To ensure the security of the property, emergency or not, firefighters must enter a code into the computer in the fire truck to unlock a key that unlocks the Knox-Box containing the building key, Riggall explained.

Every time someone takes the key, it gets logged in the computer — who took, at what time and how long before it was put back. There is even a reminder alert that goes off if the key is not returned within a set amount of time.

“And if there’s somewhere you don’t want us to go, that’s your choice,” he said. If there’s a certain door you don’t want opened, exclude that key.

One of the things he especially likes about the system is it can be used for gated communities too.

Both Alachua County Fire Rescue and Gainesville Fire Rescue use the system. 

Local Knox-box owners

St. Madeleine Catholic Church, 17155 NW US Highway 441, is one of four places in High Springs that already have Knox-boxes installed.

In October 2009, the church added a new building, the Family Life Center, to its property.

A church spokeswoman, Loretta Christian, said they came across the idea of getting the box somewhere in the process of going through building regulations and permits.

The box was installed at the main door to the new building, which is where the church holds its services now, while its main building is undergoing renovations. It will hold a key to the new door, and probably to the old building when it is complete, she said.

However, it isn’t functioning yet because the fire department is waiting for its computer system to be updated by the Knox-box company, explained Riggall. That will enable the feature that tracks who checks out the master key from the fire truck.

“I can’t tell you how happy I am to work with you guys on this,” Christian told the chief.

Riggall says the ordinance he is going to propose is modeled after the City of Gainesville’s false alarm ordinance. He said he hopes the requirement for businesses to have Knox-Boxes can eventually be written into the process of obtaining permits, so the cost would be recoupable for the owner.

Though the language of the ordinance has been developed, the department is holding off on submitting it for approval because of the rapid turnover of businesses the city has been experiencing as a result of the economy.

Anyone interested in having a Knox-Box installed, can visit http://knoxbox.com to read more about the system, or stop by the fire department.

“We have everything you need,” said Riggall.   And that includes all the forms, providing assistance in selecting the model that’s best suited to an individual’s particular needs, and help in filling out the paper work and placing the order.Q_-_knoxbox

Hawthorne’s First United Methodist Church’s plans for expansion will no longer be on hold. The Hawthorne Commission voted unanimously Tuesday to vacate the city-owned road section that was dividing the church’s property and putting the breaks on its plans for expansion.

The road section the city is vacating is a 395-foot stretch of S.E. 66th Avenue that runs from 218th Terrace to 219th Terrace.

Traffic will still be able to pass through on the road, as mandated by the ordinance, but it will be owned by the church. The church intends to not only build on either side of the road, but will be incorporating it into the parking lot.  

The increased parking is part of the church’s long-range expansion plans to build a multi-purpose family life center, new sanctuary and memorial garden.

The road was initially vacated by the city in October 2009, on the condition that no public utilities ran under the road. It was determined that no such utilities did run under the road, but the commission voted to reconsider the easement in February. It was then sent for approval to the Planning and Zoning Board in April and returned to the commission for first reading on May 18 and final reading on Tuesday.  

After months of haggling with the county government, the City of High Springs has finally struck a deal.

The city was in the process of trying to renew its fire service contract with Alachua County. The contract is essentially an agreement that the High Springs Fire Department will provide service to the unincorporated county areas bordering the city. In return, the county provides additional funding for the department’s operations.

The contract must be renewed annually, and the current one expires October 1. The city and fire department expressed the need for more money in the coming year, but the county repeatedly turned down new price proposals.

Facing the prolonged negotiations, High Springs was in a position to start discussing what to do if the contract was not renewed. In that event, the department would have had to downsize, possibly costing some firefighters their jobs.

But during a special meeting Tuesday night, the two government bodies reached an agreement. The contract will be renewed at $145,000, according to High Springs Commissioner Larry Travis. It will also provide for an additional $362 for every call where the High Springs Fire Department is the first responder.

This is $2,000 less than the city’s last counter offer of $147,000, which the City Commission had agreed on at a May 24 meeting. The $147,000 was in response to an offer from the county of $133,000.

After appearing to be derailed earlier this year, a controversial 100-megwatt biomass power plant was back on track following a delayed approval from Florida’s Public Service Commission (PSC) Thursday.

The project hit a speed bump in February, as PSC, a governor-appointed five-member commission that facilitates utility use, delayed its approval of the project.  But by Thursday, the PSC gave the so-called biomass plant the green light.

PSC Commissioner Lisa Polak Edgar said, “I am pleased to support today’s commission decision to diversify Florida’s fuel mix and assist a local community’s desire for renewable energy.

“As Florida continues to explore ways to expand its renewable portfolio, it’s important that we assist utilities in planning for a cleaner energy future,” she said.

Plans for the biomass plant, which is slated to be built at the Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) Deerhaven plant on U.S. Highway 441 near Alachua, have sparked concerns among many who cite environmental sustainability and nearby residents who more often raise concerns over projected traffic increases. 

Otherwise known as the Gainesville Renewable Energy Center (GREC), the nearly $500 million biomass plant would be built and operated under a 30-year-contract by American Renewables, a company based in Boston, Mass.

In April, Alachua commissioners turned away GREC Project Manager Josh Levine who had hoped to get a letter of support for the plant from the City. 

Then Alachua Mayor Bonnie Burgess said, “What it boils down to is … water and trucks.”

Under the original proposal, the plant would require 1.4 million gallons of water per day.  Commissioners were leery about the impact such an increase in water usage would have on wells used by the City of Alachua to serve its residents and businesses.

Vice-Mayor Gary Hardacre told fellow-commissioners in a May 24 meeting that he was hopeful some of that impact on water levels would be mitigated after hearing of possible alternate plans in a recent meeting with the Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD). 

Hardacre said, although commissioners were not prepared to endorse the biomass plant, if it is approved, GRU would likely become a customer of the City of Alachua, using the city’s reclaimed water program.  Details about the arrangements were not clear, but it appeared that SRWMD stood ready to help with infrastructure improvements necessary to supply the water to the GREC facility.

One aspect proponents of the plant have been unable to overcome is its impacts on traffic.  GREC would be fueled by wood debris, tree trimmings and clippings from a 75-mile-radius of the proposed plant.  Unlike coal which is currently used at the GRU power generating plant, they wood fuel for GREC would not be taken to the site on rail.

According to project details, most of the traffic carrying the wood to be used as fuel would arrive via trucks through Alachua.  Project officials estimate that 130 to 150 trucks will be heading up and down U.S. 441 en route to the plant or back out to Interstate 75 through Alachua. That breaks down to about one truck trip every five minutes.

The PSC approval came in a 3-2 vote on Thursday, but is only one step in approval for the biomass plant.

According to a release from the PSC, a final order approving the project is expected by June 21 and will include risk management guidelines to help mitigate potential future rate impacts to customers.

The project will also require review by several state agencies including the Florida Department of Environmental Protection before it can be considered by Florida Governor Charlie Crist.

 Next year, students throughout the county will be under stricter dress code regulations, the school board approved in a 3-2 vote Tuesday.

However, board members made last minute amendments relaxing the original proposal and backed off calling the new standards “uniforms.”

Board chair Virginia S. Childs said the changes were not that drastic and the new rules are not uniforms in the way most people think of them such as those that police and firefighters wear. They are merely a uniform standard to which all students will be required to dress.

The dress code requires that students wear collared shirts, but they can be of any solid color, instead of the original proposal of only white, navy blue and the school’s colors. Pants can also be of any color. And female students will be allowed to wear dresses, as long as the dresses meet the length and coverage requirements in the dress code.

With all of the last-minute changes, board member Tina Pinkoson was wondering what, if anything the rules changed from the previous dress code.

“This is what we’ve got in place, but they haven’t enforced it and there is really nothing that’s different except that they can’t wear a T-shirt,” Pinkoson said.

“We’re reinventing the wheel here”

Pinkoson, along with board member Eileen F. Roy, opposed school uniforms.

Roy said she didn’t think the switch to school uniforms would make much of a difference.

“I would certainly be in favor of this motion, if there were any evidence that I could see that correlated uniform wearing in schools with academic achievement,” Roy said. “However, I have not seen that.”

She said the overwhelming majority of public response she received was against the motion.

“This is the very antithesis of encouraging them to make their own decisions on the most basic aspects of their life, which is what to wear in the morning,” Roy said.

Board member F. Wesley Eubanks disagreed with Roy’s argument. He said that Polk and Osceola, the two counties the proposed school uniform policy was modeled after, were doing better in key categories and that school uniforms might be part of the difference.

Both Polk and Osceola have more students than Alachua on free and reduced lunch, but have higher graduation rates.

Eubanks also argued that safety was a concern and that school uniforms would make the dress code easier for principals and teachers to enforce.

Board member Barbara Sharpe addressed some of the other concerns she had heard about school uniforms including that it would hamper free expression and individualism.

She said students have many positive ways to show self-expression outside of fashion.

“We have to act to end the peer-driven fashion shows entering our classrooms that create distractions,” Sharpe said.

She said the board’s decision shouldn’t be too dependant on what students think they want.

“Of course, [students] are just going to say that they don’t want to uniforms,” Sharpe said. “But we as board members, it is incumbent for us to do what it is that we think is necessary to bring all of our children in. It is up to us to level the playing field.”

Pinkoson said she worried that measures like this were part of a larger trend in the schools taking on too much.

“From the beginning, when I got on the school board, I have been incredibly frustrated with the amount of responsibility that’s being handed over to our schools in raising our children,” Pinkoson said.

The two sides were not able to reach a middle ground, but with a slight majority, the decision to switch to school uniforms was approved.

The motion approved by the board mandates school uniforms for grades K-12. The board passed on the other three options: school uniforms for grades K-8, school uniforms for grades K-5 or no school uniforms.

 In 2009, a local piping plant became a statistic as it was left with no choice, in the face of a crumbling economy, but to lay off more than 50 percent of its work force.

Today, Prime Conduit of High Springs is looking at a chance to grow again. The company, Prime Conduit, Inc., is based in Cleveland, Ohio. It manufactures various types of industrial piping, and since the slumping market created a virtual freeze on new construction, its business has suffered.

However, the company is looking to market a new variety of piping product better suited to current demand, using new equipment it developed.

Now the company has to decide which of its manufacturing locations is going to house the new technology, which could revive Prime Conduit’s business in the selected area and potentially provide some relief to the local economy; especially the job market.

It could go to California, Pennsylvania or Oklahoma. Or, it could come to High Springs.

The Council for Economic Outreach at the Gainesville Chamber of Commerce, in its efforts to help facilitate economic growth and prosperity throughout the area, has proposed that the City of High Springs and Alachua County offer Prime Conduit a Qualified Targeted Tax Industry Refund Program, or, QTI for short.

It’s a special tax refund plan designed to encourage the start of new business and to support the expansion of already-existing ones, such as this.

During a May 27 City Commission meeting, Brent Christensen, the president and chief executive officer of the Gainesville Chamber of Commerce and the Council for Economic Outreach, explained that in order to qualify for the QTI, Prime Conduit would have to create a minimum of 20 new jobs, and the company would receive a $60,000 tax refund.

Eighty percent of the refund would be funded by the state, and the other 20 percent comes from the local government; typically 10 percent from the city and 10 percent from the county.

This means that the city of High Springs would have to commit to paying a total of $6,000 over the course of four years.

During the meeting, Commissioner Larry Travis made a motion to officially state that the city would be willing to commit that money. There was a unanimous approval.

Travis said “We’ve been talking about economic development now for a while, and this is the first time where we can really put our money where our mouth is.”

The proposal will now be presented to the Alachua County Commission for approval on June 8.

David Ramsey, of the Council for Economic Outreach, explained that the QTI is being used to send a signal to Prime Conduit that the community is behind their project. And signals are important, he said.

But whether the company is or isn’t guaranteed a tax refund is not what will make or break this deal. There is another, much more heavily weighted factor being taken into consideration.

There is a concern that a railway running through High Springs, which serves as Prime Conduit’s primary shipping method, could be shut down and/or disassembled in the near future, because it is in need of repairs and also because it does not get enough traffic right now to make it worth its upkeep, Ramsey explained.

He stressed that nothing has been officially decided in regard to the rail, and the council is pursuing the issue to the best of its ability.

“We’re looking under every rock to crack this nut.”

He did say, however, that Prime Conduit made it clear that ultimately, they will commit to High Springs based on the verdict of the rail and that verdict alone.

A decision, Ramsey said, will be reached within the next two months.

Michael Ellis, the plant manager at Prime Conduit in High Springs, said at the commission meeting that the company has been part of the local community for 51 years, and the message from his corporate leadership is that they want to grow.

Ramsey said the QTI is the icing on the cake for the company to stay and grow in High Springs. The problem is, with the issue of the rail up in the air, the cake hasn’t yet been made.

 

During the most recent public hearing for the Alachua County Charter Review Commission, several members expressed a will to reevaluate their purpose. They emphasized the importance of preserving the voters’ right to decide. Some clearly stated they did not support certain proposals and they did not want them to be adopted, but nonetheless they voted to put them on the November ballot, because the point is to let the citizens make the call.

In light of a bill that was just passed at the state level, the wills and intentions of review commission members may become a moot point on some issues.

Governor Charlie Crist signed House Bill 131 into law on Friday. It provides that sole power and control over certain policies and procedures are withheld by the state, regardless of any home rule or autonomy granted or upheld by a charter government on the county level, such as that in Alachua Ciounty.

Furthermore, the proposal made by UF law professor and review commission member Joe Little to achieve control over issues like non-partisan voting and commissioner salaries by converting the County Commissioners into Charter Commissioners may no longer provide a solution.

The legislation is lengthy and scattered with revisions and amendments. The entire legislation may be viewed at http://flsenate.gov.

Sarah Bleakley, legal counsel to the charter review commission, said she is still working on trying to find answers about which charter amendment proposals this bill can affect, and how it can affect them.

There are several that could depend on it, she said, but she’s still in the process of doing all the necessary research to be sure.

During its next public hearing on Wednesday, she will advise the review commission according to what she finds.

Ward Scott, chairman of the County Commission’s Rural Concerns Advisory Committee, expressed concerns about how the bill might affect local government before it was even passed. He said it poses a huge problem if it does indeed, as he suspects, forbid counties from holding non-partisan elections for commissioners.

Bleakley said this is one of the concerns she is looking into, although she wasn’t able to make an official comment on it yet.

Laurie Newsom, a chairperson of the Gainesville Tea Party, echoed Scott’s concern regarding the bill’s potential effect on the county’s ability to institute non-partisan elections.

But it doesn’t mean the amendment can’t still be put on the ballot, she said. What is in question, she explained, is the constitutionality of actually enacting it. Newsom believes citizens should still get a chance to vote on it, and if it gets passed, the issue can then be addressed of how to legally adopt it.

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

CITY OF HAWTHORNE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

On Tuesday, June 8th at 6:00pm at 6700 SE 221st St. Hawthorne, FL, the Planning and Zoning Board will hold a public hearing regarding the following ordinances:

ORDINANCE

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA, RELATING TO AN AMENDMENT OF TEN OR LESS ACRES OF LAND TO THE FUTURE LAND USE PLAN MAP OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, AS AMENDED, PURSUANT TO AN APPLICATION BY THE PROPERTY OWNERS, UNDER THE AMENDMENT PROCEDURES ESTABLISHED IN SECTIONS 163.3161 THROUGH 163.3215, FLORIDA STATUTES, AS AMENDED; PROVIDING FOR CHANGING THE LAND USE CLASSIFICATION FROM RESIDENTIAL MEDIUM DENSITY TO COMMERCIAL OF CERTAIN LANDS WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA; PROVIDING SEVERABILITY; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

ORDINANCE

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA, RELATING TO THE REZONING OF LESS THAN TEN CONTIGUOUS ACRES OF LAND, PURSUANT TO AN APPLICATION BY THE PROPERTY OWNER OF SAID ACREAGE; AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING ATLAS OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS, PROVIDING FOR REZONING FROM RESIDENTIAL MULTI-FAMILY (RMF-1) TO COMMERCIAL CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT (C-CBD) OF CERTAIN LANDS WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA; PROVIDING SEVERABILITY; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

Copies of the proposed actions may be inspected by the public at City Hall on SE 221st St. The hearing will be open to the public and interested parties may appear at the hearing to be heard regarding the proposed action.

(Published: Alachua County Today - May 27, 2010)

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Commissioners in Alachua turned down an offer to settle a public records case for nearly half of what the plaintiffs claim were the total attorneys fees and costs.

According to court documents, political activist Charles Grapski and Alachua resident Michael Canney incurred expenses of almost $200,000 in attorney’s fees and costs in a 2006 public records case.

Florida’s First District Court of Appeal ruled earlier this year that the City of Alachua violated public records and open meeting laws when it refused to turn over minutes from a 2006 post-election meeting to Grapski and Canney.

The City of Alachua informally offered to settle with Grapski and Canney for $30,000 to cover the reported $200,000 in legal fees and costs.  Alachua Commissioners met in an executive session, commonly known as a shade meeting, to discuss its legal strategy in handling the case.  Although those meetings are not immediately open to the public, action taken by the commission is.

Commissioner Ben Boukari made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Gary Hardacre, to deny the offer made by Grapski and Canney to settle the case for $100,000.  The commission unanimously approved that step and also gave the authority for City Attorney Marian Rush to place a formal counteroffer of $30,000 in the court’s file, if it was appropriate to do so based on the court’s position.

While Grapski and Canney walked away with a big win for the city’s initial refusal to turn over unapproved meeting minutes, that was not the only component of their case. University of Florida law professor Joe Little argued on behalf of his clients that it was illegal for the commission to approve minutes via a consent agenda, but the appellate court disagreed and did not rule in favor of Grapski and Canney on that point. 

The court opined in favor of Grapski and Canney when it reversed the Dec. 2008 decision by Circuit Court Judge Robert E. Roundtree Jr. that since the requested minutes had been provided by the City before the original case was filed, that part of the case was moot.  The appellate court ruled that just because the minutes were eventually provided did not mean a violation of public records laws had not occurred.

Kevin_Berry_r_chats_with_5th-grader_Paul_WinningAt about 8:30 Wednesday morning, Kevin Berry was boarding a school bus full of his fifth-grade students, anxious to set out on their end-of-the-year field trip to Camp Kulaqua in High Springs.

It’s going to be very depressing, Berry said, when they graduate in a couple of weeks. He’s known some of them since they were third-graders.

But at the same time, watching these children grow up, he said, is part of what he loves about his job.

This week, the College of Education at the University of Florida announced Kevin Berry as its winner of the 2010 Outstanding Young Alumni Award.

Berry teaches third through fifth grade gifted science and social studies classes at Alachua Elementary School, and he works as a mentor for students within the College of Education. He’s also working toward his doctorate in curriculum, teaching and teacher education.

According to Larry Lansford, UF College of Education director of news and communications, Berry was one of Alachua Elementary’s first National Board Certified teachers, and he continues to act as a mentor to his peers; working with other teachers to help them obtain the prestigious certification.

Principal James Brandenburg, who hired Berry almost 12 years ago, said he really stood out from day one.

Brandenburg described the young teacher as being full of energy and focused on the kids. Berry can do 10 things at once, and he possesses a critical ability to communicate with all kinds of students, Brandenburg said.

“A lot of good teaching is just being able to tune in on their [students’] wavelength,” Brandenburg explained.

Berry said he always knew he wanted to teach, and now he can’t imagine anything else he’d rather be doing, or anywhere else he’d rather be. He said he never wants to lose contact with the classroom, and all his hopes and plans are to continue teaching in Alachua County.

He knew by the time he was in ninth grade, he said, that he wanted to go to UF to pursue a degree in education. He has always had family in the area, and said he loves it here.

“I’m really proud to be a part of this community.”

He was both surprised and honored, he said, when he found out about the award.

“I really don’t consider myself different from anyone else—I do things because I think they need to be done and because I enjoy doing them.”

Berry said he really appreciates all the people who put in effort to have him recognized, and he feels humbled.

“I think he’s still kind of baffled about why he was chosen,” said Brandenburg. “But I think that’s very sincere. It’s not that he needed it, it’s that he deserved it.”

Berry said he has and will continue to do what he does; be the best teacher he can be, regardless of this or any other shiny new plaques to put on his wall. But he does hope to use his recognition as a platform to encourage other graduates of the College of Education to stay connected to the school.

“The help you receive and the learning you can do doesn’t necessarily have to end when you cross the stage.”

He said that his own relationship with the college helps to provide a bountiful resource for Alachua Elementary and its other teachers.  “When we need something, we can go to them.”

“Berry represents the very best that the College of Education has,” Brandenburg said.

This year, it was discussed that the recipient should be someone who truly represents great teaching, as opposed to a graduate who has gone on to an entirely different field. He was the obvious choice.

City to extend deadline to conform until 2012

 A recent survey of the city’s signs concluded that nearly three-fourths of them are in violation of the city’s ordinance.

“The result of this survey has demonstrated that the absolute number of violations and non conformities would require that almost every business in town would need to change their signage at some point in time,” wrote Lowell Garrett, planning director, in a memo to the planning and zoning board.

“This is an impossible enforcement problem.”

Garrett suggested and commissioners agreed that coming down on the city’s businesses all at the same time would be the wrong way to approach the problem.

Instead, Newberry will give sign owners in violation of the city’s sign ordinance a break during the current tough economic times.

Most of the signs were built before the sign ordinance was approved in 2005.

The list of violators includes 27 outright violations, four locations where signs have been enlarged or additional signs have been posted without a permit, two locations where vehicles are being used as signs and 23 legal non-conforming signs.

To address the problem, the city will send extend the deadline until 2012. In the meantime, Garrett said businesses with sign violations will be notified over the summer to give them plenty of time to come into conformity.

Another tactic the city is considering is revising the ordinance, possibly through public workshops.

“Staff suggests that the current set of regulations, although well intended, need to be reviewed as to their applicability to the business climate of the city,” Garrett wrote, in a memo to the planning and zoning board. “This is not to say that we need to throw the baby out with the bathwater, but staff is suggesting refinement of the regulations.”

THOMAS A. CAPPELLO

Director, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System

There is no observance in America more somber than Memorial Day.  In events held across America this Memorial Day weekend, people will gather in small villages and great cities for one purpose: to remember our war dead, pay homage to their sacrifice and courage, and to recall the selflessness that embodies military service.  Indeed, throughout Europe, Africa and the Pacific Islands, Americans and our foreign friends alike pay their respects by visiting our Nation’s many cemeteries abroad.

This year, as in years past and years to come, the Department of Veterans Affairs plays a key role in these observances.  On Memorial Day, millions of Americans gather on the pastoral lawns of our 128 national cemeteries, crisscrossed row upon row with markers over the final resting places of some of our nation’s most courageous citizens.  By virtue of scale, solemnity and serenity, it is moving beyond words, and brings home the supreme cost of defending democracy.

Across the generations – indeed, across the centuries – Americans have answered the call to duty and many paid the ultimate price.  The America we know today would not be the same were it not for the men and women we honor on Memorial Day.

But the true meaning of Memorial Day eclipses American history.  Much of the contemporary history of the world was shaped and molded by the tens of millions of American veterans who put their lives on hold to wear the uniform.  Who among us could even begin to contemplate the world today had courageous defenders of freedom not stood fast against the scourge of Nazi fascism or ruthless imperialism in the Pacific? 

The latest generation of American veterans is engaged in a struggle no less critical to history than those of their predecessors.  Everyday, young men and women are returning from Iraq and Afghanistan after service in harms way.  Most come home to joyous reunions with loved ones and revel in the collective sigh of relief that marks a safe return.  Others come home with the visible and invisible wounds that are the tragic hallmarks of armed conflict, while still others return in solemn, eternal repose beneath a draped American flag.

I am indescribably proud of the people of the North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System and the service they provide to this community of Veterans.  The value and importance of their work is evident every day in the faces of the Veterans we serve.  Whether it’s the gritty determination of a patient undergoing rehabilitative therapy at one of our VA medical centers/Clinic, the ear-to-ear grins of a veteran and his family buying their first home with a VA loan guarantee, or a young veteran entering college because of expanded VA benefits under the Post 9/11 GI Bill, the Veterans we serve are our inspiration to live up to Abraham Lincoln’s promise, “to care for him who has borne the battle.”

Through their spirit, adherence to duty and honor – and yes, their sacrifice – our Veterans have paid for and delivered the freedom and security not only we Americans enjoy, but that lived by increasing millions around the world.

Please join us on Monday, May 31, 2010 at 10 a.m. at Meadows Cemetery, Hawthorne Road, Gainesville as we remember those who have paid the ultimate price for America and all humanity, and as we reflect on the achievements wrought by their sacrifice.  Life and liberty are God-given rights, but throughout history, the task of defending these high ideals has fallen to ordinary men and women of extraordinary courage and fortitude.

Their perseverance and loyalty to a higher calling is central to what and whom we honor each Memorial Day.  Let us never forget those who have fallen and the immeasurable good for which they have laid down their lives.

Let us never stop educating our youngsters about the price that has been paid for their freedom.  A trip with them to one of our sacred shrines – our Veterans cemeteries – is a good place to start.

 

WebDSC_0059This afternoon, a police chase through Northwest Gainesville ended in a lawyer’s office ­– literally.

Gainesville Police Department’s (GPD) Public Information Officer Cpl. Tscharna Senn said before the crash occurred, robbery suspect Michael Holmes, 28, was driving about 50 miles per hour heading west on NW 23 Avenue, where the maximum

A multi-engine Cessna crashed near High Springs Community School Thursday eveningDr. Charles Graper looks on as police investigate the scene where he crashed his mult-engine Cessna Thursday eveningA small airplane crash-landed in High Springs Thursday evening after the pilot of the multi-engine Cessna reported engine trouble minutes earlier.  The pilot, area dentist, Dr. Charles Graper walked away from the scene after an emergency landing near High Springs Community School.  Additional details are being gathered at the scene as local police and Federal Aviation Administration officials investigate.  Please stay tuned to AlachuaCountyToday.com for continuing coverage.

Irby_KTK_500On hand at the check presentation were L-R:  Irby Principal Lina Bedoya-Burklew, intern Jamie Knapp, teacher Amber Hipp, KTK’s Storm Roberts and Chris Wells, and Sylvan District Manager Amber Howell. 

Irby Elementary teacher Amber Hipp’s second grade class has received $500 for participating in 98.5 KTK and Sylvan Learning Center of Gainesville’s Pledge of Allegiance promotion.  The second graders recited the "Pledge of Allegiance" and sent a copy to the radio station.  The Irby class was selected and featured as the station’s patriotic stars for a day.  The class was then eligible for a weekly contest for Moe’s gift certificates as well as a monthly drawing for $500 from Sylvan.  About winning, Hipp said, “We’re excited to share this money with the other second grade classes at Irby.”

 

BiotechFrom inside the walls of the massive tents erected for the seventh annual Celebration of Biotechnology last Thursday, one would never have known Florida’s unemployment rate was hovering around 12 percent.  The annual event attracted more than 500 people who browsed over 70 vendor tables highlighting local biotechnology and affiliated companies.

Last week’s event was more successful than in prior years, probably due in large part to new features including a presentation tent, park bus tours, local food vendors and the elimination of an entrance fee. 

Sponsored by Thermo Fisher Scientific and PITTCON, the celebration aims to join local biotech company and university employees, investors, local officials and the public.  In addition to the many park employees, Alachua’s own Mayor Gib Coerper, Commissioner Ben Boukari and City Manager Traci Cain all attended the event as well.

Vendors at the event were varied including an area credit union, hotel, Universal Studios Orlando, law firms, the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce, scientific equipment companies and numerous biotech companies.

For the young at heart, the real highlight of the celebration came as tickets were drawn for winners of several prizes, the most coveted of which was a Nintendo Wii.

For Alachua, Progress Corporate Park is a big deal and biotech is a big business and one that is proving its resistance to a down economy.  With dozens of companies employing more than 1,100 people at the park, the biotech community’s impact on the area has been substantial according to Patti Breedlove, Associate Director for the Sid Martin Biotechnology Incubator Program. 

Breedlove, who has been tallying and tracking the park’s statistics, said Alachua provides a unique setting that attracts some entrepreneurs in the biotech arena. 

In addition to the incubator program and facility, run in part by Breedlove on behalf of the University of Florida, the Alachua setting also features a new, state-of-the-art Santa Fe College (SFC) training center specializing in related science studies.

Meanwhile, just down the road at Santa Fe High School, students are learning the basics to get them started in the field at the Institute for Biotechnology housed in a new science building.  These factors, coupled with a host of biotech companies already at the corporate park, are making Alachua an ideal location for other similar companies seeking a new home with room for expansion.

Breedlove said she hopes to continue fostering and broadening the relationship between the local biotech industry and City of Alachua.

“The future success of the park is tied to the future of the City of Alachua and vice-versa,” Breedlove said.

#     #     #

E-mail editor@

alachuatoday.com

Cont:  Breedlove sees corporate park’s and city’s success tied to each other

 

, the industry is proving its resistance to a down economy. employed among the dozens of companies at Progress Corporate Park, according to Patti Breedlove, Associate Director for the Sid Martin Biotechnology Incubator Program.

 

Known as the Charles R and Nancy V. Perry Center for Emerging Technologies, the SFC Alachua campus is the location where one of the colleges first bachelor’s degree programs is being offered.  It aims to provide training for students who might work at one of the area’s many biotechnology companies.

in While the unemployment rate

Biotech industry is bustling, poised to grow more


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Published: Friday, May 14, 2010 at 6:01 a.m.
Last Modified: Thursday, May 13, 2010 at 11:52 p.m.

( page of 2 )

ALACHUA - Attendees pointed to the size of the seventh annual Celebration of Biotechnology on Thursday as evidence of how far the industry has come and its importance to the economies of Florida and the region.



When the first event was held in the lobby of the Sid Martin Biotechnology Incubator, "we were floored and overjoyed that 40 people showed up," said Sue Washer, president of Applied Genetic Technologies Corp.

In recent years, more than 500 attendees and 60 vendors have filled tents on the grounds of Progress Corporate Park for BioFlorida's trade event, according to the organization's president and CEO, Russell Allen.

That makes it larger than the association's annual trade show, he said, because "the largest concentration of members are here in this park."

That concentration draws vendors who supply items such as lab supplies from across the country.

SGS, a Belgium-based company with U.S. headquarters in Maryland, had a table at the event and hopes to provide clinical trial services to companies coming out of the incubator, said Rafael Semidei, business development manager.

Today, companies like RTI Biologics, Exactech and MRI Devices anchor about 40 other startup companies with about 2,000 high-wage jobs combined.

The jobs are not just for people with technical degrees, Washer said. As the companies mature, they provide manufacturing and office jobs.

Santa Fe College biotech students are finding jobs in hospitals and medical companies locally and statewide in what is projected to be one of the most in-demand fields, according to Kelly Gridley, director of biotechnology programs.

SFC has 120 biotech students - its highest ever - in its new 24,000-square-foot facility that opened across the street from Progress Corporate Park last August.

After three years in the incubator, Washer's own company - which is developing gene therapy for inherited emphysema and blindness - received venture capital funding, a rarity at the time.

"Now it's fairly routine," Washer said, with about 25 major venture capital firms invested in local companies.

The effect of that is to encourage local angel investors - who fund startups at earlier stages - so "that the next level of investors will come and fund the companies that they feed," Washer said.

Synogen is a private angel fund and incubator program for medical technology companies created by the founders of successful biotech companies, such as RTI Biologics, who are investing their wealth to grow more companies.

Three of its portfolio companies - Xhale, AxoGen and Optima Neuroscience - have grown and graduated from the incubator, and its newest company - Registerpatient.com - just launched its Web-based patient registration and insurance verification program, according to President Stephanie Warrington.

Warrington, who is also on the board of BioFlorida, said that as much as biotechnology has grown in Florida, it is still just in its infancy.

"I think it's set to explode as the economy improves," she said.

County’s Charter Review Commission considering proposals which would mean big changes if adopted by voters

When people think about voting, they often think about the representatives they elect.  Sometimes however, the way people vote at the ballot box directly affects the structure and rules of government, not just the players.

During the November general election, Alachua County voters could make big changes to local government.  That is thanks to a Florida law requiring that every 10 years, a 15-member Charter Review Commission solicit and consider amendments to the County charter.

Some of the proposals under consideration by the citizen-run commission could drastically alter the balance of politics in Alachua County.

For this complete story, see the May 20, 2010 printed edition of Alachua County Today.

For more information about the Charter Review Commission, or to see all the proposals, go to Alachua County Charter Review Commission Web site and click on Proposals Received by CRC to see the list of proposed changes being considered.

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

CITY OF HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the following Item(s) will be heard at a meeting held by the City Commission of the City of Hawthorne, Florida, at a public hearing on June 1, 2010 at 6:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter can be heard, in the Commission Meeting Room, City Hall located at 6700 Southeast 221st Street, Hawthorne, Florida. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, ALACHUA COUNTY FLORIDA, CONDITIONALLY VACATING AND ABANDONING A PORTION OF SE 66TH AVENUE. BETWEEN SE 218th STREET AND SE 219th TERRACE., AS MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED HEREIN; PROVIDING FOR LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS; PROVIDING FOR RECORDATION AND RESPONSIBILITES; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF CONFLICTING ORDINANCES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR NON-CODIFICATION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.  

 

On the date, time and place first above mentioned, all interested persons may appear and be heard with respect to the proposed actions. This/ These ordinance(s) may be inspected by the public prior to the hearing at City Hall located at the address above.

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - May 20, 2010)

 

City of Alachua Request for Bids RFB 2010-05 NW 142 AV Roadway Improvement Project

 

The City of Alachua FL is requesting bids from certified and licensed contractors for the construction of roadway improvements. The project is located on NW 142 Av and NW 140 St and includes asphalt patching, asphalt overlay on an existing roadway, drop curbs, concrete driveway aprons, swale restoration and sod. Bid documents, project specifications and drawings may be downloaded from the City’s website (cityofalachua.org). Sealed bids are due by 2PM, 2 June 2010, should be clearly marked “RFB 2010-05, NW 142 AV Roadway Improvement Project” and addressed to: Frank Sodek – Administrative Services Director. For questions call 386-418-6105.

 

(Published: Alachua County Today - May 20, 2010)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Advertising that Works. Put your ad in Over 100 Papers throughout Florida for one LOW RATE! Call (866)742-1373 or visit: www.florida-classifieds.com

GOOD THINGS TO EAT

 

C&R Produce, 13789 NW US Hwy 441, Alachua Local Strawberries, Watermelon, Shelled Pecans, Florida Broccoli & Cauliflower, Cucumbers, Bell Peppers, Florida Navel Oranges & Grapefruit, Local Yellow Squash & Zucchini, Cabbage, Local Honey Fresh Local Silver Queen Corn, Amish Jellies and Jams, Brown Eggs, Foothills Butter, N. Carolina Apples & Apple Cider. Call 386-462-6158.

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

Cash paid for junk cars. $150 and up. Running or not. Free pick up. 352-771-6191.

DRIVER- GREAT MILES! PTL Company Solos/Teams call: (877)740-6262. Owner Operator Solos/Teams call: (888)417-1155. Requires 12 months experience. No felony or DUI past 5 years. www.ptl-inc.com

Heating/Air Tech Training. 3 week accelerated program. Hands on environment. State of Art Lab. Nationwide certifications and Local Job Placement Assistance! CALL NOW: (877)994-9904.

Driver CDLA- Company Drivers & Owner Operators! Excellent Pay, Benefits, & Rider Program Additional Benefits for Company Driver Medical Ins, 401k, Paid Holidays & Vacation. Star Transportation (800)416-5912 www.startransportation.com

REGIONAL DRIVERS NEEDED! More Hometime! Top Pay! Up to $.41/mile company drivers! 12 months OTR required. HEARTLAND EXPRESS (800)441-4953 www.heartlandexpress.com

Drivers - FOOD TANKER DRIVERS NEEDED OTR positions available NOW! CDL-A w/Tanker REQ'D. Outstanding pay & Benefits! TEAMS WELCOME!! Call a recruiter TODAY! (877)484-3042 www.oakleytransport.com

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

ALL CASH VENDING! Do you earn $800 in a day? 25 Local Machines and Candy $9,995. (888)629-9968 BO2000033 CALL US: We will not be undersold!

Up To $2,000.00 Weekly Income. We pay you. Work at home. Start making money today. For details come visit us at: www.TheInBizPlace.com

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

CASH NOW! Get cash for your structured settlement or annuity payments. High payouts. Call J.G. Wentworth. 1-866-SETTLEMENT (1-866-738-8536). Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau.Financial Services

ADOPTIONS

ARE YOU PREGNANT? CONSIDERING ADOPTION? Loving married couple seeks to adopt. Will be Full-time Mom (age 36) and Devoted Dad. Financial security. EXPENSES PAID. Kim/Bill (888)399-3255 FL Bar# 0150789

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

Waterfront Property

NEW LOG HOME AT THE LAKE 1.7 AC- $59,900 w/FREE Boat Slips Gorgeous, ready to finish 1200 sf log home & beautifully wooded 1.7 acre lake view homesite w/ free boat slips on private, recreational lake in Tenn. Quiet, gated community. Excellent financing. Call now (888)792-5253, x.3482 TN Land/Lakes, LLC

Acreage & Farms

CENTRAL GA 49 AC - $1,325/AC Gently rolling, abundant wildlife, mature pine, near Flint River. (478)987-9700 stregispaper.com St. Regis Paper Co.

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.

10 Acres High Springs area. Gorgeous, secluded country setting! Well, Septic & Power, Partially Fenced. Owner financing, no down payment. $877/mo. Total $99,900. 352-215-1018.

 

1 AC GILCHRIST COUNTY Paved road frontage on CR 138. Cleared homesite. High and Dry! OWNER FINANCING! NO DOWN PAYMENT! Only $256/mo. Total $24,900.

 

Call 352-215-1018.

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

For Rent

Duplex for Rent Turkey Creek 2BR 2BA 2 Car Garage. Screened porch, very energy effecient, quiet and private. $900 month available now. 386-462-3066

MERCHANDISE

STEEL BUILDINGS

BUILDING SALE! 25x30 $4577. 30x40 $7140. 32x60 $11,950. 32x80 $18,420. 35x60 $13,990. 40x70 $14,650. 40x100 $24,900. 46x140 $37,600. OTHERS. Ends optional. Pioneer MANUFACTURERS DIRECT (800)668-5422.

Miscellaneous

AIRLINES ARE HIRING - Train for high paying Aviation Maintenance 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. $150 and up. Running or not. Free pick up. 352-771-6191.

Auctions

ART AUCTIONS TO BENEFIT CHILDREN'S CHARITY - NO BUYER'S PREMIUM! Chagall, Picasso, Dali, Miro, Max, Neiman, Tarkay, Maimon, Nechita, Agam and more! FREE Admission! FREE food & drinks! Raffles and prizes. BATERBYS - PALM BEACH, Saturday, May 22nd - 5pm Preview, 6pm Auction - 13900 Jog Road Delray Beach, FL 33446. BATERBYS - ORLANDO, Saturday, May 29th - 5pm Preview, 6pm Auction - 9101 International Dr., Unit 1008, Orlando, FL 32819. RSVP at www.baterbys.com or call (866)537-1004 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. AB#2746 AU#3750


To Place a Classified Call 386-462-3355.

American Sign Language (ASL) is the fourth most commonly used language in the United States.

The visual language comes with its own grammatical rules and semantics, and many public schools and universities offer classes in and recognize ASL as a modern “foreign” language. And now American Sign Language classes are being offered at Alachua Branch Library.

Agricultural producers and small businesses interested in USDA Rural Development energy efficiency and renewable energy programs have until 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 30 to submit their applications to the state office for fiscal year 2010 funding.

USDA Rural Development Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) provides grants and guarantees loans to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements. The projects must be located in a rural area other than a city of greater than 50,000 population and its adjacent urbanized area. Agricultural producers include an individual or entity directly engaged in the production of agricultural products and obtains at least 50 percent of their gross income from the agriculture business. A rural small business is defined as an entity in accordance with the Small Business Administration and includes a private entity, partnerships, corporations, cooperatives and electric utility cooperatives supplying service to rural consumers.

Eligible projects include constructing and installing renewable energy systems such as wind turbines, solar, geothermal, biomass, anaerobic digesters, hydroelectric and ocean or hydrogen systems. Funding may also be used to purchase energy-efficient equipment, add insulation and improve heating and cooling systems.

For a renewable energy project exceeding $200,000, a feasibility study must first be conducted and submitted to USDA. Energy efficiency programs require an energy audit or assessment, depending on the total eligible project costs. Once the evaluation is complete and submitted to USDA, it is reviewed to determine if the project has merit. If approved, applicants will be notified by U.S. mail and instructed to complete an application for project funding for the next fiscal year.

Send applications to USDA Rural Development, 4440 N.W. 25th Place, Gainesville, FL 32606. Applications received in the state office after 4:30 p.m. EST on June 30, 2010, regardless of the application’s postmark, will not be considered for funding in FY 2010. For information about the USDA Rural Development energy programs or how to apply, visit www.rurdev.usda.gov/ia/rbcs_RE-EE_Section_9006.html.  To determine if a proposed project is in a rural area, visit http://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov and click on Business Programs under Property Eligibility. Applicants with questions should call 352-338-3482.

The petition to the Charter Review Commission to amend the charter concerning the election of County Commissioners is not with an objective of having non-partisan elections. The purpose of that revision to the charter is with an objective of having the 48 percent of the disenfranchised voters in Alachua County to have an opportunity to cast a meaningful ballot for a County Commissioner to represent them.

We have an unusual political demographic in Alachua County. The registered Democrats outnumber the registered Republicans by almost two-to-one. That results in the selection of the successful County Commissioner to occur at the Democratic primary in August. It has for decades. Therefore, the 25-plus percent of Republicans and the 25-minus percent of “Other” registrations are then precluded in casting a meaningful ballot for their Commission representative as Florida is a closed primary state. This charter revision should be heralded as a big win. 

This does not affect the political parties but very minimally. Simply stated, in a non-partisan election environment, the candidate cannot run with any directly stated political association. That is all there is to it.

The role of the political parties is virtually unchanged. In a non-partisan environment they can:  (1) “Vet” and select specific candidates whom they want to encourage to run; (2) Advise and consult on all campaign strategies to win elections; (3) Openly promote the merits of a candidate for election; (4) Make the same generous financial contributions to campaigns that they can now do; (5) Propose an entire “ticket” of candidates that are supported by the “XXX” Party; (6) Offer any post-election advise to a successful candidate that they wish.

Clearly there is no attempt, to use an old and tired cliché, to take the politics out of politics.

One person has said this is an attempt to elect more Republicans. How inept does this Democrat believe our Democratic party is when the Democrats outnumber the Republicans by almost two-to-one? Others claim that there are common values ascribed to each party, which may be true in some places but it not uncommon with our current County Commission, all of whom are Democrats, to believe that there are days when they can’t agree if it is a nice one or not.

By the way, if it matters to anyone, I as the person who filed this petition with the Charter Review Commission, am a registered Democrat. It should not matter as this isn’t about party politics. It is about fair and open elections.

Rod Tuttle

Gainesville, Fla.

 Alachua County Tax Collector, Von Fraser announces that the 2010 Tax Certificate sale for the 2009 delinquent real estate taxes will be held online at http://www.alachuataxsale.com.  The Alachua County Tax Collector and Realauction jointly host this site.  Registration and bidding will begin Thursday, May 13, 2010 and continue until the sale closes Tuesday, June 1, 2010.  Certificates will be offered in a series of seven batches that will begin closing out at 12 noon EDST and continue at one hour intervals until 6 p.m. EDST.  Certificates will be awarded to those bidders entering the lowest bids, with ties awarded based on a computer generated random selection algorithm.  Our office will provide computers and limited assistance for registered bidders who do not have internet access and want to participate in the tax certificate sale.

 Please note the internet tax certificate sale will have a mandatory bidder deposit requirement.  Since bidders will not be physically present the day of the auction, we are requiring a 10% pre-deposit of your total intended purchases ($100 minimum).  

 The tax certificate sale process ensures that a majority of the 2009 unpaid property taxes are collected and distributed to the various taxing authorities, allowing for the continuation of services.  Last year's sale netted $10,934,504.08 from the sale of 4,216 individual certificates.

 The delinquent real estate advertisement will be published in the Alachua County Today newspaper May 13, 20 and 27, 2010.  The advertising list will also be available on the website and can be downloaded.

 To avoid a certificate being issued, property owners with delinquent taxes are advised to pay at any the Tax Collector's three locations before 5 p.m. May 28, 2010.  Cash or certified funds are required.  Credit card payments can be made online www.actcfl.org, or by telephone 1- 866 -729-2282 (A 2.5% convenience fee will be added to credit card payments).  Credit Card payments must be received and posted no later than 5 p.m. on May 31, 2010.

 For additional information regarding the tax certificate sale, please visit our internet sale website http://www.alachuataxsale.com , the Tax Collector's website http://www.actcfl.org  or call (352) 374-5236.

 

ScoutsLionsTwo Eagle Scouts from Alachua’s Boy Scout Troop 88 were honored for their accomplishments by the City of Alachua commissioners and Mayor Monday evening.

Mayor Gib Coerper presented plaques with certificates of achievement to Joshua Hull and Matthew Tankersley in front of a packed audience at the commission meeting.  Among those in attendance were dozens of fellow scouts from Troop 88 who made the trek from the Scout Hut across from City Hall to watch one of their own be recognized by the City.

The two Eagle Scouts accepted the certificates and spoke briefly about their experiences in scouting and their involvement in Alachua’s Troop 88.

Tankersley and Hull were each required to earn at least 21 merit badges and complete a host of prerequisites, all of which must be accomplished before their 18th birthday. Among those perquisites is ascending from the lower ranks of Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star and Life before becoming a candidate for Eagle. 

The candidate must also complete a sizable community service project, which includes soliciting funding, determining the scope and scale of the project, planning workdays to accomplish the goals of the project, delegating roles to fellow scouts and documenting the project for review.

Hull and Tankersley join the elite and small group of the less than five percent of scouts who have achieved the rank of Eagle.

The two scouts were also each given a $100 U.S. Savings Bond from the Alachua Lions Club, presented by President Christine Hirsch.  The Alachua Lions Club has chartered Alachua’s Boy Scout troop 88 for some 75 years according to Troop 88 Scoutmaster Fred Hilton.

Hilton said his troop of more than 40 scouts could have as many as a dozen reach the rank of Eagle in 2010.

Troop 88 meets at 7 p.m. each Monday at their Scout Hut on NW 142nd Terrace, across from the post office in Alachua.

Unwelcome working conditions and a tense relationship with the city manager and city attorney have led City Planner Kelly Moosbrugger to quit her position with the City of Hawthorne. Her last day was May 5.

A man was apparently shot and killed in LaCrosse during the early morning hours of May 6 according to officials with the Alachua County Sheriff's Office (ACSO).

ACSO received a call at the 9-1-1 center at about 12:26 a.m. last Thursday from LaCrosse woman saying her husband had been shot, spokesman Art Forgey said.

The call led deputies and paramedics to a NW 52nd Street home in LaCrosse.  When they arrived, they found Arsenio M. Cabezas, an 82-year-old Hispanic man in his bedroom.  Paramedics and the responding deputy attempted to save Cabezas, who had apparently suffered a gunshot wound.  Cabezas died on the scene and deputies shifted their efforts to a death investigation.

Cabezas resided at the home with his 64-year-old wife, 35-year-old son and 30-year-old daughter in-law, according to ACSO officials.  Forgey said Cabezas reported that she got up to go to the restroom when she heard what sounded like a gunshot, when she rushed back into the bedroom, she found her husband had been struck. 

Cabezas’ son reportedly also heard the gunshot, went running into his fathers’ room, and saw he had been shot.  Shortly afterward Cabezas’ son went outside and drove around the five-acre property to find the source, but came up empty handed.

Deputies have confirmed that Cabezas was shot through his bedroom window.

Forgey said ACSO is conducting interviews in an attempt to determine what happened.  Investigators are considering every possibility in the shooting, the spokesman said.  He is encouraging anyone with information related to the incident to contact ACSO or remain anonymous by contacting Crime Stoppers at 352-372-STOP (7867).

Anyone that provides information on this crime that leads to an arrest and seizure of a firearm is eligible for a $1,000 cash reward through the Alachua County Gun Bounty Program.  The gun bounty callers can remain anonymous throughout the process by calling Crime Stoppers at 352-372-STOP (7867).

This week (May 6-11) the Gainesville VA Medical Center honors the dedicated men and women we in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) consider to be the compassionate backbone of the Veterans’ health care system – our nurses.

Q_-_CrimeStatsSiteWeb site offers one stop shop for local crime statistics

Want to know how many robberies have taken place in the past six months within five miles of your house?

How about how many there were near the house you might move into? Or maybe you want to know if any crimes happened in your neighborhood in the past 24 hours.

Since Alachua County Sheriff’s Office partnered with crimereports.com, these figures and many others are available to citizens with the click of a mouse at no charge.

Together with other local law enforcement agencies, the sheriff’s office announced the new database at a news conference on April 23.

Public information officer Art Forgey said the Web site, crimereports.com, gives citizens the ability to check on crime anywhere in the county, and it covers all jurisdictions, too, meaning that you can check on crimes reported by the sheriff’s office as well as any city police department.

Before the county started using this system, Forgey said it took a lot more time and effort to get the information people would request.

“We would have to pull each address individually from our CAD, which is our computer aided dispatching system.”

It was easy to look up crime stats for one address, he said, but collecting comprehensive data on an entire neighborhood; even a three to five mile radius, for instance, was tedious.

Local law enforcement agencies, especially in Gainesville, tend to get a lot of requests from parents of new university students wanting to know about area crime, Forgey explained. This took up a lot of time before.

Now, with this site, he said, people can go online and get all the information themselves with just a couple of clicks of their mouse, or “They can call us and we’ll do it for them.” Either way, it makes it a lot easier, he said.

When you go to the Web site, you can search by the individual cities of Alachua, Gainesville, High Springs and Waldo or by Alachua County in its entirety to see stats on these cities in addition to Archer, Hawthorne, Micanopy and Newberry.

High Springs was the first in the county to team up with crimereports.com. It has been on the site for two years already.

The goal has been to increase awareness in the community and to provide easily accessible information, said High Springs police chief. Jim Troiano.

Troiano said the system has provided a great option for crime analysis in High Springs that won’t break the budget.

“We can’t afford a crime analyst,” he said. But the database that crimereports.com has set up provides a comparable resource.

The city has been lucky, Troiano said, in that it had local businesses donate funding to pay for the service. The current cost is $1,188 a year. The funding has come from Barber’s Auto Services and Family Discount.

The data for Alachua County as a whole, however, is funded by the sheriff’s office. Being a much larger area to cover than just High Springs, it costs $8,499 a year, according to Forgey.

One of the features Troiano mentioned that he especially likes is that citizens can sign up to get e-mail updates on crime in their area for free.

Forgey said it’s a unique system in that every agency in the county is on board with it; a “one stop shop.”

Go to crimereports.com to check on crime in your neighborhood.

UPDATED: May 6, 2010 at 2:56 p.m.

A man was apparently shot and killed in LaCrosse early Thursday morning according to officials with the Alachua County Sheriff's Office (ACSO).

ACSO received a call at the 9-1-1 center at about 12:26 a.m. on Thursday that a person had possibly been shot, leading deputies and paramedics to a

Deepwater Horizon incident

The Governor’s Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service (Volunteer Florida) is encouraging individuals who live along or are visiting coastal communities to watch for oiled wildlife, vegetation, and beaches by becoming a Coast Watch volunteer.  Similar to the Crime Watch program, Coast Watch volunteers are community members who know the daily wildlife and plants that exist on their local beach.  The “Coast Watchers” will assist BP, the state of Florida and partnering organizations in identifying beaches that need attention. 

 Coast Watchers will work within the coastal communities where they live or visit and commit to do the following:

 Report injured or oiled animals to the Wildlife Distress Hotline: 1-866-557-1401

 Coast Watchers are not permitted to enter off-limit areas to obtain observations and must not make contact with oiled wildlife, vegetation, and beaches due the health concerns associated with contact. 

 Citizens wanting to become a Coast Watcher do not require any special training or registration.  However, they should be conscious of the coastal environment in their community.  If a Coast Watcher observes contaminated wildlife, vegetation, or shoreline, it should be reported immediately to the numbers above.

 For up-to-date volunteer opportunities regarding the oil spill, visit www.volunteerflorida.org.

 The Governor’s Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service, Volunteer Florida, was established in 1994 by the Florida Legislature to administer grants under the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993. The Commission grants funds to Florida AmeriCorps and National Service programs; encourages volunteerism for everyone from youths to seniors to people with disabilities; coordinates volunteerism in disaster preparedness, response and recovery; and helps to strengthen and expand volunteer engagement. 

Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson said today that seafood currently being harvested in Florida is safe and has not been impacted by the oil spill in the Gulf.  He is concerned that misinformation about the conditions in the Gulf waters may unnecessarily impact the state’s seafood industry.

 While the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is restricting commercial and recreational fishing in federal waters from Louisiana to waters off Pensacola Bay, the ban does not yet impact waters extended out 25 miles from Escambia County.  Currently, all species harvested from the closure line to shore, including grouper, snapper, golden tilefish, mullet, blue crab, oysters, flounder, sea trout and shrimp, are safe to eat.  Stone crab season is in effect until May 15 and is also unaffected by the ban.  Federal agencies and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection are conducting ongoing tests of water samples and have not found any hydrocarbons in samples taken from Florida.

 In addition, Bronson’s Division of Aquaculture is monitoring oysters to assure their safety, and NOAA is working closely with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and food safety officials in the Gulf states to assure that no unsafe seafood products are sent to markets.

 “Our shrimp, shellfish and other seafood being harvested right now are fine, and I don’t want people watching reports of the oil spill to think differently,” Bronson said. “If and when Florida waters are impacted by the spill, we will take immediate action to close the waters to commercial and recreational harvesting.”

 In 2008, the latest figures available, the quantity of seafood sold at the dock just on the west coast surpassed 66 million pounds with a value of about $125 million.  This is the price paid to the fishermen for their catch, not the retail or wholesale value.  

 In response to the Deepwater Horizon Incident in the Gulf of Mexico, Bronson’s Division of Aquaculture is actively evaluating the latest reports from the official clearinghouse of information, www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com and evaluating predictions of spill movement, weather patterns and projected landfall points.

For the most up-to-date information on Florida’s Deepwater Horizon response, as well as health and safety tips, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon.

Sixth-graders at Mebane Middle School commemorated Earth Day on April 22 by pulling together to both beautify the school’s campus and lend a helping hand to the environment. Earth-Day2

NHS

Team members included Alex Black, Naomi Daniels, Shelby Deen, Kristi Duncan, Madison Karelas, Tiffany O’Connell, Katie Pabst, Courtney Ray, Cody Thomas, Brian Skipper

 A team of students at Newberry High School has won its third top environmental award this school year with a project aimed at preserving water locally and providing clean water internationally.

The school’s PANTHER team (Providing A New Way To Help Environmental Restoration) was one of four high school teams across the nation to win a first-place award in the final category of the 2010 Lexus Environmental Challenge Contest, a national competition sponsored by Toyota and Scholastic. With that win, the team has now won first-place awards in all three challenges of the year-long competition, the only school nationally to earn such a sweep.

Newberry High's final challenge team included seniors Alex Black, Naomi Daniels, Shelby Deen, Kristi Duncan, Madison Karelas, Tiffany O’Connell, Katie Pabst, Courtney Ray, Cody Thomas and Brian Skipper. All of the students had worked on previous award-winning projects.

“I am so proud of the work these students have done,” said Newberry High science teacher and club sponsor Cynthia Holland. “They have made a significant environmental impact on Newberry and Alachua County.”

“We learned that the youth in society need to raise the awareness of environmental problems,” said Ray. “We can make a difference.”

For their final environmental challenge, the team’s mission was to educate the public on the loss of wetlands and other aquatic habitats and to promote water conservation. To meet that mission, the students developed and implemented learning activities for younger children in their community, created public service announcements and used other media to encourage people to conserve water.

Holland says the projects give the students the opportunity to develop more than environmental awareness.

“The students have learned valuable communication, writing and technology skills,” she said. “They developed presentations, made videos and public service announcements, created web pages, even wrote lessons and designed activity books.” 

“‘There is no I in team’ is a very true statement,” said Duncan. “We learned to work together and learned how important it was to be dependable.”

One of the group’s most ambitious activities was the Gallons of Love Walk for Haiti, a fundraiser that brought in nearly $1,000 for the Children’s Safe Drinking Water Foundation. That money will be used to purchase water purification packets to provide clean water for the children of Haiti.

The school’s previous award-winning projects were focused on planting trees within the city of Newberry and saving energy and recycling during the holiday season.

All told, the Newberry PANTHER teams have won $35,000 in prize money throughout the year. The school received $7,000, Holland received $4,000 and the students involved in the three projects split $24,000 in scholarship money. 

But team members say the benefits of working on the project go beyond the cash awards.

It was a lot of fun,” said Skipper. “It’s not about the money and winning, but that people listened to us!”

Road and Lane Closures for April 24-30, 2010

The following is a list of roadwork underway by the FDOT that may impact traffic. 

ALACHUA COUNTY:

Interstate 75  Daytime lane closures for northbound traffic as the outside lane at the Peggy Road overpass (south of Alachua exit 399) will be repaired on Tuesday and Wednesday between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

 Newberry Road (State Road 26) Daytime lane closures just east of Interstate 75 for work on the driveways at the Citgo gas station. Also, daytime lane closures in Jonesville for work on a driveway to the Campus Bank.

Archer Road (State Road 24) Daytime lane closures between Interstate 75 and Southwest 13th Street (U.S. 441) to allow inmate crews to repaint the roadway markings.

 East University Avenue (State Road 26) One lane will be closed or shifted beginning Friday, April 23 at 9 a.m. until Sunday, April 25 at 4 p.m. to allow crews with Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) to do emergency repairs to main sewer pipe in the 1000 to 1100 block. The lane closures will occur in the eastbound and westbound travel lanes between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Also, nighttime lane closures are planned Sunday through Thursday from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. from just east of Waldo Road (State Road 24) to Main Street to resurface as part of the FDOT improvement project.

 North Main Street (State Road 329)  Paving of the newly constructed lanes on the east side is completed but not open to traffic. A traffic shift is scheduled to be completed April 30 after the new pavement markings are placed.  Two-way traffic remains on the west side lanes from a block north of University Avenue to North Eighth Avenue.

South Main Street (State Road 329) Traffic is detoured around an area just north of Depot Avenue to reconstruct the roadway. Motorists traveling north and south on Main Street are detoured using Depot Avenue, Sixth Street and Fourth Avenue. Local traffic has access and all businesses in the area are open and accessible.   

State Road 26  Daytime lane closures west of U.S. 301 to install temporary pavement for westbound traffic to tie in the existing roadway with the new lanes. Also, traffic may be periodically stopped for crews to sweep dirt off the road tracked by construction vehicles.

U.S. 301 in Orange Heights Daytime lane closures after 7 a.m. for southbound traffic on Monday and Tuesday and for northbound traffic on Wednesday while crews set the beams for the new State Road 26 overpass across all four lanes of U.S. 301.  In addition, rolling lane closures will be needed in intervals to allow a crane to lift the beams over the open traffic lanes and set them.

Waldo Road (State Road 24) Daytime lane closures south of Northeast 23rd Avenue for work on the driveway to the University of Florida East Campus.

West University Avenue (State Road 26) Nighttime lane closures Sunday through Thursday from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. between Main Street and Gale Lemerand Drive (by the O’Connell Center) to resurface. On-street parking will be temporarily removed. 

BAKER COUNTY:

County Road 125 Southbound traffic will be shifted to the right side of the road at the Interstate 10 overpass (Exit 333) on Tuesday and next Friday (April 30) from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for routine bridge maintenance.

BRADFORD COUNTY:

State Road 100 Daytime lane closures from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. between the Clay County line and County Road 100A for resurfacing. Motorists may encounter more than one lane closure through the 11-mile long project.

COLUMBIA COUNTY:

Interstate 75 Daytime and nighttime lane closures in both directions between the Suwannee County line and Interstate 10. Two lanes are closed at night beginning at 8 p.m. and ending at 6 a.m. each day.  Plans are to begin Sunday night at 8 p.m. and close two lanes southbound. No lane closures are allowed weekends beginning Friday at 6 a.m. until Sunday at 6 p.m.  The speed limit is reduced to 60 mph during lane closures and is strictly enforced by FHP.  Work also continues at the Interstate 10 interchange to replace the high mast lights.  

Springville Road The road will remain closed at the I-75 overpass until a damaged beam can be replaced. Traffic will be detoured to White Springs Road to State Road 136 during the closure.

State Road 136  The eastbound lane just west of U.S. 41 in White Springs at the Suwannee River Bridge is scheduled to be closed Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. for routine bridge maintenance.

State Road 238 No lane closures scheduled between U.S. 441 in Ellisville and the Olustee Creek Bridge. Paving work is scheduled to begin May 3 starting at U.S. 41/441 and heading eastbound toward Lake Butler.

U.S. 90  Crews will be repainting the roadway lines between the Suwannee and Baker County lines.

U.S. 41  Crews will be repainting the roadway lines between U.S. 90 and I-10 during the week.

U.S. 41/441 South  Daytime lane closures are expected to begin Monday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the intersection with County Road 252 (by Columbia High School) to replace the traffic signals and provide crosswalks.

DIXIE COUNTY:

State Road 51 Beginning Monday, plans are to shift traffic onto temporary lanes in two different locations between the Taylor County line and the Lafayette County line as crews replace four bridges. Motorists should use caution as the travel lanes have been narrowed and watch for construction vehicles entering and leaving the road.

State Road 349   Crews will be repainting the roadway lines between U.S. 19 and the Lafayette County line.

HAMILTON COUNTY:

U.S. 41 Possible daytime lane closures Tuesday and Wednesday in the city of Jasper while crews inspect drainage pipes.

LAFAYETTE COUNTY:

State Road 349  No lane closures expected between the Dixie County line and U.S. 27 near Branford as crews repair drainage pipes under driveways in preparation to widen and resurface the roadway.

LEVY COUNTY:

County Road 316 (Northeast 30th Street) Daytime lane closures after 8:30 a.m. at County Road 323 (Northeast 200th Avenue) in Williston while crews continue widening the intersection.

State Road 320 Daytime lane closures from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. between U.S. 19 and the entrance to Manatee Springs State Park for construction of a bike lane.

U.S. 19  Daytime and nighttime lane closures 24 hours day for both northbound and southbound traffic between State Road 24 in Otter Creek and Southeast Fourth Street in Chiefland to pave shoulders and replace guardrail.  The lane closures will be up to 2-miles long.

SUWANNEE COUNTY:

U.S. 90 and U.S. 129 Daytime lane closures through the city of Live Oak to allow inmate crews to repaint the roadway markings. 

TAYLOR COUNTY:

Puckett Road (County Road 361A) Daytime lane closures Monday through Thursday after 8:30 a.m. between U.S. 19 and Golf Course Road as crews are scheduled to begin widening the travel lanes to provide 11-foot lanes. Lane closures will be one mile long in the urban area and 1.5 miles long in the rural section. Motorists who are entering the roadway in the middle of a lane closure where flaggers are not present to assist should wait for traffic to go by in the direction in which they wish to travel to avoid running into on-coming traffic. 

U.S. 19  Daytime lane closures from north of 12th Street in Perry to the Madison County line to place the final layer of asphalt. The contractor began at the Perry city limits and is proceeding north to the Madison County line and will then turn around and proceed south. The placement of signs will begin next week and motorists are urged to use caution where crews are just off the roadway.    

U.S. 98  Daytime lane closures at the Aucilla and Econfina River bridges to replace a bridge joint. Also, daytime lane closures at the Aucilla River Bridge while crews perform tests to get information to design a new bridge. This work is expected to be completed next week.

U.S. 221 (Jefferson Street) Daytime lane closures Monday through Thursday from Ash Street to Wright Road (County Road 359A) for routine maintenance work.

UNION COUNTY

State Road 238 No lane closures planned between the Columbia County line and State Road 238 in Lake Butler. However, crews will be working alongside the road in Providence to place hand rail alongside a ditch.

By Stan Meiburg, Acting Regional Administrator in Atlanta

 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

 Each year, many people spend some time on Earth Day planting a tree, cleaning up a park or participating in some other activity that raises awareness of environmental issues. These are all worthwhile ways to help protect the environment, but what if you resolved to do something that would make a difference—not just on Earth Day—but every day? It is easier than you think.

 This year marks the 40th anniversary of the EPA and the 40th celebration of Earth Day. EPA is leading a collaborative effort with the Coastal America Partnership to encourage Americans to commit to “4 for 40,” that is, making four changes this year that will benefit the environment. Just making four changes to your daily routine can substantially reduce your ecological footprint. An ecological footprint is the amount of land needed to provide all the resources and space you use, directly or indirectly, including the amount for storing and absorbing your waste and pollution. The average American needs 25 acres of ecologically productive land to support his or her lifestyle. That's three times the world average. You can calculate your ecological footprint at: http://www.ecofoot.org/

 Earth Day is an opportunity for all Americans to demonstrate that environmental responsibility is everyone's responsibility. There are a number of simple everyday choices that people can make to help protect the environment. To help you get started, choose at least four of the actions listed below that you'll commit to:

 1. Use less water! Take showers instead of baths, fix leaks, and turn off the tap when brushing your teeth. And buy efficient fixtures by looking for the WaterSense label.

 2. Commute without polluting! Use public transportation, carpool, walk, or bike whenever possible to reduce air pollution and save on fuel costs.

 3. Save electricity! Do a home energy audit, get programmable thermostats, buy Energy Star products, turn stuff off when you’re done, and change your bulbs to compact fluorescents.

 4. Reduce, reuse, recycle! Try to find products with less packaging, take reusable bags on shopping trips, creatively reuse other products, and recycle what's left.

 5. Test your home for radon! Radon is a naturally occurring, odorless gas that can seep into your home and cause lung cancer.

 6. Check your local air quality! When you exercise outdoors, use your local air quality forecast to help plan the best time for a workout or run. Learn more about air quality.

 7. Use chemicals safely! Read pesticide labels carefully. Lock up pesticides, paints, and cleaners where kids can't reach them.

 8. eCycle! Take your old computer, DVD player, or other electronics to a recycling center. This helps keep hazardous substances out of the landfill.

 9. Enjoy the outdoors safely! Find out the quality of beach water from your state office and get the UV Index to protect yourself from the sun.

10. Spread the word! Teach others where you work or go to school. Encourage people to commit to making 4 changes for the 40th celebration of Earth Day! Share online by commenting on our blog, or by sharing your photos and videos.

 This list is by no means exhaustive, however, we hope that it inspires you to think of one—or several—changes you can make in your daily life to help protect the planet. Indeed, Earth Day is an ideal time for individuals to commit to taking actions in our day-to-day activities that protect our environment. We encourage you to share your ideas, and learn from others, by visiting the 4 for 40 website online at: www.coastalamerica.gov.  

 Remember – you can make a big difference by resolving to make small changes in your life. Commit to making 4 changes for the 40th celebration of Earth Day this year and tell others to do the same.

Q---CalderwoodJean_thumb_medium79_104On many days, Jean Calderwood would stroll into City Hall at 6:45 a.m., answer a few e-mails and then head to her full-time job at the State of Florida Department of Management Services. On occasion, she’d go back to City Hall for lunch, then back to work and then back to City Hall once again for a public workshop or commission meeting.

Freddie Lee Murphy
Two men were taken to an area hospital early this morning after a shooting in Alachua.  Police have arrested Freddie Lee Murphy in connection with the shooting.  It is believed that a home invasion robbery which occured shortly before the shooting is related, police say.  The Alachua Police Department (APD) is continuing to investigate the incidents.  For more details and the complete story, see the printed edition of Alachua County Today. 

Signup Period Closes April 30, 2010

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service announced today that $337,636 will be available to eligible producers for water conservation and water quality improvements on agricultural working lands. The funding was made available to Florida through the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP). Florida has one project approved with the Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD).

You may apply for the Suwannee River Water Management District project if you are in portions of Jefferson, Taylor, Lafayette, Suwannee, Columbia, Union, Bradford, Alachua, Gilchrist, Levy, Dixie, Madison and Hamilton counties. 

Under the SRWMD project, EQIP eligible producers will be provided financial and technical assistance to improve irrigation water management and irrigation systems to conserve water, and convert to more efficient motors to improve energy use and enhance air quality.

The Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP) promotes ground and surface water conservation and improves water quality by helping farmers and ranchers implement agricultural water enhancement activities. With the services and resources of other conservation partners, AWEP allows the Federal Government to leverage investment in natural resources conservation.

AWEP was established by the 2008 Farm Bill and funding comes from the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) administers the program for USDA. NRCS implements AWEP by entering into EQIP contracts directly with agricultural producers.  All AWEP recipients must meet EQIP requirements.

Interested agriculture producers in the project area may sign up at their local NRCS field office beginning on April 19, 2010.  The sign up will end on April 30, 2010 so producers are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible.

For more information about AWEP projects visit www.fl.nrcs.usda.gov/programs or contact Donna Hopwood, District Conservationist for Alachua and Bradford Counties at 352-376-7414 extension 3, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Tim Manning, Executive Director of USDA’s Farm Service Agency in Florida announced today that USDA will accept late-filed applications for the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) for losses that took place in calendar years 2008 and 2009.  ELAP sign-up ended on Dec.10, 2009, for 2008 losses and on Feb. 1, 2010, for 2009 losses.  However, because of changes to program eligibility provisions, FSA is now accepting late-filed applications for 2008 and 2009 livestock, honeybees, and/or farm-raised fish losses through May 5, 2010.

 “ELAP provides emergency assistance to eligible producers of livestock, honeybees and farm-raised fish that have losses due to disease, adverse weather or other conditions, including losses due to blizzards and wildfires,” said Manning. 

 According to Manning, ELAP assistance is for losses not covered under other Supplemental Agricultural Disaster Assistance programs established by the 2008 Farm Bill, specifically the Livestock Forage Disaster Program, the Livestock Indemnity Program and the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments Program.  ELAP is being implemented to fill in the gap and provide assistance under other conditions determined to be appropriate.

 ELAP eligibility provisions have been amended for both honeybee and farm-raised fish producers. The modifications include allowing honeybee and farm-raised fish producers who did not replace their honeybees or fish that were lost due to a natural disaster to be eligible for ELAP payments based on the fair market value of the honeybees or fish that were lost.  In addition, the requirements to document losses for honeybee producers who suffered losses due to Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) were modified to allow documentation by an independent third party for losses in 2010 through Sept. 31, 2011.  Producers can self certify losses due to CCD for 2008 and 2009.

 For more information or to apply for ELAP and other USDA Farm Service Agency disaster assistance programs, please visit your FSA county office or www.fsa.usda.gov.

Plans for a new biomass plant in Alachua County hit a speed bump in February, as the Public Service Commission (PSC), a governor-appointed five-member commission that facilitates utility use, delayed its approval of the project.

 On Monday, Josh Levine, project manager for the biomass plant, also known as the Gainesville Renewable Energy Center (GREC), made his case to the city of Alachua, looking for a letter of support to go back to the Public Services Commission with.

  Ed Regan, assistant general manager for strategic planning at Gainesville Regional Utilities, expressed the importance of the plant and how Alachua could help get it done.

  “What would be the risky thing would be not to do it,” Regan said. “It wasn’t being communicated to the PSC staff, so we’re going to go back and try to do a better job and a warm fuzzy may help.”

  The city commission made a motion to not send a letter of support. But before the commission took a vote, Levine and Regan withdrew their request.

  Commissioner Jean Calderwood said she didn’t want to send a negative message to the PSC but didn’t want to take a stand on the issue before the PSC weighed in.

  “My position is neutral,” Calderwood said. “My position is I would like for the Public Service Commission to make their decision based on the information that Gainesville Regional Utilities, City of Gainesville and GREC is providing to them, not to harm or injure your position with them but simply let it stand on its own merits.”

  Other commissioners said they needed more information before making a decision.

  Commissioner Gary Hardacre said he wanted to wait until the city staff had time to process the new information and make a recommendation.

  Two issues stood in the way of Alachua offering a letter of support.

 “What it boils down to is … water and trucks,” Mayor Bonnie Burgess said.

The biomass plant’s planned site is south of Alachua off of U.S. 441. The water, 1.4 million gallons per day, pumped for the plant will come out of the same ground water that Alachua uses. And most of the traffic, about 130 to 150 trucks will be heading up and down U.S. 441 en route to the plant or back out to I-75. It breaks down to one truck driving down U.S. 441 every six minutes and one truck going up U.S. 441 every six minutes.  

 “I don’t see any trucks going toward Gainesville, and most of the people that are going to be serviced from this plant live in Gainesville,” Burgess said. “It’s like you’re using us to get the trucks to the plant, but it’s servicing citizens in another city.”

 Levine tried to answer the commissioners’ concerns about both traffic and water.

 Levine said a study of a section of U.S. 441 just south of Alachua showed that the biomass plant would only increase the capacity from 61 percent to 62 percent and would not change the level of service. But the study did not have statistics on the stretch of U.S. 441 that runs through Alachua.

  “We don’t need a study,” Hardacre said. “We know that we have some issues, and we have them right around the interstate, just north of the interstate. They’re not going to get any better and your route will have a significant impact on us.”

  Hardacre also expressed concerns about the area’s groundwater.

  “Right now, we’re losing water; the springs are drying up,” Hardacre said.

 Levin said the 1.4 million gallons per day won’t have that great of an impact.

 “We’ve conducted a significant amount of analysis,” Levin said. “Our draw down is almost not even registering on the models.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coerper walks into mayoral seat unopposed

 L-R: Alachua City Commission Candidates Ben Boukari, Duane Helle and Robert Wilford review absentee ballots following Tuesday's electionCandidates gathered at the fire station Tuesday as the total votes were tallied from the three precincts.

One race was clear.

Ben Boukari, Jr. won his first commission race handily, defeating Michael Canney for commission Seat 3.

Alachua now has the authority to set up special assessment areas, the commission approved Monday.

“The true intent is to make sure that people who are not impacted, who do not get the benefit of something, are not getting assessed for it,” said City Attorney Marian Rush, at the first reading of the ordinance on March 22.

Both incumbent Newberry city officials were re-elected to their seats.

Joe Hoffman won commission Seat 1, defeating Andy Cook with 57 percent of the vote.

Alena Lawson won commission Seat 3 with 47 percent of the vote, defeating Robert Fillyaw.

Lois Forte, running unopposed in Seat 2, was on-site for the announcement.

Newberry city commissioners will be begin their two-year terms on April 26 and make a monthly salary of $764.

For complete coverage of this election, see the April 15 printed edition of Alachua County Today.

Coerper walks into mayoral seat without opponent

Alachua Election Campaigning

Alachua Election Campaigning

In the race for commission Seat 3 Ben Boukari, Jr. was declared the winner with 633 votes while opponent Michael Canney picked up 248 votes. Boukari, with 71.85 percent of the votes, handily defeated Canney who picked up 28.15 percent of the votes cast Tuesday. But Alachua's election season isn't over just yet, the Seat 2 race is headed undetermined and headed for a runoff.
Robert Wilford and Duane Helle, candidates for commission Seat 2, will go head-to-head in a run-off on May 4, as neither candidate received the necessary 50 percent plus one vote to win the election outright.  Even with all 36 absentee ballots counted, none of the three candidates in the Seat 2 race had enough votes to escape a run-off.
Wilford received the most votes with 349 votes. Helle received 288 votes, and Dollean Perkins received 238 votes.  With 875 votes cast, Wilford picked up 39.89 percent, Helle garnered 31.91 percent and Perkins took home 27.2 percent of the votes.

Commissioner Gib Coerper will become the city's first elected mayor after running unopposed in the 2010 election. Coerper resigned his commission seat effective Tuesday as required by law.

For additional election coverage, check out the April 15 printed edition of Alachua County Today.

TALLAHASSEE – A Florida appellate court has refused to rehear a lawsuit by local activists who were handed a partial victory in January against the City of Alachua for public records violations.

Michael Canney, who is running for Alachua City Commission, and Charles Grapski filed a motion for rehearing after the First District Court of Appeal held that the City violated public records laws when the deputy city clerk refused to turn over minutes from the board meeting, but it was not a violation of open meetings laws for the Commission to approve minutes via a consent agenda.

In its denial of the motion for rehearing, the court referred to another recent decision interpreting Florida Sunshine laws to mean that citizens have a right to spectate but not speak or interfere with meetings.

John TiltonThe porcelain pots lining John Tilton’s studio shelves are not the quiet things that pottery can often be. He’s not satisfied with art that sits as a bystander without any dynamics or traces of life. 

Instead his pots

John Hill chosen to serve

After two weeks of stalemate votes and no compromises, the High Springs City Commission appointed John Hill to a vacant seat on the dais March 25.

Hill will serve until the general election in November, when his

A High Springs police detective has filed a federal discrimination complaint against the city, alleging retaliation and discrimination by Police Chief James Troiano.

Det. Deborah Holley filed the complaint on Feb. 17 through the Miami district office of the U.S. Equal

Marcia Lightsey receives distinguished award at 71st annual Alachua Lions Club Cattlemen’s Banquet

Marcia Lightsey, second from left, was honored for her contributions to the cattle industryFor the second time in the last decade, a woman was honored as the Cattleman of the Year at the annual Alachua Lions Club Cattlemen’s Banquet Thursday evening.

Polk County’s Marcia Lighstey took home

I hear a lot of talk about fiscal responsibility. Lawsuits are a waste of money and fiscally irresponsible for this city. The city manager is allowing the chief of police to violate individuals’ rights, and the taxpayers will foot the bill.

The Ginger Travers debacle

Missionary Paulo Gonzales of Tampa passed at home on Tuesday, March 23, 2010 surrounded by family and friends.  He was 79.

He was born to the late Teodoro Gonzales and Rosario Blanco in Bauta Habana, Cuba.

He loved his

STAFF REPORT
Fellowship Church cleans up communityTheir mission was to spread goodness across the community, and on Saturday more than 100 volunteers did just that with hammers, brooms and pressure hoses.

It was the first community clean-up event called The Big

Thank you for explaining your publication's position in a recent edition of the Alachua County Today in handling the candidacy of Mr. Ben Boukari's quest to become a city commissioner in the upcoming April 13, 2010

A small city at a crossroads

Hawthorne's hope

From an outsider’s perspective, Hawthorne may seem unchanged, almost fixed in time. Its population, about 1,500, is only a small increase from what it was 50 years ago.

Like many American rural communities, Hawthorne has

Wally Royce Hogan, Fleet Manager at Swift Transportation, passed away at home on February 27, 2010. He was 59.

Mr. Hogan was born

Robert Rollins, Jr., passed on Saturday, February 27, 2010. He was born February 6, 1960 to Mr. and Mrs. Robert Rollins, Sr.

Mr. Rollins graduated from

Juanita Fleming passed on her birthday, Monday, March 1, 2010.  She was 86.

She was born in Murray, Ga. to the late

Jessie Mae Keyes of Alachua passed away Friday, February 19, 2010 at her residence.  She was 67

Mrs. Keyes was

Austin Alex Pendley of Maggie Valley, NC, was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who passed away Tuesday, March 9, 2010 while at his winter home in Fort Myers, Fla.  He was 72.

Austin began his career with "Tommy Bartlett Water Show" in

Local beekeeper advocates saving the honey makers

Chappie McChesney displays a small portion of his collection of honey beesChappie McChesney’s calm is not one of a man about to approach 30,000 of nature’s most feared creatures.

His hands are bare and steady. He kneels beside a swarm of honey bees huddled on a shrub in his lawn and boldly shakes the limbs, persuading the swarm into a safe wooden box.

Once the queen heads inside, all her workers will take to the wooden hive in minutes so McChesney can take the runaway bees to a more secluded spot away from concerned neighbors.

With the coming of spring, instincts are now telling bees to ditch their original hive with their queen and relocate – ending with a rise in sightings of swarms settling in mailboxes, barbeques and shrubbery. As one of the few self-proclaimed swarm catchers in the area, McChesney spends these months on-call removing swarms from frightened locals and spreading the word about saving bees.

“All my life I’ve seen the value in what bees do for us, and without bees it’s going to be tough on the next generation,” he said. “When swarms come around people want to kill them, but no, just call me and I’ll save them.”

As the founder of The Alachua County Beekeepers Association and the Save Our Bees Squad, McChesney is the unofficial leader of the local beekeeping community. He’s also the only local beekeeper, outside of exterminators, to remove unwelcome swarms and relocate them to spots where they can reproduce in peace instead of killing them at first sight.

February through May is the busy season for swarms, when queen bees lay the last of their eggs and flee their old hives. Nearly 60 percent of the bees in each hive will follow their queen on her way out, which means swarms of close to 30,000 bees zipping through neighborhoods to relocate.

These swarms are unwelcome guests for most; especially since docile honey bees are often confused with their aggressive counterparts, the African honey bee. McChesney says people often rush for the can of repellant when they sight a hive, contributing to the steady decline of bee populations in the state.

“When you see a swarm in a tree, they’re not aggressive, they’re just looking for a new home,” McChesney said. “People think to kill them because they’re scared. They try to kill them, and that’s a sickening sight.”

Chappie McChesney displays a small portion of his collection of honey beesBut some say McChesney’s heart for saving swarms is a quest that goes against the recommendations of State experts. Because of the inability to tell the difference between the docile honey bees and the aggressive Africanized bees, the Florida Department of Agriculture recommends residents who encounter swarms call a trained pest control operator for immediate extermination, not a well intentioned beekeeper.

Dr. Jamie Ellis Jr., entomologist and leader of the University of Florida’s Honey Bee Research and Extension Lab, said the state’s recommendation is a heartbreaking debate in the bee community.

“You get this picture here of everyone on the planet knows about honey bees right now, that they’re on the decline, but African bees are also present,” Ellis said. “I know it sounds harsh and cruel, but it’s the position of the Department of Agriculture has taken for public safety, because you just can’t tell,” he said.

Ellis said north Florida does not have a population of the African honey bees responsible for attacking dogs, horses and even people, but it’s only a matter of time before they migrate to this part of the state.

“A lot of people in the north part of the state like in Alachua county may take the approach [McChesney] is taking because African bees haven’t saturated this part of the state yet. But due to their thick presence in south Florida, there’s going to be a day that they’re here, and what if they’re already here?”

But McChesney insists on saving all swarms since Florida’s population of European honey bees has already been hit hard by a curious disease that’s killing bees across the country. Colony Collapse Disorder is the trend of worker bees mysteriously disappearing from hives, which has been responsible for an 80 percent loss in commercial beehives.

Chappie McChesney displays a small portion of his collection of honey beesWith a county rich in peanut, vegetable and barley crops, a loss in bees also means a drop in Alachua County’s plant pollination. The Florida Department of Agriculture estimates there is a $20 million increase in production numbers for crops from the natural pollination work done by honey bees alone.

“People don’t realize just how valuable our bees are,” McChesney said. “There’s just so many things growing here that these farmers need us.”

And with roughly 50,000 bees in each hive, a beekeeper like McChesney raising five hives of his own employs hundreds of thousands of worker bees that travel as far as three miles out to collect nectar and pollinate along the way.

But McChesney is in good company in supporting the local bee population. Alachua County has 73 commercial and hobbyist beekeepers and 125 members in the local beekeepers association.

Most of those beekeepers are banned from selling honey they extract twice a year from their hives because of strict code standards enforced by the state.

Because honey production is thrown into a category with the likes of orange juice and milk, local beekeepers wanting to sell their honey have to invest in costly honey houses with plumbing and sanitation to meet requirements of the codes. That high cost holds back the amateur beekeeper to simply raising the bees as pets – though locally made honey goes unquestioned and understood in area shops and neighborhoods.

The bee community makes a constant effort to maintain the population of worker bees in the state, but Jackie Rose knows that population also comes with the occasional unannounced visit.

Rose is one of hundreds that has had to call McChesney to round up bees over the years. Last swarm season the grandmother of 10 called McChesney to her home outside of Newberry when she spotted a troop of bees under a side of her home.

“I know you have to have bees to pollinate, but you hear all about the killer bees and all that,” she said. “They’re not all bad, but I didn’t want my grandkids out there and those be the wrong bees to mess with.”

A common fear, McChesney says. But to him and to his bees it’s all about respect. It’s what got him into the bee business at the age of seven and what set him on a mission to keep bees from disappearing, especially from frightened residents exterminating swarms.

“It’s more than just a hobby, it’s a passion,” he said.

If you encounter a swarm of bees, McChesney suggests calling on him at 386-462-2637 for assistance in removing the swarm and saving the bees.

The Florida Department of Agriculture, however, recommends swarm removal by contacting a certified pest control operator or the local agriculture extension office.

 

Cont: Swarms can be active through May

 

Joseph Szymanski Jr. of Gainesville, Fla. passed away on March 21, 2010 at the E T York Hospice Care Center in Gainesville, Fla. He was 60.

Mr. Szymanski was born on March 14, 1950 in

During the 2009 election season, Alachua County Today opposed City of Alachua charter Amendment 1 which converted a commission seat into an elected mayor seat instead of allowing commissioners to select the mayor amongst themselves.  Nevertheless, voters

Political activist Charles Grapski is still being held in the Alachua County Jail as he awaits transfer to Osceola County.  Grapski is reportedly wanted on an "out-of-county" warrant.  According to Osceola County court records, a warrant has been issued for Grapski's arrest because of a violation of probation stemming from a reckless driving charge which was reduced from a DUI charge in a plea agreement.  Graski was released by an Alachua County judge Thursday afternoon following a bond hearing.  The court released Grapski on his on recognizance but he will still be required to appear for a hearing set for April 6 at which his alleged violations of the terms of his probation will be discussed.  He will likely be tranferred this weekend from Alachua County to Osceola County for a hearing on the reported outstanding warrant.

Charles Grapski 3/2010 Alachua County Jail mugshot

 

 

Published In Alachua County Today print edition March 11, 2010

Grapski held without bond

By BRYAN BOUKARI

Today Reporter

Charles Grapski, who was convicted in November of battery on law enforcement officers, is being held without bond in the Alachua County jail.  A warrant for Grapski’s arrest was issued on March 2 after he allegedly violated the terms of his probation when he tested positive for THC, a chemical associated with marijuana use.

Osceola County law enforcement officers arrested Grapski last week and booked the former University of Florida doctoral student into the Osceola County jail.  He was transferred to the Alachua County jail Saturday and made first appearance on Sunday morning in front of Circuit Judge Stanley H. Griffis.

Griffis ordered that Grapski be held without bond and allowed for a provisional order appointing a public defender to Grapski.  He is expected to remain in jail at least until a hearing set for April 6.

In a Department of Corrections (DOC) Violation Report, probation officers said that on Feb. 2, Grapski was administered an in-house random urinalysis test, which produced positive results for THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), opiate, benzodiazepines and amphetamines.   The urine sample taken from Grapski was then packaged and sent to an outside laboratory for confirmation, but those results, received on Feb. 10, only showed positive readings for THC.

“The report stated that the quantities were not sufficient for opiate, benzodiazepines and amphetamine testing,” officers said.

Those officers recommended that Grapski either be sentenced in accordance with the Florida Sentencing Guidelines or Florida Criminal Punishment Code.  As an alternate recommendation, probation officers suggested the court consider requiring Grapski to enter and complete a drug evaluation and successfully complete any recommended treatment.

According to DOC records, the political activist has not yet completed several conditions of his sentencing and release including a letter of apology to officers he was convicted of battering.  A first appearance criminal history summary on Grapski shows that he has a record of one Failure To Appear (FTA) in 1995 and is unemployed.

For up-to-the-minute reporting on Grapski’s status and historical information, see AlachuaCountyToday.com

Grapski held without bond

 

By BRYAN BOUKARI

Today Reporter

 

GAINESVILLE – Charles Grapski, who was convicted in November of battery on law enforcement officers, is being held without bond in the Alachua County jail.  A warrant for Grapski’s arrest was issued on March 2 after he allegedly violated the terms of his probation when he tested positive for THC, a chemical associated with marijuana use.

Osceola County law enforcement officers arrested Grapski last week and booked the former University of Florida doctoral student into the Osceola County jail.  He was transferred to the Alachua County jail Saturday and made first appearance on Sunday morning in front of Circuit Judge Stanley H. Griffis.

Griffis ordered that Grapski be held without bond and allowed for a provisional order appointing a public defender to Grapski.  He is expected to remain in jail at least until a hearing set for April 6.

In a Department of Corrections (DOC) Violation Report, probation officers said that on Feb. 2, Grapski was administered an in-house random urinalysis test, which produced positive results for THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), opiate, benzodiazepines and amphetamines.   The urine sample taken from Grapski was then packaged and sent to an outside laboratory for confirmation, but those results, received on Feb. 10, only showed positive readings for THC.

“The report stated that the quantities were not sufficient for opiate, benzodiazepines and amphetamine testing,” officers said.

Those officers recommended that Grapski either be sentenced in accordance with the Florida Sentencing Guidelines or Florida Criminal Punishment Code.  As an alternate recommendation, probation officers suggested the court consider requiring Grapski to enter and complete a drug evaluation and successfully complete any recommended treatment.

According to DOC records, the political activist has not yet completed several conditions of his sentencing and release including a letter of apology to officers he was convicted of battering.  A first appearance criminal history summary on Grapski shows that he has a record of one Failure To Appear (FTA) in 1995 and is unemployed.

For up-to-the-minute reporting on Grapski’s status and historical information, see AlachuaCountyToday.com

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E-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

Cont: Initial tests showed possible opiate, amphetamine exposure

 

 

 

 

Update March 8, 2010 10:29 a.m.: 

Charles Grapski was transferred to the Alachua County jail about 6:30 Saturday evening.

A warrant was issued for Grapski after he reportedly violated terms of his probation by testing positive for THC, a chemical associated with marijuana use. Grapski had been on probation and community control after a felony two convictions last year.  Grapski was booked into the Osceola County Jail March 4 on the warrant.  It is believed that Grapski will be transported to the Alachua County jail in the next several days.  AlachuaCountyToday.com will publish additional details of the story shortly.

Published print edition March 4, 2010:

An Alachua County judge issued an arrest warrant for Charles Grapski on Tuesday for a violation of probation, court records show.  Grapski has been under community control for a November conviction in which jurors found him guilty of battery on law enforcement officers.  For the complete story and the latest details as they unfold, see AlachuaCountyToday.com

 

March Madness tips off Thursday, and I, like millions around the country, have filled out my bracket. Bracket selecting is part art, part science and can reveal a great deal about a person. I’ve drawn on years of observing the annual bracket

On Thursday, March 4, a mother dropping off her child at a day care center in Alachua became the victim of a vehicle burglary.

The burglars watched her park, waited for her to go inside, smashed the passenger side window of her vehicle and stole her purse – all in about ten seconds.  The burglars got away unseen and unheard.

This is the fourth incident

High Springs’ first pediatrician to open doors March 15

Sometimes it’s haHS-pediatrician-IMG_0745rd for a doctor like Nasir Ahmed to look back.

“I cannot explain, because if I explain I have to cry,” he said, remembering a West Virginia mother hugging her son, whose tiny chest moved only with the persuasion of a ventilator after a 2005 car crash.

Update March 8, 2010 10:29 a.m.:

Charles Grapski was transferred to the Alachua County jail about 6:30 Saturday evening.

GrapskiASO10JBN002603A warrant was issued for Grapski after he reportedly violated terms of his probation by testing positive for THC, a chemical associated with marijuana use. Grapski had been on probation and community control after a felony two convictions last year.  Grapski was booked into the Osceola County Jail March 4 on the warrant.  It is believed that

Drumm sustains Fulwood’s termination

In the last of his possible appeals to the city, fired police lieutenant Gordon Fulwood was not able to convince City Manager James Drumm to let him keep his badge.

Fulwood was fired from the police department Jan. 21 after an investigation into his early 2008 confrontation with an Alachua Police officer. The appeal process for that termination ended Feb. 23 with the city manager, who sustained the termination of the 15-year police veteran.

A new law just took effect which allows people visiting National Parks to carry firearms into the parks.  I heard that some celebrated the passage of this law by going to Gettysburg National Park with their guns and having a barbeque.  Gettysburg is the scene of the greatest carnage in American history.  More than 50,000 soldiers lost their life in those three days on that battlefield in Pennsylvania.  That park is sacred ground to me and should be for all Americans: much the same as Arlington National Cemetery.

Do those who “celebrated” their right to bear arms have any concept of propriety?

I am outraged by their thoughtless act.

I don’t give a darn if they were exercising their right to bear arms.

People also have the right to free speech.  Free speech includes the use of profanity.  But anyone with a brain the size of a walnut should realize that one should not walk into a church or elementary school and yell out obscenities.

The carrying of firearms on to the sacred ground at Gettysburg is mindless and incredibly crass: as crass and mindless as if they were carried into Arlington National Cemetery.

Too bad the right to bear arms isn’t tied to one’s ability to think.

Thomas Weller

High Springs, Fla.

Alachua's first female city manager

Born and raised in Alachua, city manager Traci Cain’s official one-year contract as the first female city manager of Alachua began Monday.

For her, it was just another day at the office.

Cain has been working for the City of Alachua for more than 18 years, starting out in a clerical position and serving in various departments within the city.

Update March 4, 2010 5:32 p.m.:

GrapskiOsceolaCounty-3-4-2010A warrant was issued for Charles Grapski after he reportedly violated terms of his probation by testing positive for THC, a chemical associated with marijuana use. Grapski had been on probation and community control after a felony two convictions last year.  Grapski was booked into the Osceola County Jail March 4 on the warrant.  It is believed that

Update March 4, 2010 5:32 p.m.:

GrapskiOsceolaCounty-3-4-2010A warrant was issued for Charles Grapski after he reportedly violated terms of his probation by testing positive for THC, a chemical associated with marijuana use. Grapski had been on probation and community control after a felony two convictions last year.  Grapski was booked into the Osceola County Jail March 4 on the warrant.  It is believed that

AlachuaAccident
Three High Springs residents, including an eight-year-old, were killed when the 4-door Infiniti Q45 they were in crashed Tuesday evening in Alachua.  The victims include Jarron Irby, 8, his mother, Faith President, 27, and her mother Mary President, 61, all of High Springs.  Irby was a third grader at High Springs Community School.  Faith President also attended the school as a child.

After nearly a year in development, Alachua County Today is launching a new online edition.

The new AlachuaCountyToday.com has a sleeker and more interactive design, said Alachua County Today Managing Editor Bryan Boukari. It’s easier to navigate and packed with features.

In many cities in our country the city councils or commissioners are elected by what is known as a non-partisan system.  Candidates run without political party affiliation.  Most feel that non-partisan means no politics.  This election system is an attempt to eliminate the political party’s participation.  An accepted election system that has elected the presidents, governors, senators, congresspersons, county commissioners plus others is still working and has always been assisted by political parties since George Washington.  The non-partisan terminology in practice has always been an agreement between the political parties on issues of legislation, not election policy.  

 

Our election process, with political party participation, has a long history of success. Not all political party activity is promoting a specific party candidate for office.  Their responsibility also involves helping to suggest a candidate with experience, promote improvement with issues that concern all constituents no mater what party they support, endorse ideological concepts that voters feel are important, and establish a competitive campaign that encourages voter participation.

 

The political process for the non-partisan election is a “free-for-all” that elects, quite often, candidates with little or no experience, and the inability to act in a timely fashion to make qualified decisions in a local government environment.  Some communities have a large number of candidates running, without a primary or run off that should be used to enhance the quality of the candidates.  This procedure improves the competitive factor required in selection.  A strong competitive campaign is a necessary ingredient in electing qualified individuals.   

 

Local governments have issues that require decisions in a shorter time frame than those of other levels of government.  The new elected official in the non-partisan structure has little or no resources for advice from experienced individuals.  Advice from incumbents in office can continue the policy that the new elected official has been elected to change.

 

New elected officials may have been elected because of a bad administration or financial problems, and have no idea how to resolve these issues.  They may be faced with a special interest group that has taken advantage of a city or community and they have little knowledge how to proceed. The political parties, not always perfect, will have resources at all levels of government to assist. 

 

The individual seeking office with good intentions and expectation of success, will find great difficulty with limited experience and knowledge.  He or she has been supported by those who often want a new direction and feel their candidate will succeed.   So when this does not happen, or there is a failure to make a reasonable change, the local government goes into an unstable status of confusion and frustration.  The candidate, now an elected official, is faced with trying to succeed in an impossible situation.

 

Historically, our democracy has had a partisan election process which has been accepted and used effectively on all levels of government, local, state, and federal.  Why is it necessary to tinker with politics?   Non-partisan is a form of politics also.  You can’t take politics out of politics.  Developing a different political culture is not a solution.  Non-partisan as an election process is bad politics for governing.   

 

A city in Alachua County is now the victim of this poor non-partisan system.  There has been failure to resolve costly mistakes by city staffs that need to be replaced.  The indecision and lack of experience by reasonable and well intended elected officials may very well cause this city additional financial and legal problems that have polarized the community.  It needs strong political direction from those who know how to perform under such circumstances.

Approved by Alachua county voters in 2008, the Wild Spaces Public Places (WSPP) tax initiative increased the sales tax rate by half a penny.  It was expected to bring in about $40 million to be used to preserve environmentally sensitive land and help individual cities improve their recreation facilities, using revenue collected from sales in the county.  About 25 percent of the revenue was expected to come from out-of-county shoppers and visitors.

The program was originally expected to bring in $39,783,408 over the course of two years.  Right now those projections are down 24 percent, adjusted as of December to a total of $30,307,338.

Ora Bell Lee, 66, died Thursday, February 18, 2010. She was a native of Newberry and a retired Environmental Technician at the University of Florida.  She was a member of Mt. Nebo United Methodist Church.

Survivors include her father, Sylvester Brinkley, Alachua, FL; five sons, Lamar McClain, Sr., Alachua, FL, Frederick McGhee, Archer, FL, Jammie McGhee, Alachua, FL, James Lee and Tyrone

Elizabeth “Betty” Marie Moshier of Newberry, Fla., passed away on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 at the E T York Hospice Care center in Gainesville, Fla.  She was 80.

Mrs. Moshier was born in Breesport, NY on August 5, 1929. She was a member of the Breesport Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday school classes. She enjoyed bird watching and flowers and loved to care for her family, to whom she was a loving wife, and devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

Friday at noon marks the end of the qualifying period for candidates hoping to claim one of the three commission seats up for grabs in the April 13 City of Alachua election.

For the first time, citizens will vote for the mayor directly this year, instead of the commissioners selecting among themselves as has been done in the past.  That comes after electors amended the city’s charter last year, converting Commission Seat 1, currently held by Commission Jean Calderwood, to the mayor’s seat.

Students from Interlachen High School and Hawthorne Middle/High School were arrested Feb. 16 after a fight broke out at Interlachen High School, according to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office.

The fight erupted while families were meeting with school administrators to resolve a verbal and physical altercation that took place earlier in the morning. The earlier altercation stemmed from an incident over the weekend, where a mentally challenged individual was allegedly beaten by several Hawthorne and Interlachen students.

Gerald Criswell was Alachua’s first black mayor

The Rev. Gerald Criswell, whose impassioned leadership in community issues made him the first African American to hold political office in Alachua as well as the city’s first black mayor, died Sunday. He was 74.

The tradition of producing environmentally-conscious—and award-winning—young people continues at Newberry High School.

Two teams of students at the school have won two first place awards in the Lexus Eco Challenge, a national competition sponsored by the Lexus automotive company and Scholastic, a national educational publishing company. Their first win was in the competition’s land and water category, the second was in the air and climate category. Those wins mean the school is now eligible to compete in the final overall challenge of the contest.

You have to learn to crawl before you can walk. Do you know what happens if you start walking before you crawl?  It’s not a good idea.  You see, when a baby learns to crawl, it is developing hand/eye coordination.  If that learning experience is bypassed, the child’s overall development is hindered and it can take months of training to gain that essential coordination.  Imagine the frustration of having to learn to crawl if you can already ambulate everywhere you want to go.  Shortcuts are usually counter-productive and can end up being destructive.

Throughout our lives, we are guided through a series of events that develop our character.  We learn that success can’t always be achieved on the first try, and by attempting it repeatedly, whether those attempts fail or you come in second, we get the wisdom to keep pressing on, discovering the value of perseverance.  Some will resent the process of striving, thinking that any kind of effort is enough and that they should also be rewarded for their unsuccessful attempts.  In our self-centered lifestyle, we’re constantly being told that the most important thing is that some effort was made.

Some people have tried to make the parable in Matthew, chapter 20, fit this idea.  The parable is about the householder who paid all his laborers equally at the end of the day, regardless of the hours that they worked.  There is a name for this kind of theology, it’s called the social Gospel, and I reject it.  Let’s be clear here, Jesus isn’t using the parable to justify a secular government, particularly Socialism.  The social gospel has absolutely nothing to do with the reason for Jesus’ message given in response to Peter’s question, “we have left all and followed you. Therefore what shall we have?”

What we see in this parable is God calling men who were idle in the market place and putting them to work.  The householder looked for men, offering them a denarius (a penny), and dealt ethically with the men he hired.  Another principle we can take from this is, that the householder did nothing wrong when he paid the workers he hired late in the day any wage he wanted.  His agreement with them was that he would pay “whatever is right,” or, he wouldn’t pay them less than their work deserved.  The fact that he paid them more than they expected shows the householder’s goodness, and definitely that it isn’t unjust.  The ones hired first complained that the later workers should have gotten less than them; it was a protest about the graciousness of the employer, not a complaint that he had been unjust in paying them an honest day’s pay for an honest day of work.  It is safe to say that the householder treated all the workers justly and he was gracious toward all of them.  You might ask, “How was he gracious to the men who worked all day and received the proper wage?”   There is nothing commendable or extraordinary about that.  Remember, the householder not only paid his workers but he went out and found them while they were without work, idle and in need.  Think of it this way: a man sits idle without work, without the money for his daily bread, and worse yet, doesn’t do anything to find work; suddenly a man knocks at the door and offers him the equivalent pay as a trained Roman soldier if he will come to work in his field. 

In this we are shown the principle of God’s sovereignty and His absolute graciousness towards those that are called into His kingdom.  We need to consider the true meaning of serving God.  The calling of God does not result in meekness.  To be born of God is to be made a servant of God.  None of the men standing in the market place were paid to lean against the wall for the rest of the afternoon, and none that are called of God are called to be idle in the building of His Kingdom.  Some Christians don’t seem to understand this principle in today’s climate of rewarding the non-workers to keep from hurting their psyche.  God’s call carries with it a sense of responsibility and accountability.

We must work to understand what it means to be Christians.  Christ has called us to follow Him, to take up our cross and endure the trials of this life as He did.  But, He hasn’t left us without His grace.  If we’re to learn to crawl before walking, we must be willing to trust our trainer and submit to the training.

GAINESVILLE – With construction of the Alachua County Humane Society’s (ACHS) new facility well underway, one may think funding for this new project has been met.  While the ACHS has already received great support from the community, continued funding is necessary for completion of the new facility.  In an effort to help the Humane Society reach its 2 million dollar goal, a very generous supporter has offered a challenge grant to match donations up to $50,000.

The Humane Society currently rescues, on average, 1,000 animals per year.  With completion of the 30,000 square foot facility the ACHS hopes to double this figure.  A different approach to animal rescue will be taken that is more community based and celebrates the ACHS’s new slogan; “A new life Awaits You.”  Rescued Animals will have premium kenneling and medical facilities.  Programs such as grief counseling and obedience training will be offered.  The new design will aid in keeping the animals less stressed, with state of the art living facilities, and an increase in the animal’s overall happiness. 

Make a difference and help the Humane Society reach their goals with a donation of any amount.  Donations of $500 or more will include naming rights of a kennel and $10,000 or more allows the donator to name a room in the new facility.  There are also many corporate sponsorships opportunities that will not only help the Humane Society but also help promote your business.  For more information contact Kirk Eppenstein, ACHS Executive Director, at 352-373-5855 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Jessie “Floyd” Beach of Trenton, Fla., passed away Sunday, February 14, 2010 following a brief illness.  He was 78.

Mr. Floyd was born on August 26, 1931 to William “Bill” and Gladys Beach in Trenton, Fla.  On October 10, 1952, Floyd married Mildred Beach and their family soon grew to include seven children. Floyd served in the United States Army from 1953-1955 and then returned to Gilchrist County where he and his family farmed for a number of years. He then went to work for the Gilchrist County Road

The Robert W. Hughes Teacher Recognition Program recognized 40 teachers, one from each school in the district, as teachers of the year at an award ceremony on Feb. 11. The program has been recognizing teachers in Alachua County since 1992. The overall Teacher of the Yyear for the county for 2010 is Eastside High School’s Crista Wright.

The four teachers from Alachua honored as school Teachers of the Year were Deanna Feagin of Irby Elementary, Pam Evers of Alachua Elementary, Carmella O’Steen of Mebane Middle School and Jay Joliecoeur of Santa Fe High School.

Deanna Feagin is not only caring, enthusiastic, positive and loving, said Irby Elementary School Principal Lina Bedoya-Burklew, but she also has that knack for finding that hook to motivate the kids to learn.

“Anytime you walk into her room, her students are highly engaged,” Bedoya-Burklew said.

“She has a gift for developing a very strong connection with her students.”

Feagin finds innovative ways to keep her second graders laughing and learning, Bedoya-Burklew said.

“She’s the type of teacher students dream of having.”

On the day of the award ceremony, Alachua Elementary’s Pam Evers got a visit from a former student. It was a young man she had taught more than a decade ago. He had come to thank her for changing his life around.

All those years ago, Evers sparked his interest in reading by giving him his first book, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.” Once an academically troubled student, he became an avid reader and a good student.

Alachua Elementary Principal Jim Brandenburg called the event serendipitous, since it was only hours before she would be recognized as the school’s teacher of the year.

“The awards and recognition are nice, but I think that was even more important to Pam,” Brandenburg said. “Her joy comes from the growth of the kids.”

As the Mebane Middle School Department Chair of Science, Carmella O’Steen heads the science fair and teaches life science and geography.

Mebane Principal Shane Andrew said O’Steen is one of many great teachers at Mebane.

“She’s indicative of the fabulous teachers we have on campus,” Andrew said.

He said where O’Steen excels is her ability to go beyond the textbook. He often hears the students talk about her labs where they will bring in insects to examine or dissect owl pellets. Andrew also praised O’Steen’s versatility. Once an elementary school teacher, she is now certified to teach all subjects on the middle school level. She has more than 20 years of experience teaching in Alachua County.

In only his second year at Santa Fe High School, Jay Jolicoeur was recognized as the school’s Teacher of the Year. Principal Bill Herschleb said Jolicoeur is held in high regard by both students and faculty.

“He’s done a remarkable job,” Herschleb said. “He’s a pleasure to work with.”

Jolicoeur became the first teacher to teach AP Chemistry at Santa Fe High School. To prepare for the class, he took a special prep course over the summer.

Herschleb lauded Jolicoeur’s brief tenure for his enthusiasm, passion and high-caliber teaching.

HAWTHORNE – Much of what remained of Hawthorne’s police and fire surplus equipment has been sold or donated, nearly a year after the city pulled the plug on both departments.

The equipment sold includes a fire chief’s car, a police department car, hoses, five cold weather police jackets and other miscellaneous equipment, according to City Manager Ed Smyth. The total money made from sales so far is $2,419, which will go into the city’s general fund.

The two big-ticket items, a pumper and a fire truck, have yet to be sold. Smyth said he had two offers on the pumper, which has an asking price of $42,000, and no offers on the fire truck.

Other than the fire truck and pumper, the only items left to be sold are assorted hose sections and connecters, extraction equipment, emergency medical service supplies and other miscellaneous equipment.

Smyth said he plans to donate the other items, which don’t have any market value due to age. He wants to donate the city’s 1987 GMC pumper to the Pine Log Volunteer Fire Department in the Florida panhandle. The pumper may no longer have market value, but it is still serviceable for smaller departments like the one in Pine Log, which has a budget of $4,500 this year.

He also plans to donate the other fire truck to the West Putnam Volunteer Fire Department, another rural department that depends on donations to continue operations.

Many of these items were donated to the city in the first place, when the police and fire departments were first started.

Smyth said he had a rough idea of what the equipment was worth from previous experience, but he also checked with a couple of commissioners to get input on the sale of the bigger items.

Any transaction of more than $1,500 must come before the commission for approval, meaning that Smyth must come before the commission before final approval of the sale of larger items like the pumper and the fire truck.

ALACHUA COUNTY – An increase in canine distemper infection in wildlife has veterinarians worried about a recurrence of an outbreak that killed more than 600 dogs in Alachua County three years ago.

A sudden increase in residents reporting raccoons and foxes seen during daylight hours with neurologic signs alerted animal control officers to the problem. After rabies tests came back negative, Alachua County Animal Services director David Flagler called in experts from the University of Florida for help.

“We tested 5 sick raccoons and 1 fox, and all of them came back positive for canine distemper” said University of Florida veterinarian Julie Levy. “This is frightening because distemper is extremely infectious to dogs and has a high fatality rate.”

Infected raccoons are a frequent source of spread to susceptible dogs. When infected dogs are brought into intensive dog housing facilities such as animal shelters, the disease can spread throughout the facility, especially among vulnerable populations such as puppies. Recent outbreaks of distemper in Orange County, Brevard County, and Pasco County have killed hundreds of dogs that were not current on vaccinations.

“So far, we have not seen any evidence of transmission to dogs in our shelter,” said shelter veterinarian Randy Caligiuri. “The staff remembers the outbreak in 2007 and is very careful to vaccinate all dogs at admission and to avoid any contamination from the sick wildlife.”

Canine distemper is a virus that affects both domestic and wild canid species, ferrets, and raccoons. The virus attacks the respiratory, intestinal, and neurological systems. The most common signs of infection are discharge from the eyes and nose, coughing, staggering, or seizures.

Distemper is easily prevented by vaccination, so all dog and ferret owners should check with their veterinarians to be sure their pets are up to date on their vaccines. Once a dog is infected with the virus there is no effective treatment and mortality can exceed 50 percent.

Maddies’s Shelter Medicine Program at the University of Florida has developed guidelines to help animal shelters and pet rescue groups to protect their dogs against distemper. For more information about distemper virus infection see www.ufsheltermedicine.com.

A Dec. 27, 2009 New York Times article asked whether choosing hospice care results in fewer choices for patients and families and may even hasten death. But the purpose of providing quality hospice care is to extend the quality of life by giving people choices and honoring their wishes. What happens when families feel cared for and respected during this challenging time is remarkable:

• Hospice care relieves patients’ pain and other symptoms so that they can feel stronger and more comfortable. This often means they are better able to communicate their wishes, enjoy spending time with their family and friends, and remain active for as long as possible. Many of our patients continue to do what matters most to them.  An artist kept working at her craft; a cancer patient continued to ride his golf cart to visit with his neighbors and check on their health. Another patient took the time to found a library in her small town.

“The most rewarding words I hear are, ‘Doc, I have no pain,’” says Haven physician Dr. Bob McCollough. “We've turned things around for so many patients. There's so much you can do for people at the end of their lives to make them comfortable and pain-free.”

• Hospice physicians care for patients wherever they are most comfortable—at home, in a skilled nursing facility or in the hospital, surrounded by their loved ones and the staff who are caring for them.

• Hospice patients are able to die naturally, in their own time, when they are ready to go. Many hospice patients live longer than expected because hospice care eases mental, physical, emotional and spiritual pain. A recent study of nearly 5,000 terminally ill patients revealed that patients in hospice care live an average of 29 days longer than patients who have similar conditions but are not receiving hospice care. Published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, the study’s findings challenge the notion that hospice care hastens death.

“We have speculated for a long while that terminally ill patients do better while in hospice care, but it    hasn’t been definitively proven until now, with this study,” says Haven physician Dr. Michelle Boatwright. “Hospice patients sometimes do get better,” she added, “and occasionally they recover and go home.”

Because patients do better in hospice care, it’s not unusual to hear families say, “We wish we had used hospice services earlier.”

• Hospice care serves any patient with a prognosis of six months or less. Patients come to hospice with cancer, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, muscular dystrophy and many other life-limiting illnesses.

Anyone can refer someone for hospice care, and at not-for-profit hospices, care is provided to all regardless of their ability to pay and whether or not someone has insurance. The hospice Medicare benefit covers the cost of all medications, medical equipment, oxygen and supplies relevant to the diagnosis. In addition, hospice patients are not required to have a living will or a “do-not-resuscitate” order to be admitted for care.

“Hospice is about life,” says Dr. McCollough, “and our goal is helping patients achieve the best quality of life in the time they have left. It's a very good feeling to know we've helped someone and their family.”

Haven Hospice is North Florida’s expert in end-of-life and palliative care and is one of three 2008 Circle of Life Award® winners nationwide to be recognized as leaders in improving the care of patients near the end of life or with life-threatening conditions. Haven Hospice has also been recognized as a Florida Pacesetter for its leadership in promoting living wills. Haven Hospice has served nearly 50,000 patients and families since 1979 and has been licensed in Florida as a not-for-profit hospice since 1980. For more information, visit www.havenhospice.org or call 800-727-1889.

BROOKER – The Alachua County Organization for Rural Needs, Inc. (ACORN) Clinic was one of 20 recipients of the Surgeon General’s Health Innovation Prevention and Management Awards, the Florida Department of Health announced Jan. 27.  The award honors organizations, businesses or programs that are innovative in bringing preventative health care to their members, employees or community.

The ACORN Dental Clinic Children’s Oral Health and Educational Outreach program was one of 20 recipients of the award, chosen from 34 applications.  The Children’s Oral Health and Educational Outreach Program provides interactive oral hygiene education to pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and first grade children in north central Florida.  The Tooth Fairy, her assistant, and Bob, the Alligator, visit classrooms in rural communities to demonstrate and teach the importance of tooth brushing and basic good nutrition. Each child is given a take home bag with toothbrush, toothpaste, oral health education and secondhand smoke brochures.

Many of the children are also enrolled in the ACORN Dental Clinic, where they receive dental care, often for the first time.  In 2009, 85 percent of the children enrolled completed all the dental care planned for them, improving their oral health and, thus, their overall health.  Each year, 51 million school hours are missed due to oral disease, and tooth decay is the single most common chronic disease among young children.

A panel of experts from the Department of Health made the selection.  State Surgeon General Ana Viamonte Ros, M.D., M.P.H. said, “I am proud of the creative public health efforts demonstrated by all applicants.  I specifically commend the award winners for their accomplishment in implementing innovative ideas that can be shared with and adopted by other groups, therefore replicating their successful model.”

For more information, visit www.acornclinic.org.

Orlando, Florida, 2/4/10- With six Oscar nominations recently announced Precious, the movie based on the novel Push by Sapphire, is again in the headlines.  However, Monica Baxley, an adult learner, wants people to know that learning to read can be much more difficult than it appears in Precious.  Monica, who learned to read as an adult and then went on to get her GED, says, “Everybody learns at a different rate and it can take some people much longer to reach their goals.”

Precious is the story of a teenager who faces insurmountable obstacles. Illiteracy, obesity, and two teen pregnancies are just a few of many. Precious is invited to enroll in an alternative school in the hope that her life can head in a new direction and with the help of her new teacher Miss Rain, Precious learns to read and write.  Within a year, Precious improves her literacy skills to an 8th grade level, and the movie ends with Precious’ decision to continue with her education making plans to take the GED.

Greg Smith, Executive Director of the Florida Literacy Coalition, “appreciates the message of hope conveyed in the movie. Literacy can and does open doors to a better life.  That being said, it’s important to know that it typically takes 100 hours of instruction to advance one grade level.” Smith continued, “A movie like Precious will reach a lot of people and we want to make sure that adults and teens know that help is available. If they are willing to put in the time and effort, they too can achieve. ”

In the movie, it was Precious’s teacher who provided her with the support and guidance she needed to begin changing her life.  Baxley stated, “Having a good relationship with your teacher can make all the difference.  I was lucky to have a teacher who was someone I could talk to and someone who cared.” 

Becoming a literacy tutor is great ways to make an impact in the life of an individual.  To learn more about becoming a literacy volunteer, contact the Florida Literacy Coalition (FLC) at 1-800-237-5113 or visit www.floridaliteracy.org. FLC will help you locate an organization that needs volunteers in your community.

About the Florida Literacy Coalition

Established in 1985, The Florida Literacy Coalition (FLC) promotes, supports and advocates for the effective delivery of quality adult and family literacy services in the state of Florida.  As a statewide umbrella literacy organization and the host of Florida’s State Literacy Resource Center, FLC provides a range of services to support more than 300 adult education, literacy and family literacy providers throughout Florida. Special emphasis is placed on assisting community based literacy organizations with their training and program development needs.


(Gainesville, FL) The regional consignment concept is experiencing phenomenal growth and popularity as the nation’s economy impacts the bottom line of American family budgets. Just Between Friends (JBF), the nation’s largest maternity and children’s consignment sales event franchise, is experiencing record-breaking participation from moms who consign, shop and volunteer at these semi-annual events across the US. Part of that growth is the addition of a sales event in Gainesville, FL.

Gainesville’s spring 2010 JBF kid’s consignment sale will be held on Thursday, March 3rd (10am-7pm) thru Sunday, March 7th (10am-4pm), in the Alachua County Fairgrounds Exhibition Building, located at 2900 NE 39th Avenue, Gainesville, FL. This sale will include clothing and accessories for the spring and summer.

“When you invest in your family and take good care of your belongings, you want more than a quarter or fifty cents for items you originally spent $20 or more on at retail stores,” says Jennifer Pruitt, owner of JBF of Gainesville. “Garage sales are designed to benefit the shopper, when it’s the seller who has actually made a significant investment in each item. More and more moms are joining JBF because they simply cannot afford to keep giving away their quality, used kids’ items. They want a fair return on their children’s outgrown and unused clothes, toys, furniture, etc., but they also want to shop for what they need next from other area moms. Just Between Friends offers them that opportunity.”

Consignors “sellers” (who earn up to 70%) gather all of their unused and outgrown clothing, DVDs, electronics, toys, playground and baby equipment, etc. and tag each item through JBF’s free and easy online barcode system. This system allows each seller to see when items sell and for how much (if they participate in the discount sale during the last day of the event). Through this customized system, sellers can also participate in one or more of the seven JBF sales events in Florida, without re-tagging their items.

Shoppers can expect to find pretty much anything that has to do with raising happy children in North Central Florida. Brands like Gymboree are popular and sell quickly, alongside fashions from Gap, Old Navy and Okie Dokie. You’ll also find tons of Little Tikes, Fisher Price, Step Two and Playskool toys and outdoor play equipment. Disney DVDs, Scholastic books and Baby Einstein are just a few of the learning brands available to moms. JBF is like the best children’s store you wish was at the mall, at prices you can afford.

Volunteers are integral to JBF events and they help keep costs down for everyone by helping during inspection of incoming items, keeping the sales floor well-organized and assisting shoppers with checkout. The more you are able to volunteer, the earlier you get to shop the day before the sale is open to the public. Plus, consignors earn a greater percentage on their sold items.

“I’m thrilled to bring this opportunity to North Central Florida families,” says Pruitt. “When you help families earn valuable income from items they already have in their homes and provide a venue where they can find significant savings on the items they need next, you have discovered a win-win for the entire community. More money is being spent within the community, parents are better able to pay for other necessities and they are able to adequately provide the desirable items their children want and need. This is recycling at its core.”

Just Between Friends encourages the community to share this event information with area moms and welcomes everyone who might be interested in participating in future events to sign-up on the mailing list at www.gainesville.jbfsale.com so they will receive future event information. This sale also benefits, in part, our friends at Children’s Home Society of Florida.

The “Tax Refund” That Really Isn’t One: It’s a Refund Anticipation Loan

How would you like to pay a super-high price to borrow money that already belongs to you? Sounds ridiculous, right? But that’s pretty much what happens to many folks at tax time in the crazy world of RALs, or refund anticipation loans.

You may be tempted by tax-time advertisements for “Fast Cash Refunds,” “Express Money,” or “Instant Refunds.” These ads will offer to get you your refund in just a day or two, or even on the spot. Beware! Many of these “fast refunds” are really LOANS, refund anticipation loans.

When you get a RAL, you’re borrowing against your own tax refund money. And RALs are often marketed to people who need money the most — low- and moderate- income workers who receive the Earned Income Tax Credit.

Don’t Pay Triple-Digit Interest Rates to Borrow Your Own Refund

RALs are extremely expensive. Loan fees typically range from $30 to $90, which translates into Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) of about 60% to over 700%. If you paid those rates on all your borrowing you’d probably go broke! And all to get your tax refund just a few days earlier than you can for free from the IRS. You’re lining someone else’s pockets with YOUR hard-earned money!

RAL fees, combined with tax preparation, electronic filing, and other fees, can end up eating away a big chunk of your refund.

RALs Can Be Hazardous to Your Financial Health

In addition to their high costs, RALs can be risky. Since a RAL is a loan from a bank in partnership with a tax preparer, it must be repaid even if the IRS denies or delays your refund, or your refund is smaller than expected. If you don’t pay back the RAL, the lender will take actions to hurt your credit rating and may send your account to a debt collector. In addition, when you apply for a RAL, you are giving the lender the right to grab your tax refund to pay for old tax loan debts that the lender claims you owe.

Save $ and Avoid RALs – Use a VITA Site.  You can get your refund fast and its free!

A great way to save money at tax time is to go to a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
(VITA) site. VITA sites provide free tax preparation to low- and moderate-income taxpayers.

VITA sites are sponsored by the IRS and can be found in libraries, community centers, and other locations during tax time.

For the nearest VITA site, call the IRS general help line at 1-800-TAX-1040 or go to www.tax-coalition.org.

The material in this article is intended only to offer general information and is not intended as legal advice. It is always best to consult an attorney about your legal rights and responsibilities regarding your particular case.

The foregoing information is provided by the lawyers at Three Rivers Legal Services, Inc., a non-profit corporation that receives funds from various local agencies and individuals, as well as from the federal government through Legal Services Corporation (LSC).  For specific advice on your particular situation, we suggest that you consult with a lawyer of your choosing.  If you cannot afford a lawyer, you may call your local legal services office to find out if you qualify for free, quality legal assistance.

If you live in Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Gilchrist, Levy or Union counties, you may call our Gainesville office at (352) 372-0519.  If you live in Columbia, Dixie, Hamilton, Lafayette, Madison, Suwannee, or Taylor counties, you may call our Lake City office at (386) 752-5960.  If you live in Clay, Duval, Nassau or St. Johns counties, you may call our Jacksonville office at (904) 394-7450.

Citing her slow recovery from a recent hand surgery and need to take care of her ailing mother, High Springs Vice-Mayor Diane Shupe announced her resignation from the City Commission Feb. 11.

Her resignation was announced through a letter read by Mayor William Coughlin at the City Commission meeting, which also marked her third consecutive absence.

High Springs City Manager James Drumm was proposed a 16-month extension to his expiring contract by City Commissioners Monday, which drew a skeptical response from the employee who has served the city since 2004.

“I guess I would question if you hired a new city manager, would they take a job if you gave them a 1.4 year contract?” Drumm asked. “I don’t think that they might.”

Although Drumm is about to finish a four-year contract, commissioners said the shortened term does not necessarily mean dissatisfaction with Drumm, but instead creates a way to judge how he reacts to the commission’s recent political shift.

“My intent at this point is Mr. Drumm could be the greatest city manager we’ve ever had or the worst, but I don’t know and I can’t decide that right now,” Commissioner Eric May, one of two new commissioners elected in November, said Tuesday. “Since the commission has changed, I think we need to allow time to see if he can serve us as diligently as [he served] the last commission.”

But the commission’s proposal Monday does not take all options away from the city manager. Because commissioners failed to warn Drumm they planned to change his contract at least six months before it expires March 9, it already automatically renewed for four years, advised city attorney Thomas Depeter. Now Drumm can opt to follow the commission’s proposal or keep the four-year contract to which he is entitled.

Drumm’s four-year contract was signed on July 20, 2006 and states if “the city does not notify [Drumm] of the intention to non-renew his contract within six months of its expiration, the contract shall be deemed renewed under the same terms and conditions…”

Because the commission missed their deadline, they would have to pay Drumm a six-month severance pay on his $87,200 salary if they fire him at any point in the current contract. Had they notified Drumm in time, his performance-based contract would have allowed the commission to part ways with no consequences.

Although termination was not addressed as an option Monday, commissioners also voted to move Drumm’s evaluation date from April to January 2011, six months before the proposed contract would end July 2011. If Drumm accepts the 16-month contract to take effect July 20, he could be fired anytime before January and receive no severance.

Depeter said he will draft the proposed contract in writing this week, which will be formally voted on by the commission Feb. 25. Drumm can then accept or reject the shortened agreement.

In discussions Monday, Commissioner Larry Travis voted in favor of a shorter term for Drumm but stressed his approval of the manager he has worked with for four years.

“If Mr. Drumm can’t work with this present commission, then we have other ways to take care of that,” Travis said. “He’s bright enough to know that’s the way it goes…even in bad times he’s been able to put money away in the fund balance, and I think that’s a really good thing.”

Citizens also testified on Drumm’s behalf, criticizing some commissioners for blaming the city manager for some of the city’s current troubles.

In a discussion last month, Mayor William Coughlin pointed at controversies that have arisen in the last few years of Drumm’s management like the wrongful termination of Ginger Travers in 2008 from the police department, who was awarded damages in arbitration; the current lawsuit filed by fired police lieutenant Gordon Fulwood against the city; and the handling of the Pigg property that has cost High Springs thousands of dollars in the process of selling it.

“Although some of you may object to prior commissions and actions of prior commissions, it is absolutely unfair to penalize Mr. Drumm for following the direction of course of commissions in the past, because those were the governing bodies of the time,” business owner Lucie Regensdorf said Monday. “You can renegotiate the terms of the agreement, but for what purpose…what message are you sending to him after he has relied on these terms?”

Before casting the only vote against this new proposal, Commissioner Dean Davis also raised concerns on who was at fault for letting the six-month warning period pass without alerting commissioners. Another unanswered question was whether Drumm’s contract technically ends March 9 or July 20.

Drumm began working for the city March 9, 2004 on a two year contract, but by March 2006 commissioners failed to end or renegotiate, so the contract was automatically renewed. Commissioners finally renewed his contract July 20, 2006 but retro-dated the terms to also apply to those previous four months Drumm had worked since the contract expired that March.

On Monday commissioners agreed to work with the March 9 end date to avoid confusion but stressed an urgency to finalize an agreement, no matter the terms.

“I’m ready to move forward and get this year on the road,” Coughlin said. “I don’t want to be bogged down hiring a new city manager or in court with an old one.”

Not even frigid temperatures could chill the excitement at the kickoff celebration for the City of Alachua Transit System (CATS) Wednesday morning at the Cleather Hathcock Sr. Community Center.  Following opening remarks from Interim City Manager Traci Cain and recognitions from Assistan t City Manager Danielle Judd, a staff assistant from United States Senator George S. LeMieux’s office read a congratulatory letter from the senator to the gathering and city officials.

If Irby Elementary students reach their goa l of raising $8,000 for the American Heart Association’s Jump Rope for

Heart, they will have raised $100,000 since the school’s opening in 1992. For the last 17 years, Irby Elementary students have reached into their hearts to help raise money for research that will help other youngsters born with congenital heart defects.

Before Wednesday’s Jump Rope for Heart at Irby, the school had a combined $93,554 raised in

the school’s history according to Alejandra Cretul, the American Heart Association’s vice president for north Florida’s youth market.

In sunny but frigid weather Wednesday morning, healthy hearts were pumping to keep the blood flowing as students and teachers alike braved the cold temperatures to compete in the annual Jump Rope for Heart event held in the bus circle at the school.

Raising the level of enthusiasm brought by Irby physical education teacher Ray Crone was his good friend Albert the Alligator from the University of Florida.

Teachers got the morning’s activities moving with a little rope jumping of their own. Hundreds of youngsters followed suit and tried their hand, or feet as it were, at jumping rope. Kindergarteners and first and second graders competed to see who among them could jump the longest. In the end, a handful of the students remained and became the winners in their grade level.

Jump Rope for Heart is an educational fundraising event. Held each year in thousands of elementary schools nationwide by the American Heart Association, the program not only helps those in need, but also educates youth about the benefits of physical activity, and how to keep their hearts in good shape.

Among special guests assisting in the event was the Santa Fe High School Interact Club and Santa Fe High School Athletic Director Michele Faulk who makes it a point to help with the competition each year.

In addition to Albert the Alligator, students were also treated to an appearance by the University of Florida dance team otherwise known as “The Dazzlers,” and cheerleaders. Keeping jumpers in their groove was DJ Bill Hipp of Hipp Productions who has been keeping the heart beat of the annual competition in check for the last 10 years or so.

For the uninitiated, jumping rope is not only fun – it’s a sport and an art. With names such as “Minute Mania,” “Jump the Brook,” and “Jump the Snake,” jumping rope is as much fun as it is healthy. The highlight of all the rope twirling and jumping was the “endurance jump.” Not recommended for those weak in the knees or ankles – or short of breath – endurance jumping sets the pros apart from the amateurs.

Irby Elementary endurance winners claimed their titles by jumping for the longest length of time without a misstep. Ropes churning and feet flying, first graders and then second graders faced off against their classmates.

Winners in the first grade class were Sian Seng in first place, Torieah Atkins in second place and Jacob Thornton in third place. Second grade winners were Alera Gainey in first, Leigha Blocker in second place and Kyra Levesque in third.

Jump Rope for Heart raises funds for medical research and for programs such as “HeartPower!” that help prevent heart disease and stroke. Students are eager to participate because they know they have the ability to help save someone’s life, possibly in their own community.

As of Wednesday afternoon, Irby Elementary administrators were still tallying students’ fundraising efforts, but were not sure how close they were to their $8,000 goal. Principal Lina Bedoya-Burklew is encouraging friends of Irby Elementary Eagles to help the school reach the $100,000 mark by showing their last-minute support. The school is still accepting contributions toward this year’s Jump Rope for Heart campaign. To help the American Heart Association and Irby Elementary, call the school at 386-462-5002 for details on ways to contribute in person, online or via mail.

Kenton Eugene Skinner of Live Oak, Fla., passed away Sunday, Feb. 7, 2010 at Haven Hospice in Lake City, Fla.  He was 66.

Kenton lived most of his life in Live Oak, Fla. He owned and operated Griffin Ford-New Holland Tractor Company for over 11 years in Griffin, Ga.

Survivors include his wife, Ruby Skinner of Live Oak, Fla; one son, Kenny (Julie) Skinner of Griffin, Ga.; one daughter, Kim (David) Cason of Zebulon, Ga.; one sister, Rosa Lee (Jerry) Barnes of Birmingham

Willie Fred Daies, Sr., passed on Thursday, February 4, 2010.  He was born to the late Milton Davis and Gussie Massie.

He was a graduate of Richardson High School, Lake City; and worked as a subcontractor specializing in drywall.

Survivors include his six children, Roger (Lillie) Daies, Sr. of Fort White, Willie Fred (Sonya) Daies, Jr. of St. Louis, Mo., Michael (Tahlia)Daies of Gainesville, Marlon (Caira) Daies of Fort White,


ALACHUA – As the federal government works to dole out the $787 billion of stimulus money under the American Recovery Reinvestment Act (ARRA), cities with shovel-ready projects are taking advantage.

Alachua is one of the cities capitalizing on this opportunity, already securing grants for three projects: a new wastewater treatment facility, a new digital radio system for the police department and a public bus service.

The city was awarded $76,684 for the public bus system, also known as City of Alachua Transit System (CATS), and $153,747 for the new police radio system. But the lion’s share of the city’s stimulus money, $20 million, was awarded for the wastewater treatment facility.

The money may seem unevenly distributed in favor of one project, but it isn’t up to the city to decide which project it sees fit to allocate the stimulus money. Funding is awarded by a number of different federal and state departments based on a variety of different criteria.

“The process for each award is different,” Alachua Interim City Manager Traci Cain said.

The city was able to receive such a large grant for the wastewater project because it was considered “shovel-ready” by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Construction is already underway on the facility, which has been in the works since 2003, Cain said.

The money for CATS came from a Florida Department of Transportation grant, and the money for the new radio system came from a U.S. Department of Justice grant.

These are the only three projects for which the city has sought stimulus funding, but with a majority of the stimulus money still uncommitted by the government, the city is considering other projects, Cain said.

According to the ARRA Web site, recovery.gov, only about $200 billion of the $787 billion dollars have so far been awarded leaving a great deal of opportunity for future project funding down the road.

“The city will continue to evaluate its Capital Improvements Program for projects to secure funds for infrastructure, quality of life improvements, communications, reclaimed water systems, etc.”

At the Monday commission meeting, resident Michael Canney asked if the procuring of money on previous projects would hurt the city’s chances of getting grants later.

Cain said, in an e-mail, it isn’t clear what effect the three grants already secured will have securing future grants.

“ARRA funds are funneled through many agencies and the selection/award criteria are different for each,” Cain said. “The City will continue to pursue grant funding, ARRA or otherwise, regardless of our early success in securing ARRA funds.”

Alachua has been the most successful city in the county outside of Gainesville in securing stimulus money.

Hawthorne, Newberry, Archer, Micanopy and High Springs have all received significantly less money, according to the latest information at recovery.gov.

The stimulus program is not just about building infrastructure, but also about creating jobs. Cain said it can be hard to judge the jobs created from the city’s three stimulus projects, but the benefit to the community is wide-reaching. A new wastewater facility will allow the city to pursue future development, CATS will give transportation to those who don’t have it and a new radio system will help the police department’s ability to communicate with other departments and respond to emergencies.

ALACHUA – A second attempt at a public bus service in Alachua is scheduled to start Feb. 18. The city will celebrate the long-awaited service Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the Cleather Hathcock Senior Community Center.

The reincarnated City of Alachua Transit System (CATS) is a north/south circular route of Alachua. The city received a $76,684 federal stimulus grant from the Federal Transit Authority to pay for the new bus. The city purchased the bus in December and contracted M/V Transportation Services Inc. as the service provider.  The city also budgeted $40,000 for the operation of CATS.

Hours of operation are expected to be no more than six hours per day for 255 days a year. Service days will exclude holidays, nights and weekends. Since low-income and elderly residents are the priority, the bus stops are located accordingly. The bus fee is $1 for a one-way trip, which is down from the original proposal of $2.

The city scrapped the original City of Alachua Transit System (CATS) in November 2008. It was canceled after an unsuccessful two-year trial run because of low ridership. The old CATS ran from Alachua to Gainesville and back to help people with limited or no transportation to reach employment centers in Alachua and help senior citizens in Alachua get to medical appointments in Gainesville.

Additional routes for the new CATS service may be considered based on the success of the program and the determined needs of the city’s residents.   Alachua city commissioners have discussed connecting the service with Gainesville’s RTS in the future if it is feasible.

ALACHUA – A new digital radio system to improve Alachua Police Department’s communication with other county departments was unanimously approved Monday by the Alachua commission.

Alachua is currently the only department in the county still using the old analogue system. This creates problems as the city department attempts to coordinate with the county and other city departments.

“Right now, we’re out there on an island,” said Alachua police Sergeant Carl Newsome, at the Monday meeting. “It takes a dispatcher to call another dispatcher to get to a supervisor to get to somebody to either get us help or get their guys help.”

The new system not only allows for better coordination with other departments, it also has a better back-up plan. The system has a series of fail-safes to keep communication going in case of interruption from a broken fiber optic cable or other problems.

“This will provide a much greater net of safety for our citizens,” said Newsome.

Two grants and an anonymous private donation of $100,000 will pay for the transition. The grants were both made possible by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, also known as the federal stimulus package. Together the two grants amounted to about $150,000. An anonymous private donation of $100,000 brings the total funding for the project to about $250,000.

The equipment costs include paying for portable radios, chargers, mobile radios for vehicles, consoles for the communications control station and additional components.

This leaves about $60,000 surplus, which will department will use to cover the system’s monthly costs, which total about $3,000. The department expects this to increase the annual operational expenses by about $38,000, which will need to be accounted for by the commission in the budget.

The department expects to complete the transition by April.

The commission was quick to approve the spending for the new system.

“I think it’s imperative that we have the right equipment for our police officers to be able to talk to whoever they need to, to ensure their safety and the safety of the rest of the people that serve us and our citizens,” Commissioner Gary Hardacre said.

ALACHUA – Alachua Police are investigating a burglary that targeted Alachua Boy Scouts Troop 88 last week, which reportedly left the troop out of nearly $700 worth of supplies.

Officials believe the Boy Scouts storage behind the main hut on 15115 N.W. 142nd Terrace was burglarized sometime between Feb. 1 and Feb. 5, according to Alachua Police Det. Carrie Lund.

Troop 88 committee member Beth Jenkins said troop leaders left the office around 9 p.m. Feb. 1 and didn’t return until Feb. 5. She said Scout Master Fred Hilton found the evidence of a burglary as he and troop members were gearing up for a weekend retreat.

As Hilton headed to the supply shed for cooking equipment for the troop’s weekend cookout, he found that a determined burglar had beaten him to it, Jenkins said. He found a shattered window, apparently broken for access to unlock the front door, and discovered missing cooking equipment.

According to a police report, burglars made off with three cast iron Dutch ovens valued at $240, three 70-gallon Igloo coolers valued at $210, five pots, and two turkey fryer pots valued at $235.

“It was a loss because we use the [equipment] every campout, and our boys go on one or two campouts a month and have cooking classes that teach them how to do things,” Jenkins said Tuesday. “They’re not only a big expense but they mean a lot to them because they use them all the time.”

Although police would not comment on the stolen property, Jenkins said troop leaders believe the items may have been stolen to be pawned for their iron and aluminum materials.

Of all weekends, burglars hit on one of the most inopportune times since the 38 boy scouts that make up troop 88 were set to host a cookout at Camp Shands in Melrose, Jenkins said.

“This past weekend we had to call other scout troops when we went to camp and borrow cooking equipment because our troop was in charge of cooking,” she said. “This was just really bad timing.”

While Alachua Police have not yet reported suspects in the burglary, Jenkins said an anonymous donor has offered a $100 reward for any tip leading to an arrest. Anyone with information on the burglary can report a tip to Det. Carrie Lund at 386-418-1597.

Since the troop is also out $700 in equipment, Jenkins added that anyone wishing to donate to the troop to recoup losses can send donations to PO Box 1719 Alachua, Fla., 32616 or contact Fred Hilton at 352-318-0925.

The 2nd Annual Spring Sale will be held April 3 at 10 a.m. by Retirement Home for Horses, Inc.  Help by donating any saleable items.  TVs and outdated electronic equipment did not sell, but the following items were the most popular:  children's toys and books, current novels, new items, jewelry, kitchen items, pictures and wall decorations, tools and small working appliances.

Last year enough money was raised to support one horse for a year.  This year's goal is to earn enough money to support two horses.

There are over 125 horses at the farm that need to be supported.  For further information, contact Georgia Crosby at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Peg Malone at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Jenny at 352-246-2230. Large or out of the area items can be sold on Ebay; contact Cheryl at 386-454-0954.

The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office Cold Case Unit, partnered with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, has been re-releasing information on the anniversary dates of unsolved homicides or suspected foul play/missing persons.

On 02/09/89, 20 year-old, W/F Tiffany Sessions (DOB 10/29/68) disappeared from the University of Florida. At approximately 6 p.m., Sessions told her roommate she was going for a walk and never returned. An extensive search provided no clues as to what happened to Sessions.

This year marks the 21st anniversary of this case. Tiffany’s disappearance is a time to remember and recommit ourselves to resolving as many unsolved missing persons and murder cases as possible. Sheriff Darnell created the Cold Case Unit in 2007 to show her commitment to solving this and all other unsolved missing persons and murder cases in Alachua County.

The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information about this incident or any other missing persons or homicide case to call Detective Bob Dean at the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office at 352-367-4161. Callers can also remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest by calling Crime Stoppers at 372-STOP (7867). For those that prefer the internet, anonymous tips may be left on the website at www.alachuasheriff.org.

ALACHUA – The Alachua Soccer League Hurricanes recently took first place at the Challenge Sports “3V3” Keystone Tournament.  3v3 Soccer, commonly referred to as a “small sided” game, is played with each team having only have three players on the field at a time.  It uses a much smaller net than full sided soccer and there is no keeper, requiring the blending of strategy, individual skills and teamwork.

The team, led by Coach John Salbert, made its first appearance Jan. 30, 2010, after having been organized less than six days.  The Hurricanes entered the tournament hoping they would get a chance to play in the Nationals Tournament at Disney’s Wide World of Sports in August 2010.

They entered the tournament determined to get a berth in Nationals, which would be awarded to the top four teams in each age group.  After losing their first game, the Hurricanes regrouped and came back with fierce determination to win the remaining five games of the day taking first place in the tournament, earning the right to compete at Nationals.  Alachua was well represented by the team that took the tournament by storm and the buzz that day was, “Have you guys seen that Alachua team?” In preparation for the big show at Nationals, the ASL Hurricanes will be entering local tournaments between now and August. 

The Alachua Soccer League is a local volunteer recreational soccer program, and the road to Nationals, which is a three-day tournament, will be costly. The ASL Hurricanes is a travel team made up of players from the recreation league, and they must come up with their own funds for travel and fees.  Salbert estimates the team’s travel costs will exceed $1,700. 

The team is pumped up and ready for the challenge, and are fully engaged in raising funds through car washes, yard sales, candy sales and bake sales.  Businesses or individuals who would like to support the team may contact John Salbert at 352-514-086.  Names of all sponsors and donors will be placed on a banner currently being designed by the team and will be displayed at all upcoming tournaments including Nationals.

Looking ahead, if the team does well at Nationals, they will be eligible to participate in the World Championships at Disney’s Wide World of Sports in January 2011.

GAINESVILLE — North Central Florida has a unique opportunity to rejuvenate its economy, one tax return at a time.

United Way is teaming up with the East Gainesville Development Corporation and the UF Levin College of Law to bring area residents Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), made possible through an IRS grant.

Certified volunteer tax preparers are working to award eligible citizens with an Earned Income Tax Credit, a government initiative that has funneled millions of dollars back into communities around the nation.

This year, the program has expanded its reach through the addition of tax preparation sites in outlying towns including Alachua, Trenton, Bell and Starke. The service will be available in the city of Alachua by appointment between Jan. 25 and April 12 at First United Methodist of Alachua.

The VITA program is currently running and will be available until April, 15, 2010. Interested parties can simply call 2-1-1 to schedule an appointment at a convenient location.

For more information, call 2-1-1 or visit http://www.unitedwayncfl.org/VITA.aspx

United Way of North Central Florida is a locally governed organization dedicated to leading the community to focus on issues and build solutions that improve lives. United Way engages the community to identify the underlying causes of the most pressing local issues, develops strategies, mobilizes financial and human resources to address them, and measures the impact on our community. United Way tackles issues based on local needs in the areas of education, income and health.  For more information about United Way of North Central Florida, visit: www.unitedwayncfl.org.

ALACHUA – For more than three-and-a-half years, Santa Fe High School senior Kaitlyn Brandt has been telling her fellow students what to do — and what not to do. Her efforts have now earned her statewide recognition.

Florida SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) has just named Brandt the SADD Student of the Year for 2010-11. She will now serve as the state student spokesperson for the organization, which has more than 280 chapters around the state. 

“Being chosen Florida SADD Student of the Year is a great honor,” said Verl Todd, state coordinator for the organization. “Kaitlyn has been an exceptional spokesperson for SADD in Florida, working tirelessly to ensure that teens are fully aware of the issues of underage drinking, traffic safety and other destructive decisions.”

Brandt has been involved with SADD for four years, and this year serves as the Santa Fe group’s president. She’s also served on the Florida state SADD Student Advisory Board for the past two years, helping organize events and campaigns and visiting other schools and communities to encourage teens to avoid destructive behavior.

Kaitlyn says it’s important for teens to hear that message from their peers — without any sugar-coating.

“It’s more powerful when it’s coming from someone your own age,” she said. “A lot of what we talk about is not pretty, but we have to give a very realistic perspective for teens to really get it.”

Florida SADD has also announced that Brenda Joyner, who has been the SADD advisor at Santa Fe for more than 25 years, is this year’s SADD Advisor of the Year.

“She is very deserving of this honor,” said Todd. “Her enthusiasm and dedication toward SADD is truly extraordinary.”

“There are so many things out there that teens are facing these days,” said Joyner. “We try to tell them that one bad decision can have major consequences and you can’t turn back.”

Both Kaitlyn and Joyner will officially begin their terms as Florida’s Student and Advisor of the Year at SADD’s national conference in Orlando in late June. They are also eligible for National Student and Advisor of the Year honors, which will be announced in March.

"Most schools would be proud to have either a student or an advisor chosen for special recognition,” said Santa Fe High School principal Bill Herschleb.  “We’re elated that both state honorees this year come from our school."

Recognitions aside, Kaitlyn says she’s loved being a part of SADD.

“I hate to see bad things happen to kids my age, so I think SADD is a great thing to be involved in,” she said. “I really feel we’re making a difference.”

Recognizing that use of a cell phone while driving increases the risk of having an accident by 4 times, the same risk as a drunk driver, and texting while driving increases the risk of an accident by 8 times, the Florida Junior Civitan Board of Directors has launched the NO PHONE Driver campaign to raise awareness.

Teenagers across Florida will encourage their own members, school mates, family and the public to sign a pledge to be a NO PHONE Driver, to stop risking the lives of everyone on the road, including themselves.

Junior Civitan is a community service club organization of 12,000 teen volunteers, in 400 clubs, in the USA, Canada, Europe, Asia and Africa, helping seniors, the challenged and the under privileged.

Each club chooses their community service, environmental projects and social awareness activities.  However, the Florida Junior Civitan Board of Directors has designated this NO PHONE Driver campaign as the statewide project, after Junior Civitan Governor Matthew Pendleton, a junior at Sandalwood High in Jacksonville, learned the alarming statistics on a recent Oprah show.

To sign the pledge visit  www.FloridaJuniorCivitan.org.

Many Christians drift through sermon after sermon, trying to piece together doctrine and church history from the bits and pieces of thoughts shown to them by the minister week after week.  It’s like collecting pieces of a puzzle and then trying to put a picture together when you don’t know exactly what it’s supposed to look like.  The ancient church realized this and the need for a systematic way to preach and teach Christian doctrine.  This led to the gradual development of preaching using a liturgical calendar which, if used correctly, teaches the entire scope of doctrine, emphasizing the part that’s relates to the season.

For instance, the incarnation of Jesus Christ is obviously the theme of the Christmas season, while lent emphasizes the doctrine of Christ’s atonement, his sacrifice for our sin.  if we look at the entire church year and compare doctrine to the church season, in twelve months we see that we have a systematic understanding essentially of what it means to be a Christian.

The season of epiphany brings out two very important doctrines of the church, and even though it’s a short season—between Christmas and Lent—it’s an important one.  The modern Christian church has failed to understand and live up to doctrine taught to us during epiphany and has unwittingly crippled itself.

The following prayer, from the 1928 Book of Common Prayer for the season of epiphany, points us to one of the primary doctrines of the season.  It speaks of the supreme authority of God almighty in the affairs of men.  “almighty and everlasting God, who dost govern all things in heaven and earth; mercifully hear the supplications of thy people, and grant us thy peace all the days of our life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

This prayer is really educational in the way that we are supposed to address God.  We call him almighty and everlasting, and both of these traits are essential if we’re to trust in Him.  Earthly kings understand that power and authority are crucial and that they must have total authority in their kingdom to carry out their will for the good of their people.  God has to be able to right every wrong and establish his kingdom according to his will, so he has to be almighty.  God, also, has to be greater than any earthly king, because mortal kings die and their kingdoms often fall when they die.  Then we have the fact that when a gracious and righteous king dies, he’s often succeeded by a tyrant who exercises his authority to his own ends and carnal desires.  If God is to rule in heaven and earth, as this collect suggests, his rule must be an everlasting rule and only then can we be sure that his kingdom will last forever.

We must understand that it is God’s right to rule over his creation and this fact is central to the epiphany season.  Christ was worshipped by the wise men even though he was only a small child, enthroned on the arms of his mother.  They brought their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, all of which symbolize royalty and the fact that he deserved their reverence.  Their behavior shows another important principle of the epiphany season—the kingdom of God, which we now participate in through Jesus Christ, is a kingdom established in the heart of believers who submit their wills to the truth, regardless of the insults and scorn heaped on them by the unbelieving world.

The worship required by our King is the bent knee, the contrite heart, the submitted intellect.  This kingdom doesn’t grow by the use of weapons and conflict, but by the proclamation of his truth.  His kingdom on this earth is seen most clearly in the visible church of Jesus Christ.

Epiphany teaches us something about the kingdom of God and our king that reigns over heaven and earth, but it must not lead us to be prideful.  It should teach us to be humble, to be servants one towards another, to be willing to bring our talents and gifts to our enthroned King, just like the three wise men taught us by their example.  We must bring our gifts and submit our talents, not as though they’re going to be abandoned but that they can be used for the good of the kingdom, for the building up of the church.

 

Just kidding – it’s no secret that Valentine’s Day is just around the corner.

If you didn’t know, and maybe that’s possible if you spent the last week out of town – like maybe on the moon – I’ll say it again, Valentine’s Day is almost here. 

If you haven’t procured something special for that special person in your life, you may be thinking that you’re out of luck.

But then again, maybe I can help you.

Heaven knows you need it.

Nobody wants to be caught on the short end of such an auspicious occasion of far reaching consequences.

It is indeed difficult to imagine a February without candy, flowers, and gifts.  And all in the name of St.Valentine, the patron saint of lovers for whom the day is named. 

It can be a day to anticipate or a day to fear.

Valentine’s Day has been celebrated on February 14th for over 1,500 years, so that would pretty much cover the entire lives of anyone breathing today.  It hasn’t been a Johnny-come-lately to the holiday scene, so that excuse won’t hold water.

Truly, on the day especially set aside for lovers, there is no excuse that would satisfy a forgotten mate or significant other. 

The best advice is simply not to let that happen.

And it’s not too late to prevent a needless calamity.

February is the month of romance – the month of love.

Or alternatively, the month that will be remembered as the beginning of the end.

There is considerable wisdom in ensuring that your main squeeze has an enjoyable Valentine’s Day, as opposed to a miserable one that won’t soon be forgotten.

It’s not too late to purchase one of the 188 million Valentine's Day cards exchanged annually, or even hand scrawl a love note.  Pay no heed that over 50-percent of all Valentine's Day cards are purchased in the six days prior to the observance, meaning that you will only be elbowing 50-percent of the remainder of the world scanning those card racks.  Math majors will tell us that procrastinators such as yourself will be competing with, at most, 94 million others desperately trying to save a sinking ship.

Consider that even at this advanced date, you can save yourself stress and ensure a romantic Valentine's Day by spending a lot of money for last minute flowers or reservations at your special restaurant if there are any to be had.

Or you could use the following fill-in-the-blank poem (in your handwriting of course) to explain why you wouldn’t even pop for a dollar or two and buy a card: Roses are Red, violets are blue, those store-bought cards aren’t good enough for you.

Good luck with that one.

You could make dinner at home.  Just make sure there is a plentiful supply of chocolate.

Chocolate helps.

So on this special day when sweethearts honor each other with candy, flowers, and cards, get off your can and do something for that valentine in your life. 

And by the way, just as Romeos and Juliets come in all shapes, colors and sizes, so too do gifts.  A gift from the heart, in the form of a few loving words is appreciated as much, if not more, than the store-bought paraphernalia.  But that doesn’t mean one shouldn’t buy something – just in case. 

Take comfort in the fact that February 14th is, after all, just another day.

And if you buy that, then you deserve what you get.

And in case you’re curious, you may wonder whatever happened to St. Valentine, the patron saint that started all this.

The story goes that he was beheaded.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

HAWTHORNE – Three months into the job, Hawthorne City Manager Ed Smyth is finding no shortage of work, and he’s fine with that.

“This is what I got into this profession to do – come be a service to a community and not just fight fires, but to go in and actually do something, go in and take on a problem and fix it.”

The biggest of those problems is the city’s finances, which will be the focus of an upcoming commission workshop.

The commission didn’t decide on a date but agreed to hold a workshop by the end of the month to discuss several financial policy suggestions Smyth made in his quarterly report.

One thing the quarterly report, which was issued on Dec. 30, did not include was a budget summary. Smyth said he didn’t have sufficient financial information to even put together a budget summary.

At the commission meeting Tuesday, he said he was still a few weeks away from completing a detailed document.

In September, prior to Smyth’s appointment as city manager, the commissioners approved a budget which, according to Smith, does not break down spending into detailed categories, leaving a lot of guesswork as to where the money is supposed to go.

“I’m trying to get a detailed line-item budget out so these guys [the commission] know where the money is going,” Smyth said.

In the meantime, he said he’s using his instincts to make financial decisions.

“Sometimes it’s a gut feeling,” Smyth said. “You just look at things, and you get a good feeling or a bad feeling.”

Smyth has made several financial policy recommendations, including creating a cash reserve policy, auditing of each city department and creating a fund-transfer policy.

He wrote in the report, “An analysis of the policies, ordinances and charter revealed that Hawthorne was lacking firm codified financial principles.”

Mayor Eleanor Randall said the workshop will help the city improve.

“This will give us a good idea of where we are and what it will take to get us to the next level,” said Randall.

Before becoming Hawthorne’s city manager, Smyth served as deputy city manager of Leesburg, a city of nearly 16,000 residents in Lake County.  He said the Hawthorne job has been much more demanding.

“I had too many days in Leesburg where I’d sit there, and I’d be returning e-mails or doing research on the computer,” Smyth said. “I’d be sitting there. I’d be nodding off. I don’t have to nod off here. I’m way too busy. I like this.”

ALACHUA – Seven months away from the first crack of a bat, renovations are well underway in preparation for the Babe Ruth 12 and under Girls’ Softball 2010 World Series, which runs Aug. 7-14.

Grass infields have been torn out and replaced with clay, and plans have been drawn up to upgrade the sidewalks and parking lot at the Hal Brady Recreation Complex. New bleachers, new dugouts, new signs around the complex and new backstops are on the way along with improvements to the press box and concession stand.

Earl Findley, Santa Fe Babe Ruth program president, is in charge of the event. He and Hal Brady, Alachua recreation director, have been working on the event for more than a year. Brady said between renovations, transportation and other costs, the price tag for the event is about $140,000 to $160,000. Various businesses, individual donors and government entities from Alachua, High Springs and Gainesville have come together to contribute money and in-kind donations for the park.

“I think it’s going to be big – big for the community and the kids,” Findley said. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime event for most all of the kids that are participating.”

Findley and Brady have held meetings every two weeks with the goal of getting most of the renovations done for the March 20 start of the Alachua recreational league. Brady said things are going well and the park renovations are on schedule.

The goal is to make this the biggest Babe Ruth Softball World Series ever and match the size of the boys’ Babe Ruth Baseball World Series Alachua hosted in 1992, Brady said. He said bringing in that many people to the city will help local restaurants, hotels, gas stations and other businesses.

“We hope we’re going to help everybody in this community – in Alachua, High Springs and Gainesville,” Brady said.

The 10-team tournament will consist of teams from around the country. At least two of the teams will be from Florida; the host team and the Florida state champion automatically qualify.

One way people can help locally is by serving as a host family for two of the 11- to 12-year-old girls from Aug. 5 to Aug.15. Findley needs a total of 70 host families. Several local churches and the City of Alachua staff have stepped up to host entire teams, but many host families are still needed.

University of Florida softball coach Tim Walton will be the keynote speaker, and Findley said he’s hoping to get Governor Charlie Crist to attend.

Wal-Mart, Coca-Cola, Domino’s, Santa Fe Ford and SunState Federal Credit Union are serving as corporate gold sponsors.

NEWBERRY – The Newberry Cooperstown Dreams Park remains one of five candidates competing to receive money from a potential two-percent increase on hotel bills, also known as a bed tax.

The county commission is scheduled to hold a public meeting on March 2 to vote on the increase that would raise the bed tax from three percent to five percent, but hasn’t set a date to decide which project, or projects, will get the money.

The other four projects are more Gainesville-centric. They include construction of a county fairground in east Gainesville, construction of the Cade Museum for Innovation and Invention, expansion of the Martin Luther King Jr. Sports Complex and construction of a conference center in downtown Gainesville.

The Newberry baseball park has the best chance to increase the value of each percent of bed tax, according to Roland Loog, the tourist development director.

It also has broad support from the commissioners, but they are hesitant to put all their eggs in one basket.

“I’m persuaded that the Newberry project is a good one and should receive some portion of the two percent, if we move forward with it,” Commissioner Mike Byerly said at a Tuesday meeting. “The real question is how much of it.”

The amount approved for Newberry will determine how long it will take to pay off the loan.

Jay Glover, of Public Financial Management, said it would take eight years to pay off the loan, if the county approved revenues from the full two percent.

If they only approved 1.2 of that 2 percent, it would take 20 years to pay off, but enough money would be left over to potentially cover one of the other four projects.

Newberry City Manager Keith Ashby and Commissioners Joe Hoffman and Lois Forte represented the city at Tuesday’s county commission meeting. They urged the county to support the Newberry project and strike while the iron is hot.

“The longer you wait, the more you put this off, the more we’re going to lose out on this as a community,” Hoffman told county officials.

NEWBERRY – Newberry will be hosting an event like no other in its history beginning Friday. This weekend will mark a milestone for the Easton-Newberry Sports Complex as some 1,400 archery shooters are expected to participate in the Archery Shooters Association’s (ASA) Easton Florida Pro/Am. The event will be the first major event hosted by the City of Newberry.

 

Dough Engh, executive director for the National Alliance for the Development of Archery (NADA), said the annual event has historically been held at the Gainesville Raceway but was moved to Newberry because of the enhanced facilities now available. Although the complex includes a gym and an indoor archery training center, Engh said the ASA event will be held outside on some 60-acres of woodlands and trails that adjoin the center.

 

The Gainesville Sports Commission assisted the ASA in locating the competition in Newberry. The ASA will be running the event. Most of the participants are expected to seek accommodations in Gainesville hotels and others may connect their campers at the Canterbury Equestrian Showplace in Jonesville.

 

“This event is going to bring about 1,400 shooters and their families. The entire complex is booked, the ball fields are being used for parking and the gym will house a tradeshow.

 

“Some of the top money shooters in the country will be out competing for the cash prizes,” said Engh.

 

Shooters will be practicing and qualifying Friday and Saturday. Major competitions are set to begin on Sunday, Engh said.

 

Newberry has been filling the calendar for the Easton-Newberry Sports Complex. On Feb. 13th and 14th, 4-H will be hosting a statewide archery tournament, which Engh expects to bring between 200 and 300 children. In the weeks to follow, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) will be hosting a National Archery in Schools Program for area school children.

 

More information about the complex can be found at eastonnewberrysportscomplex.com

HIGH SPRINGS – High Springs City Commissioners may have missed the deadline for enforcing any changes into City Manager James Drumm’s expiring contract apart from ending it all together or keeping it as is.

Drumm’s four-year contract was signed on July 20, 2006 and states if “the city does not notify [Drumm] of the intention to non-renew his contract within six months of its expiration, the contract shall be deemed renewed under the same terms and conditions…”

City attorney Thomas Depeter said Tuesday this stipulation translates to say if commissioners wanted to change any terms of the contract, they would have had to notify Drumm of their intentions by Jan. 20 – six months before it expires July 20. Because they did not do so, the contract’s terms automatically renewed and can only be changed if Drumm fully agrees with the negotiated adjustments.

Commissioners scheduled a discussion of possible changes to Drumm’s $87,200 contract for the City Commission meeting Feb. 11. At a workshop on the issue Tuesday, commissioners were also unable to determine whether Drumm’s contract technically ends on July 20 or March 9.

Drumm began working for the city with a two-year contract on March 9, 2004. By March 2006 commissioners failed to end or renegotiate Drumm’s contract, so the contract was automatically renewed.

Commissioners finally addressed Drumm’s contract in July 2006 and renewed it for four years but retro-dated the terms to also apply to those previous four months Drumm had worked since the contract expired that March.

Now that Drumm’s contract is set to expire this year, it is unclear if the reference date is March 9 or July 20. Either way, commissioners did not notify Drumm about negotiations six months prior to either date, so changes to his contract can only be enforced with Drumm’s agreement.

Under the current terms, commissioners would still be able to fire Drumm at any point during the contract, but Drumm would be entitled to a six-month severance package from the date he is notified.

At Tuesday’s workshop, commissioners hinted at coming to an agreement about contract terms before the earlier date of March 9. Although commissioners discussed the technicalities of severance pay in terminating Drumm for more than one hour Tuesday, the only term commissioners specifically suggested changing was the length of Drumm’s contract.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to be on this commission with Jim for five years, and every evaluation we’ve done from the total commission has been above average and excellent,” Commissioner Larry Travis said.
“I’m not sure four years is where we’re going, but I’d like to see Jim stay with us.”

Mayor William Coughlin was not as flattering in his comments but also suggested a shorter contract term for Drumm. Coughlin said when he was elected to the commission he received hostility from fellow commissioners and Drumm and questioned Drumm’s personal views with city business.

“The question for me and the question for the city at large is we as a community, we were heading in one direction pretty hard, and the community spoke out really clearly about changing that direction,” Coughlin said, referring to the victory of two new commissioners over two incumbents during November’s city commission election.

“So the question for me is during this next period of time…because for someone in your role they must be completely apolitical, and I think that’s the challenge for you in the next period…can you do as good a job for this commission as you can for the (past) commission?” Coughlin asked Drumm.

In his comments, Coughlin pointed at several controversies that have arisen in the last few years of Drumm’s management of the city. He mentioned the wrongful termination of Ginger Travers in 2008 from the police department, who was awarded damages in arbitration; the current termination of former lieutenant Gordon Fulwood and the grievances filed with the city as a result; the Pigg property owned by the city that will cost High Springs thousands of dollars in the process of selling it; as well as complaints from citizens about hostility from Drumm and his failure to follow through with certain business.

Travis adamantly disagreed with Coughlin and criticized his blaming of the previous group of commissioners, which Travis was a member of, for current problems in the city.

“It’s a sad state of affairs that you take a personal attack when you feel you were mistreated,” Travis said to Coughlin. “Just as many people say they appreciate what Mr. Drumm has done from around the county and around the state. I think it’s ridiculous and very unprofessional.”

But with negotiations of his contract approaching Feb. 11, Drumm said he would be open to certain changes to his contract, especially since commissioners only suggested changing the length of his contract Tuesday. He acknowledged that since changes can only be made with his approval, the commission can give him an ultimatum of agreeing with amendments to the contract or accepting termination.

“If the commission is looking to enact change, I think we can come to an agreement,” Drumm said. “A lot of the [complaints] brought up may be rumors, and it’s hard to follow rumors.”

HIGH SPRINGS – After a representative for fired police lieutenant Gordon Fulwood filed a last-ditch effort to appeal his termination to the High Springs City Commission, City Attorney Thomas Depeter has responded with a denial.

Police Benevolent Association representative Rick Nelson filed a step three grievance Jan. 26 for Fulwood to appeal his termination to the city commission. Depeter responded Tuesday in a memo to commissioners stating that under the High Springs City Charter, the city manager appoints and dismisses employees and the commission has no voice in that process.

According to the Charter dated November 2001, “Neither the City Commission nor any of its members shall in any manner dictate the appointment or removal of any city employee except the charter officers…” The Charter also states “The city manager when necessary shall appoint, suspend, demote or dismiss any city employee under his jurisdiction in accordance with law and the personnel rules…”

However, the High Springs Personnel Manual dated November 1998 conflicts with those rules and states, “An employee will be given the due process right of a pre-determination hearing prior to termination. All such decisions must have the concurrence of the city manager and approval of the City Commission for adherence to due process prior to announcement of final decision or implementation.”

The Personnel Manual continues to say, “If the grievance is not resolved to the satisfaction of the employee after review with city manager, the employee may appeal to the City Commission. The City Commission’s decision will be final.”

Although Depeter stated the Charter trumps when there is a conflict with the Personnel Manual, High Springs Police Chief James Troiano outlined Fulwood’s rights in reference to the Personnel Manual, not the Charter, in his termination letter Dec. 28. Drumm later approved Troiano’s motion to fire Fulwood Jan. 21.

Troiano writes, “You will remain on paid administrative leave until you have exhausted all of your grievance rights provided to you by the City of High Springs Personnel Policy and Procedure Manual (Loudermill Hearing and Grievance to the City Manager).”

According to High Springs grievance procedures, a fired employee can appeal to their direct supervisor, the department head and finally the city manager.

In Fulwood’s case, he already appealed to High Springs Police Chief James Troiano, who is Fulwood’s supervisor and department head, and to the city manager. The Policy Manual clearly states he can now appeal to the City Commission, while the Charter rules his appeal process ended with Drumm.

In his memo, Depeter stated any provisions in the Personnel Manual that conflict with rules in the Charter should no longer be valid. He cited two Florida law cases, Metropolitan Dade County v. Metro-Dade Fire Rescue Service District and Laborers’ International Union of North America, Local 478 v. Burroughs to outline his decision.

The Dade County case, ruled in 1991, states “Any ordinance passed by the County Commission must comport with the Dade County Charter.” The Laborers’ International case, ruled 1989, states “a conflict exists when two legislative enactments cannot co-exist,” and “the test of conflict is whether one must violate one provision in order to comply with the other.” Depeter interpreted this to say if the employee were allowed to appeal to the commission, it would violate the provisions of the City Charter.

HIGH SPRINGS – Former High Springs police lieutenant Gordon Fulwood filed a lawsuit against the city Friday for what he said were frivolous and retaliatory actions taken against him by Police Chief James Troiano.

Fulwood is accusing Troiano of launching three unwarranted investigations and disciplines against him, which ultimately led to his termination from the police department, according to the court document filed with Alachua County. Public records obtained by Alachua County Today show investigations were launched in July, August and December against Fulwood.

On Jan. 21, City Manager James Drumm approved Troiano’s motion to fire Fulwood after he was accused of using his authority to confront an Alachua police officer about a personal issue and for obtaining confidential police information in that matter. In his lawsuit, Fulwood alleges Troiano acted in retaliation against him when Fulwood filed four complaints with Drumm about Troiano on Nov. 2 and Nov. 6. The city would not provide the complaint documents citing an exemption to public records laws, but according to the civil suit documents the complaints date to early 2009.

Although Troiano launched two of Fulwood’s three investigations before Fulwood ever complained to Drumm, the disciplines for each investigation were delivered Nov. 9, Dec. 17 and Jan. 21.

“I filed the complaints against Troiano not in response to me being under investigation but in response to me having the realization that I knew they were going to fire me and that I no longer had a job or career to protect,” Fulwood said Tuesday. “There are specific reasons and fears of why I did not file those complaints early on when Chief Troiano actually committed the infractions, but that has been discussed with my attorney, and I’ve been instructed not to comment. But there were specific reasons why I did not report them earlier.”

The suit also claims Troiano violated Fulwood’s due process rights when he sent an email to city employees Dec. 28 stating Fulwood had been fired. Only the city manager has the authority to hire or fire, and at the time of the email Drumm had not yet given a decision on Troiano’s motion to fire Fulwood.

Fulwood’s attorney, Marie Mattox of Tallahassee, is requesting damages in excess of $15,000 on Fulwood’s behalf, although the exact amount is not specified. The prosecution is also requesting a jury trial to award compensation for attorney costs and damages inflicted as a result of these investigations.

The first investigation was launched against Fulwood in July when police department dispatcher Lindsay Powell alleged Fulwood said her husband “needs to get off his ass and get a friggin’ job.” Troiano then hired Gainesville Police Department Sgt. Jorge Campos to investigate. Through interviews, one witness corroborated Powell’s accusation while two other witnesses denied hearing the comment.

Fulwood has adamantly denied making the statement, but he was disciplined with a 40-hour unpaid suspension Nov. 9. In the appeal procedures that followed, Fulwood accused Troiano of violating his due process rights during the investigation for not specifying which specific section of the police department directives he violated.

Fulwood was then put on paid administrative leave Oct. 29 after the incident about his confrontation of an Alachua police officer was launched in August. Troiano rehired Campos to investigate claims Fulwood acted inappropriately when he approached Alachua Police Officer Adam Joy in early 2008 while he was acting as interim police chief before Troiano joined the department.

After Campos interviewed all officers involved, Troiano concluded Fulwood was “angry, loud, unprofessional and argumentative” when he interrogated Joy about accusations Fulwood’s son was seen in a well known drug area in Alachua.

The investigation into Fulwood’s confrontation with Joy lasted from August to January and led to his termination Jan. 21.

But while still on administrative leave, Troiano launched a third investigation into Fulwood Dec. 8 about the cleanliness of his patrol car. Troiano concluded Fulwood acted improperly when he found dirt and droppings of chewing tobacco within the car.

He was disciplined with a written warning Dec. 17, which Fulwood called excessive since other officers are given verbal instructions to clean their cars when they are found to be dirty.

Fulwood is now the second fired High Springs Police Department employee to sue the city in two years. Former police dispatcher Ginger Travers sued the city in 2008 after she said Troiano wrongly called for her termination from the department where she worked since 1981. In January, an arbitrator agreed and ordered the city to pay for all wages lost since she was fired and to reinstate her with seniority at the department.

With Fulwood’s lawsuit filing Friday, he said he recognizes the angst brought upon the city with his lawsuit but that his motives are now about clearing his name.

“I am sincerely sorry to the community that it has come to this,” Fulwood said. “But once the personal attacks on my character, integrity and professionalism began I was left with no other choice but to defend myself.”

ARCHER – The Archer City Commission set a new milestone recently by electing the first African American female as mayor by a unanimous decision.  In 2002, Roberta Lopez had the distinction of being the first black female elected to the City Commission, serving a four-year term, and was elected again in 2008 for another four-year term.  Lopez served terms as Vice Mayor in 2006 and 2009.

The commissioner turned mayor has been a driving force behind the restoration of the Archer Civic Auditorium. Since 2007 she has shepherded the Civic Auditorium project from a dilapidated structure used as a garage by the City to a nearly completed restored historic structure which will serve the citizens of Archer and Alachua County as a community center. Lopez was instrumental in raising over $300,000 in private donations and the award of $600,000 in grant funds.

Lopez also served in the Hillsborough County United Way program and in several positions in Hillsborough County government culminating as the Community Affairs Director. Other achievements include recipient of the Eleanor Roosevelt Award in 2003, awarded by the Democratic Executive Committee of Alachua County for outstanding dedication to the Democratic Party of Alachua County. She is also the recipient of the Ebony Appreciation Award in 2004, the Santa Fe Community College Women of Distinction Award in 2006, The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Leadership and Achievement Award in 2008 and she has been recognized by the City of Archer for her dedication and support of the restoration of the Archer Community Center.

Florida Governor Charlie Crist has proclaimed the first Friday of every February as School Crossing Guard Appreciation Day. Both the Mayor of Gainesville and the Alachua County Commission have proclaimed Feb. 5 as that day. This year’s event will be held at the Martin Luther King Center located at 1028 NE 14th Street beginning at 9:30 am. Breakfast will be served in honor of all crossing guards.

This year marks the third anniversary of the combined celebration involving crossing guards from the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, Gainesville Police Department, Alachua Police Department, High Springs Police Department, and Waldo Police Department. Several proclamations from the various governing bodies of the agencies involved will be read honoring the guards.

School crossing guards work every day school is in session no matter what the weather is like. They educate children on how to properly and safely cross the street. Watching for gaps in traffic to minimize the disruption of the flow, their number one priority is the safety of the children. This position is non-sworn and they have no traffic enforcement authority. This year, one Crossing Guard will receive the first annual Alachua County Crossing Guard of the Year award, to be presented at the breakfast. This recipient will then be eligible for the State Crossing Guard of the Year award. This event is always special as it draws all the agencies together and shows appreciation for those that keep our children safe on their way to school daily.

The community is invited to attend.  For additional information or to RSVP your attendance at the breakfast, please contact FST Toni Fulton at 352-494-9153 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

ALACHUA – The Alachua/Sherwood Oaks Neighborhood Networks Center has five residents entered in the SAHMA 2010 Drug-Free Kid Poster contest.

The Center held its “Good Luck Contestants” party on Tuesday, January 26. The Center presents the participants with certificates, a first- or second-place ribbon and a prize.

The Center awarded fifth-grader Gabriela Gonzalez with first place in the fourth-through-sixth-grade category, so she received a $25 Walmart gift certificate.

Ninth-grader Samuel Lindee was awarded first place in the seventh-through-ninth grade category, and seventh-grader Julietter Smith took home second place. They won $25 and $15 Walmart gift cards, respectively.

There were also two participants in the tenth-through-twelfth-grade level. The Center awarded eleventh-grader Ieshiah Robinson first place with a $25 Wal-mart gift certificate, and tenth-grader Quantavious Mcfadden won second place and a $15 Wal-mart gift certificate.

The Center awards are separate from the SAHMA awards. All the posters are sent to compete against other contestants in their age group in Florida. If the contestants win the state competition, they are sent to NAHMA, where they compete against the other 50 state winners of their age groups. One poster from each age group is chosen as the national winner.

Volunteer artist Sonya Lindee helped the children get their ideas from a standard sheet of paper to the large poster board size.  She also helped them with the painting by mixing colors and showing them how to use the paint brushes.  Center officials said Lindee was great with the children and the Center was very glad she was able to volunteer her time and knowledge to make the event a success.

The prizes for SAHMA and NAHMA are listed on the enclosed document.

We are in the Epiphany Season, which is also called the Manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles.  This season is the celebration of the appearance of Jesus, the Christ, our Saviour and Redeemer, to the world.  Jan. 6 has been set aside as its feast day and it was done to rival a pagan holiday, which is also the reason that Christmas was set to Dec. 25.  Although Epiphany is the Manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles, the Jews also had a part in this revelation.  The shepherds that were the first to be shown this miracle were Jewish and then they spread the word to the surrounding countryside, all Jewish families.  The Gentiles who were shown the miracle birth of the Christ-child were the three magi.

This includes the writings of one of the early Church Fathers, Saint John Chrysostom who lived from 347 to 407 A.D. and was the Archbishop of Constantinople.  He is also considered one of the greatest of the early Church Fathers.  He lived only three generations from the time of our Lord and would have a better understanding of the life and doctrine of Christ. 

In his writings we’re given some insight on this revelation of Christ to the Gentiles.  The three Kings or wise men were from the orient, from Persia.  They weren’t Jewish, so they wouldn’t have any of the knowledge of the sayings of the Jewish prophets that foretold of a Messiah.  These men were led by a star, some kind of astronomical phenomenon, to the exact place where Jesus was laying in a manger.  Saint Chrysostom says that the star they followed was truly a manifestation from God, so it could’ve been an angel appearing as a star, because with God, all things are possible. 

Now, the Persians have always been familiar with the stars, but this one was so spectacular that they realized this was something more than a natural occurrence; it had to have been of a divine nature.  He also pointed out that this star didn’t act like the other heavenly bodies that go across the sky from east to west; it moved from north to south and was visible during the day.  When the magi neared Jerusalem, the star disappeared, so they had to ask King Herod, “where is he that is born King of the Jews?”  Herod consulted with his wise men and scribes and they told him that the Christ would come from Bethlehem. 

After they left Herod, the star then reappeared and led them the rest of their way to Jesus Christ.  Saint Chrysostom writes that the magi needed to find out from the Jews that this event was foretold in the Jewish prophecies.  It was also necessary to give them this vision of the star so that they couldn’t deny it—they hadn’t had any previous dealings or visions from God.  Through the workings of the Holy Spirit the magi were slowly brought closer to God during their journey, so they’d ultimately understand the revelation that they were moving toward.

During all of those miles south on their journey, God was speaking to the magi, through the Holy Spirit, helping them realize they were in communication with the one true God.  This is an example of how the Holy Spirit works in the lives of Christians, bringing us closer to Him, not forcing Himself upon us, but gently and lovingly guiding us into relationship with Him.  So, when the magi finally arrived at the point under where the star had stopped, they knew that this was the child that was “born King of the Jews.”

The Christian soul is guided by the Holy Spirit into communion with God so that our faith is strengthened and we know beyond a shadow of a doubt that Jesus Christ is the Redeemer and Saviour of all mankind.  It’s only through the Christian relationship with Jesus that the Gentile is given the gift of eternal life.  It is only through our relationship with Christ that we are allowed to be in the presence of God, glorifying Him forever in the company of the Heavenly Host.

What is it about a sunrise that captures our imagination?  It’s difficult to tell the exact moment of dawn.  It happens and we get caught up in the moment—there’s no pause button in life.  This is an important principle to think about because we tend to live in the past or place all of our hopes on the future.  Meanwhile a new day is always presenting itself, whether we know it or not.  Life never comes to a standstill and it’s much more than mere existence.  It’s an experience that we have the choice to take part in or to ignore.

With this we are reminded of times and seasons.  We can’t live in a perpetual season of Christmas or Lent.   There’s movement all around us; life is coming through in all its glorious expressions and we need to participate in it.  There’s a major difference between aging and growth.  Aging is the unstoppable process of existence; growth is the freedom to experience life all around you and within you.  You can actually see it in people’s eyes.

A child that runs after a butterfly or a lizard or jumps off a bed believing that they’re flying, is the picture of growth.  When a child smiles there’s no anxiety hidden behind it.  But find somebody who’s just aging and you won’t find a pure smile, because of fear and anxiety about the future, held by pain it remembered from the past.  What’s really heartbreaking is that, everyone who’s just aging was once a child and knew what is was like to believe that fairy tales can come true.  There’s a reason that children believe in super heroes.  Those who are just aging don’t believe in anything but their own chaotic world that can’t be saved by a guy in tights and a cape.

Jesus likened the kingdom of heaven to the simple faith of a child, their hearts are free, their minds wide awake and their souls run free.  We only have two options: to grow or to be one who is aging, and that’s really the heart of the matter.  A child grows but too many adults begin aging far too early and don’t stop until they pass away.  Someone or something has destroyed the child-like spirit that believes, that hopes and dreams and never doubts in a miracle.

Yesterday and tomorrow are labels to help us know where we’ve been and where we want to go, but it’s this moment in time that we’ve been given to learn what eternity is all about.  It isn’t the turning pages of a calendar, but the eyes that see who holds time and dispenses it for our good.  Our Heavenly Father gives time to us as a gift, but we tend to live in days gone by or worry about the days to come, and we miss the moment given to us.  Have you noticed that when you’re with friends that time moves very quickly, you can’t figure out how an entire evening can go by so fast?  This is how our heavenly Father counts time, in the grand moment of relationship!  He isn’t focusing on when it will end, or how long ago it began.  He’s living in the beauty of relationship with His Son at each moment, placing value in the unbreakable fellowship and communion they share.  There’s no clock-watching or staring at the calendar, there’s just pure unbridled joy in relationship.  That’s the gift of time, to know joy by experience, by encounter, by union to the Father and the Son through the Holy Spirit.  The wonder of the Gospel is that the Son of God joins us to the Father so we can share and grow in the knowledge and fellowship of God.  We aren’t left out, but we often shut ourselves out when we age instead of grow.

It is foolish to wander through life, totally unaware of who we are and what we’re made for, settling for simple existence when there is life to live as the gift and purpose of God the Father, His Son, and the Holy Spirit.  To capture the moment and live, means that we must understand the giver of Life; the Maker of Life’s seasons.  We must set aside our own calendar and adopt a new cycle of time, a cycle grounded in the One in whom we live and move and have our being.

I never thought I’d be envious of a rodent, but groundhogs are on to something. 

Yes indeed, Punxsutawney Phil has it made — in fact all groundhogs have it made.  It seems they only have to work one day a year.  And then, it is only for a few minutes.  And maybe it’s only Punxsutawney Phil that has to work, and the rest of the groundhog nation bask in his reflected glory.

For the unknowing, the day of the groundhog is Feb. 2.

In keeping with tradition, good old Mr. P., as he is affectionately called, is not so affectionately extracted from his warm burrow by tuxedoed individuals, early in the morning in the dead of winter. 

In my estimation, his job description includes, and is strictly limited to, standing on his hind legs while stretching his neck, blinking his eyes and wrinkling his nose in a most bewildered fashion. 

It is believed by some, although I’m not certain who, that if it is a sunny day and Mr. P. sees his shadow, the remaining six weeks of winter will be stormy and cold.

But if it is raining or snowing, or otherwise simply a gloomy day, Mr. P. will most fortuitously not see his shadow and the remainder of winter will be mild. 

Aside from the fact that this makes absolutely no sense whatsoever, and it must be equally as perplexing to the recently awakened groundhog, his job is done and he is released to do whatever he wants.

And more than likely, that action is to return posthaste to the warmth and privacy of his burrow.  And for this he has a day named in his honor.

Sure, it’s not a holiday that means people get off work.  Why, even the banks are open.  But it is a day marked each year with the associated media frenzy due the coronation of a king. 

In case you haven’t mailed your Groundhog Day greeting cards yet, you can go online to the American Greeting card site and send e-cards to your closest and dearest friends.  But be forewarned, you may have a tough time selecting only one card to send.   With groundhoggy choices like “Me and My Shadow,” “Ode to Groundhogs,” “No Shadow of a Doubt,” and “Just Poppin’ Up,” your work is cut out for you.  Oh, what the heck, go ahead and choose them all - and send them all to your online friends.  Won’t they love you for remembering them in such a special way on such an important occasion! 

But, act fast, because it will only be a matter of time before PETA becomes involved in what they will most assuredly characterize as crass commercialization and victimization of our groundhog friends.  To actually awaken a hibernating mammal purely for the pleasure and monetary gain of those reprehensible humans should not be tolerated. 

And think of the psychological pressures placed on Phil to accurately prognosticate the weather.  Why, there are highly educated meteorologists that daily are unable to perform this feat. 

And we should expect a half-frozen groundhog in Philadelphia to accurately predict what the next six weeks of weather will offer in Florida?

What’s next?  Mr. P. tee-shirts and coffee mugs?  Endorsement contracts with Quaker Oats and Nestle? 

That may be a stretch and frankly, that might be too much exertion on Mr. P.’s part. 

His current contract only requires he work about 30 seconds a year, and he already enjoys celebrity status to boot. 

Envious?

You bet.

Where do I sign up?

The awesome prophecy given to Joseph by the angel about Jesus’ birth is found in Matthew 1:22-23, but it was first recorded in the words of Isaiah, the prophet, during the reign of King Ahaz, 700 years before the birth of Christ.  The circumstances surrounding the original prophecy are really interesting and helpful.  What we think of as a message of hope and salvation to Joseph was originally a prophecy of judgment meant to turn the unbelieving people of God back to Faith.  It’s not unusual for Biblical prophecy to have a double fulfillment.  In this case, we learn something about how it was fulfilled both in Isaiah’s day and on Christmas morning in Bethlehem.

In Isaiah chapter 6, verses 9-13, there are some things about the time and circumstances of this prophecy.  Isaiah is brought into the presence of God, before His throne, where angels bow and proclaim holy, holy, holy.  It’s here that he receives a message to deliver to the congregation of God’s chosen people, but it’s a message of judgment.  It says that the people have heard the Word of God and chosen to live without Faith in God.  Their faithlessness has become their judgment, and God is bringing that judgment on them because of their unrepentant hearts.  The congregation of Israel has no hope of salvation, but God promises to preserve a few of the faithful, that’s the tenth that Isaiah’s prophecy says will be left; they’re the stump, or the holy seed of God.

Immediately following the vision in heaven, Isaiah is being sent with a message for Ahaz, the ruler of Judah, the Southern Kingdom of Israel.  Jerusalem was being threatened with attack from both the northern Kingdom of Israel and Syria.  King Ahaz was stressed about his situation and had turned to his godless neighbors, the Assyrians, for help.  Isaiah was sent to persuade the king that God was going to make him victorious over Israel and Syria, without the help of Assyria.

King Ahaz is the perfect example of the one described in Isaiah’s prophecy who hears and sees but isn’t allowed to understand because of his faithlessness, making religious excuses for not believing God.  He said, “I would not tempt Him,” which really means, “I’ve got more faith in an alliance with Assyria, so I don’t need God.”  In the light of this display of disbelief, Isaiah speaks the words of prophecy that we know so well from Matthew’s Gospel:

“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14)

So the King is to be given a sign, an infant born to a woman who is, according to the Hebrew meaning of the word, without a child, and the child’s name is God with us.

Most prophecies have a double fulfillment—an immediate fulfillment and a future one.  Here, the immediate fulfillment was understood in the sign that was given to King Ahaz, which is that a woman, who presently is without child, will be giving birth to a child before the enemies have a chance to attack.  The time of his birth and his name were to show King Ahaz of God’s presence among his people during times of tribulation; he didn’t have to trust in the hand of an enemy for help, God will save you Himself and the salvation will come in the time of the birth.

The prophecy was fulfilled in the birth of a son to Isaiah, when Israel and Syria were no longer threats to Jerusalem, but the child grew up to witness the fall of Jerusalem.  Isaiah’s prophecy was fulfilled all the way around; Jerusalem and King Ahaz were given a sign for hope, a sign for repentance, a delay so they could renew their Faith, but, they thought that the victory over their enemies meant that God had overlooked their sin.  So, just as Isaiah had predicted, they would fall and be destroyed.  God kept a remnant in their exile, just as He promised, and they returned to Jerusalem and rebuilt the Temple.

Without a doubt, the sign that Isaiah spoke of had a greater fulfillment that would come through the obedience of a virgin, who would conceive by the Holy Ghost.  This unwed woman would not be carrying the child of a prophet but the Son of God conceived of the Holy Ghost.  Born in troubled times, this child was truly God with mankind.  This person, Jesus Christ, fully God and fully man came to save His people from sin.  He came just like Isaiah’s son came to a rebellious world, but it’s the glory and absolute authority of His kingdom that awaits us.  We, like the remnant of Jerusalem in Isaiah’s day, are in a type of exile, a period of waiting and remaining in the wilderness of this fallen world.  We’re constantly challenged to remain faithful to our King as we await His future Kingdom.

Much of the Haiti earthquake discussion in the media has been focused on solving problems rather than placing blame – a nice change considering the divisive name-calling that has broken out in each of the decade’s past crises.

Al-Qaeda didn’t start the earthquake, and it’s not George Bush’s fault that it happened, either.

No blame can be pinned on one person or group in this incident, but that hasn’t stopped some people from trying.

Televangelist Pat Robertson said the earthquake was a result of the Haitians making a secret deal with the devil. That’s about as crazy a thing someone could possibly say. But that didn’t deter Venezuelan university professor Vladimir Acosta from trying to out-crazy him. Acosta blamed the U.S. Military for creating the earthquake in order to gain leverage to make Haiti a protectorate. We’ll call this battle of the crazies a tie.

But those are the nuts speaking.  

The slightly less nutty news networks, columnists and political think tanks have avoided such radical assertions and instead have focused on ways to help Haiti through this crisis.

The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, argued that the U.S. should use the crisis, “to re-shape Haiti’s long-dysfunctional government and economy as well as to improve the public image of the United States in the region.”

The article was taken down shortly after it was posted after criticism that it was exploiting the crisis to push an agenda.

It may seem insensitive to use the crisis in this way, but after food, water, shelter and medical aid are considered a bigger question looms: What long-term action should the U.S. take to help Haiti rebuild? And any way the question is answered; a new debate will emerge.

Bill O’Reilly has argued for a strong-arm strategy.

“We have to take the country over in the short-term,” O’Reilly said on his show Monday. 

O’Reilly and others are concerned that if the U.S. doesn’t watch the situation closely, corruption could seep in, and all the effort will have gone to waste.

It’s not a ridiculous concern. Haiti has a long history of corruption. In an evaluation of The World Bank on control of corruption, Haiti scored 7 out of 100. The U.S., in comparison, scored 92.

More liberal institutions like The Brookings Institute, which is a think tank, acknowledge corruption but prefer a less controlling approach. The institute outlined three keys to success for Haiti relief – strengthen Haiti’s government, support Haiti’s community groups and let the United Nations take the lead.

Whatever large-scale decisions are made, each one of us must make the small-scale decision of whether to donate, how much to give and who to give the money to.

Donating is less work than it’s ever been before. No need to call into a telethon, write a check or scan the credit card. Many people have donated by just sending a text message – something most of us do on a daily, if not hourly, basis.

But just because it’s easier than ever to donate, doesn’t mean that questions don’t remain. Some worry how much they can afford to give. Others may be skeptical of the difference the donation will make. And others still may decide their money is better spent on a charity that supports a completely different cause.

 Whether you decide to donate, the people of Haiti are in a great deal of suffering, and it’s worth a moment of reflection at the very least.

Go to AlachuaCountyToday.com to cast your vote on poll questions about Haiti relief.  

We would like to thank all of the generous citizens and businesses in and around the High Springs community for the numerous donations to Operation Holiday Cheer.  In an effort to make the Christmas holiday a little easier and happier for some needy families we asked for donations of toys, pajamas, books or money.  We were astounded at the amount of support that we were given to make this idea come alive. 

Certainly during this time of economic hardship that has hit most everyone, it was a pure joy to bring these families some relief.  We will never forget the smiles on the faces of the children or the tears of joy and gratitude in the adult’s eyes.  We wish that we could thank each and every one of you individually, but please know that your kindness will never be forgotten.  So to everyone that donated, came out to wrap presents or volunteered to deliver the gifts we want to say you good deeds do not go unnoticed and from everyone at the High Springs Police Department (HSPD) we appreciate your kindness.

Officers Debbie Holley and Michelle Jones
High Springs, Fla.

Christian social ethics, some would keep this subject only in the seminaries, but, should theology and ethics be kept as far apart as possible?  That is what’s happening in mainline denominations that are playing the role of social worker instead of theologian.  There is rampant liberalism, immorality, crumbling orthodoxy and more and more stories of clergy and lay ministers being arrested for lewd behavior, division, and strife, just a few of the signs that show that mixing social ethics with theology can have disastrous results.

It’s said that orthodoxy and orthopraxy have to be joined together.  Correct doctrine must be combined with correct living; as Christians, we can’t have one without the other.  So, as much as we’d like to avoid the sticky issues of social ethics, a Christian isn’t permitted to live one way, while confessing to believe another.

The Civil and Ceremonial Laws God handed down in the Old Testament weren’t to show how much of a tyrant God could be over His creation.  Clearly, God wants His creation to be holy, because He is holy, and fellowship with Him depends on man being like God in character.  Not that man has to become a god, like some claim, but that man was created for fellowship with God.  This is only possible when man lives up to the standard that God created for him to live—namely, holiness.  This relationship with God is man’s reason for existing; it’s impossible to say that we can have sound theology and then ignore the social ethics attached to our beliefs.  If you want to see what someone believes, observe the way they live.

Saint Paul tells the Philippians and us that since we now are citizens of Heaven, we now must live according to the laws that are consistent with being citizens in Heaven.  That goes for all of life’s choices, or social ethics.  And, the most basic law of the Kingdom is; “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” And, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”

But what about being a citizen of the United States?  Do we have to renounce everything that goes along with this citizenship?  Since we’ve already been made citizens of Heaven, are we still under the laws of this country?  Can we disregard them?  That’s the trick question the Pharisee’s threw at Jesus, as seen in Matthew chapter 22.  The Pharisees tried to lay a trap to catch Jesus in his words.  The bait was set in the form of a compliment that Jesus isn’t afraid of anyone and acts fairly.  The loaded question was “Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”  If Jesus had answered “Yes,” then he’d have been seen as a traitor to his own people.  If he answered “No,” then he’d have been seen as a troublemaker for Rome, and his enemies would have had the chance to have him arrested.  His answer sent his enemies away marveling.  When Jesus told them to, “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.”  By this, Jesus implies that both Church and State have a place in the economy of God.  In an ideal society, each has a responsibility to the other.  The state should provide an orderly society where the Church can perform its mission.  The Church, on the other hand, should produce the type of Christian character that’s favorable to righteous government.

As a citizen of two kingdoms, the Christian must be loyal to each.  Christians are urged to be law abiding citizens.  They’re to abide by laws unless they involve a matter of Christian conscience.  An example of this resistance to the law is in Acts 4:19-20, where the Apostles Peter and John were commanded not to teach the name of Jesus.

The line that separates the Christian’s obligation as a dual citizen is hard to draw.  To live according to God’s Commandments isn’t easy, but what’s expected of us is contained in Holy Scripture.  As citizens of this country, we have a system that allows us to exercise our beliefs in a lawful manner.  The bottom line is this, live a life consistent with God’s Kingdom, observe the laws by which you are governed and seek to make changes in lawful ways.  If the government issues laws that demand you renounce your Faith, be true to God and be willing to suffer.

New Year’s has come and gone, and the final strains of Auld Lang Syne are history.  The perennial Christmas – New Years holiday rush is over.  The only remainders of the past few weeks are bedraggled Christmas trees, crumpled Hallmark cards and cardboard boxes dressed in tattered wrapping paper and limp bows lining the curbs.

It’s January – which this year, apparently means frozen garden plants, water pipes and all things outdoors.  It also means back to school, back to work and back to counting the humdrum days until the next holiday which, for some, will fall on Monday, Jan. 18 as we celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Who among us doesn’t like holidays?

Most of us are a hard working lot and deserve holidays, and lots of them.  Some folks think there are too many holidays, especially for government workers.  But comparatively speaking, that may not be the case.  For instance, the Feds celebrate with 10 holidays while the fine employees of the Sunshine State celebrate with 10 as well, including the floating “birthday,” and the schools…well, I admit defeat on trying to keep up with what has become a moving target. 

The French and the Brits have 10 official public holidays; the Germans have 11, as do our Canadian neighbors.  Denmark and Italy tie for 12, with Norway and Sweden celebrating 13 and Japan making it 14 days for two entire weeks off. 

But the big winner is Brazil with 17 – that’s right 17 holidays.  Not surprising that a country with a nut as its namesake should also be a bit wacky in its zeal for celebrations.

I submit for consideration, there should be more official holidays in this country.  I’m not suggesting that the 80-plus special red-letter observances issued annually by Presidential proclamation (40 observances, 18 special weeks, 25 special months) be accepted, although National Hurricane Preparedness Week (third week in May) may be the exception in Florida and the Gulf Coast States.

I do, however, believe the following four special occasions should be recognized as official holiday:

1 - For all the diehard football fans who will soon be crying in their beer because football season is o - v- e- r, I nominate Mournful Monday – the day following Super Sunday, the last big pigskin hurrah until next August. One post-traumatic day of chest pounding or grievous groaning should be enough.  This goes for fantasy football freaks, too.

2 - For all the nation’s workers, especially those in Florida who are, during one of the dreariest months of the year, trying to feign interest in their jobs all the while daydreaming about waves lapping at their sand-covered toes, and the big one that got away - this one’s for you: Tax Freedom Day, the day in which an average citizen is said to have worked enough to pay his or her taxes for the year.  The date changes from year-to-year, adding a little spice and spontaneity to the mix.

3 - April 15 is infamous indeed as the annual Federal tax filing deadline, and a holiday is most certainly due the accountants who worked a jillion hours, folks who paid their taxes, begrudgingly or not, and folks who couldn’t quite face the music in time.  Post-Tax Day, April 16, is long overdue so the tax-paying, tax-owing, and tax-ciphering folks can breathe a sigh or relief or catch their breath, whichever the case may be.

4 - Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, should be a national holiday.  Considered to be the first shopping day of the Christmas season, as a national holiday it would fuel the economy as well as give a jumpstart to shoppers who don’t start buying Christmas presents in July.  And because most people think that all government workers have this day off, think again – for Feds it is a standard workday, as well as for many private sector employees.  With all those additional dollars circulating in the economy, in Economics 101 lingo, the multiplier effect will cumulatively reinforce interaction between consumption and production resulting in the amplified increase from two to five times in production and income, thus adding a little jingle in everyone’s pockets.

Admittedly, it may not be realistic to adopt the whole kit and caboodle of new holidays immediately, a case can be made for a phased introduction, say over a five-year period.  I can almost hear the Hallmark wordsmiths doing cartwheels as they exercise their poetic diction with witty and heartfelt wishes for Happy Mournful Monday, Celebrate Tax Freedom Day, Give Thanks for Post-Tax Day and Ring the Bell for Black Friday. 

Remember, there’s always room for more … holidays, that is.

A robbery at a Hawthorne bank Monday came days after a similar robbery in Starke, according to an Alachua County Sheriff’s Office news release. Only six days apart, both incidents involved a suspect using a device claiming it was bomb. In both cases, the devices were later found out to not be bombs.

Detectives from the Sheriff’s Office are working closely with the Starke Police Department to see if the two incidents are related, but there is no conclusive evidence so far, said Art Forgey, public information officer for the Sheriff’s Office.

The Hawthorne robbery took place at the M&S Bank, 6875 S.E. 22lst Street, just before noon. The device left behind by the suspect was originally thought to be an improvised explosive device. The Sheriff’s Office bomb squad later found that the small black bag left behind by the suspect was not a bomb. No one was injured in the incident.

The suspect fled on foot with an undetermined amount of cash.

Witnesses described the suspect’s appearance as being “similar to actor Samuel L. Jackson.” He was described as a black male, about 5 feet 8 inches tall, possibly in his thirties, and wearing a grey coat and a knit stocking cap. He also wore a latex glove on his right hand and had either dreadlock-style hair or was wearing a wig.

The Sheriff’s Office urges anyone with information on the incident to call 352-955-1818 for the Sheriff’s Office or 352-367-4177 for Detective Sheryl Strickland. Callers may also remain anonymous and be eligible to receive a reward up to $1,000 by calling Crime Stoppers at 352-372-7867.

Editor’s note: This edition comprises Part 2 of our traditional year in review, as reported on the pages of the Alachua County Today newspaper from May through July. Part III of this series will focus on August through December of 2009.

May

The City of Alachua unveiled a monument in the downtown Theatre Park that honored longtime Alachua resident and businessman Alan Hitchcock.  At the unveiling, Hitchcock, 57, fought back tears as he thanked the crowd of some 100 people for their support of his family’s local grocery stores.  Just months earlier, Hitchcock closed the deal on the sale of his stores to a similarly run Midwest grocery chain.  Decades ago, townspeople would gather at the Theatre Park site to watch picture shows.

Against the recommendation of its own County Planning Commission, the Alachua County Commission voted in May to allow a cat sanctuary located in an enclave in High Springs to continue operations.   Haven Acres Cat Sanctuary, which houses more than 250 cats, has been a sore spot for the City of High Springs, which has sought to have the sanctuary scaled back, moved or shut down because of fears it will contaminate the city’s water supply.  The battle between High Springs on one side and Alachua County and the cat sanctuary on the other has been underway for several years.

The owners of Jim Douglas Chevrolet of High Springs learned in May that the 83-year-old automobile dealership would no longer be a Chevrolet franchisee. Despite surviving the Great Depression and the 1970's oil crisis, the global recession of late that claimed so many jobs and businesses, dealt a crippling, albeit not fatal, blow to the family owned and operated dealer.  Jim Douglas Sales and Service no longer carries the Chevrolet marquee, but as owner Jim Forrester said, “We’re still going to be here when the deal is done.”

In another of a long string of apparent misuses of public funds, a City of Hawthorne maintenance worker/light equipment operator was fired after Interim City Manager Linda Rice Chapman uncovered invoices for parts not used for City purposes.  The employee had allegedly used the City’s account at a local parts store for personal automobiles as well as others' vehicles.  Some $736 invoiced to the City had been attributed to the employee’s personal use.

In Alachua, an audit of the City was largely clean, except for two glaring problems.  The city overspent in the legal department, meanwhile it had used up much of its reserve funds.  According to the audit report, in the 2007-08 fiscal year, the City spent about $280,000 more than was budgeted.  The greatest portion of that overspending came in the legal department, which exceeded its $306,898 budget by $216,714 for that year.  The total legal department bill came to more than a half-million dollars.  Then-city manager Clovis Watson Jr. attributed much of the overspending to the city’s defense against “frivolous” lawsuits.

 

June

In a Hawthorne election, all three of the incumbent city commissioners were defeated.  Commissioners John Martin, Michael Rutledge and Patricia Bouie lost their seats to Harry Carter, William “Bill” Carlton and Matthew Surrency, respectively.  The overhaul of the commission came after months of uncertainty in the small town of about 1,500 citizens.

Santa Fe High School (SFHS) received national recognition when Newsweek magazine recognized it as one of the best in the country.  The school was ranked 963 out of 27,000 public high schools.  That places SFHS in the top 4 percent of schools according to the ranking system.

Archer commissioners attempted to censure fellow-commissioner Laurie Costello for what they deemed to be “abusive and embarrassing” behavior after several confrontations with Interim City Manager Ward Scott.  Scott said Costello was hindering the success and stability of the City’s government.  Costello threatened legal action against her own commission, which dropped the matter shortly thereafter.

Hawthorne found itself as the latest target of political activist Charles Grapski’s public records requests.  Grapski, who had been known for making large public records requests in the City of Alachua and at larger government institutions such as the University of Florida, requested a slew of e-mails between several cities.  In what was a public records triangle, Grapski requested any correspondence between the city managers of Archer, Alachua and Hawthorne in the preceding six months.

 

July

The City of Alachua approved a $25.4 million expansion of its wastewater facility in July.  The project began in fall 2009 and is expected to be wrapped up in spring 2011.  The expanded facilities will be built on the same 233-acre site as the existing facility at the southern end of N.W. 126th Terrace.  The expansion will increase the city’s wastewater capacity by 50 percent from 940,000 gallons per day to 1.5 million gallons per day.

Alachua’s July 4 celebration drew its largest crowds ever.  The annual event, which is dubbed “The largest small town fireworks display in America,” came off without a hitch and brought some 22,000 people to the Hal Brady Recreation Complex.

Archer Interim City Manager Ward Scott withdrew a proposed contract that if approved by the City Commission would have made him the permanent city manager.  After three commissioners expressed concerns about the contract that Scott had negotiated with Mayor Leann Slaughter, Scott decided to step out of the running.  Scott told the commission that he did not come to Archer to be a problem, but to be helpful.  Just as Scott withdrew from the running to be the permanent city manager, Commissioner Mickie MacKenzie stepped down from the Commission, saying she did not feel the Commission was moving forward.  Those comments were similar to those of Mayor Slaughter who, just days later, also resigned, citing the Commission’s inability to progress operations.  “Mr. Scott and I thought we had a great vision for where we wanted to be,” Slaughter said.

Alachua City Manager Clovis Watson Jr. announced July 27 that he would be retiring from the City of Alachua on Nov. 1.  As part of his announcement, Watson also said he would not hold the City responsible for retirement contributions that were agreed upon in his contract but forbidden by State officials.  Watson had earlier announced that he would resign by November 2010.  The July 27 announcement brought that reality a year early.  The City Commission appointed Assistant City Manager Traci Cain to fill the position on an interim basis.


e-mail editor@

alachuatoday.com

GAINESVILLE – In four years of working with the Alachua County Sheriff’s office with a nearly perfect performance record, detention officer Wayne Kerschner finally botched his file by joining one of the country’s most notorious hate groups.

A 10-month federal investigation into Kerschner revealed he has been an active member in the United Northern and Southern Knights of the Ku Klux Klan since December 2008 and acted as a state level officer of the group, holding the title of Exalted Cyclops. The investigation led to his termination with the sheriff’s office Dec. 30.

Before this revelation, a look at his personnel file shows only positive evaluations from supervisors and above satisfactory scores on yearly evaluations. On his October 2009 application for a correctional officer position, a supervisor remarked he had never been counseled or disciplined and had an “overall exemplary performance on evaluations of the last two years.”

Despite a clean record, Kerschner was fired based on his violation of the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office Directive stating “No employee will knowingly become a member of or be connected with any subversive or terrorist organization, except when necessary in the performance of duty and then only with the approval of the Sheriff.”

And though the KKK’s Web site claims it to be a political and not a violence-motivated group, The Anti-Defamation League characterizes the KKK as a terrorist organization and hate group because of its history of violence toward minorities and resistance toward civil rights for those who are not white Christians.

Kerschner’s membership in the KKK has mostly raised concerns because of his close interaction with inmates. As a detention officer, his job included removing, escorting and returning inmates to cells, responding to inmate disputes, maintaining physical custody and control of inmates, and preparing reports among other duties.

The investigation began in February 2009 when ACSO Detective Jody Branaman, who is a sworn federal agent to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, contacted the Office of Professional Standards about Kerschner’s possible involvement with the KKK.  In September, Kerschner admitted to his involvement with the group during interviews with Branaman and other officers, according to the administrative investigation report.

According to the report, Kerschner  “believed in the ideology of the organization” and attended KKK meetings, blogged daily on the KKK Web site and paid $30 each month in dues along with his wife Shanda Lynn Kerschner, who is also a member.

Kerschner also told investigators he had attended two rallies in Tennessee and one in Fruitland Park, Fla., since his induction in the group. As an Exalted Cyclops, he conducts member meetings, ensures members comply with rules and follow up with those interested in joining.

He told investigators he joined the KKK because he felt it was a non-violent, faith based group and that he did not know of any members who had committed any crimes. During the investigation however, officers provided Kerschner with documents from The Anti-Defamation League regarding the KKK’s history as a terrorist group and its most infamous acts of violence, including the 1981 beating death of 19-year-old Michael Donald by KKK members and the group’s statement: “After a period of relative quiet, Ku Klux Klan activity has spiked noticeably upwards in 2006, as Klan Groups have attempted to exploit fears in America over gay marriage, perceived ‘assaults’ on Christianity, crime and especially immigration.”

Kerschner told investigators that he did not inform outsiders or any employees at the Sheriff’s Office of his involvement with the KKK to protect the image of the department.

He continued to say “I just wish in a way that I’d never gotten involved in all of this…If I could erase time, I would.”

“This is my personal/political/religious beliefs; it did not affect my job in any way, shape or form,” he continued in the report.

In addition to his four-year career with the ACSO, Kerschner has been a certified correctional officer for 16 years and applied for employment with Bradford County’s Lawtey Correctional Institution in October.

Hawthorne – Lawn watering rules set by the St. Johns Water Management District will soon be more strictly enforced in Hawthorne thanks to an ordinance approved on first reading by the Hawthorne Commission Tuesday.

The restrictions limit residents to watering their lawns two days per week during daylight savings time and one day per week otherwise. Also, residents may not water lawns between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

First-time violators will receive a written notice. Second-time violators will be fined $50, and third-time violators will be fined $500.

Hawthorne is not alone in passing such an ordinance. All municipalities in counties within the St. John’s Water Management District are being asked to pass local ordinances and step up enforcement.

City Manager Ed Smyth said the purpose of passing the ordinance is to help the water management district conserve water by bringing the issue to attention locally. He said Hawthorne was already subject to these rules, and he doesn’t expect it to be a drastic change for residents.

HIGH SPRINGS – A High Springs man died early on the morning of Dec. 26 when his car veered off the road and hit a mailbox, according to a Florida Highway Patrol crash report. Alachua County EMS determined that Daniel S. Bright Jr., 53, likely suffered a heart attack before the accident.

Bright was delivering newspapers at about 6 a.m. and heading west on NW 142nd Avenue when he traveled up onto the south embankment and struck a mailbox. He next hit the north embankment and then traveled back across the roadway where the car stopped, facing southwest along the south edge of the road.

Bright’s death comes a week after two cars crashed head on while driving on Alachua County Road 239 just south of State Road 121.

On Dec. 17, at about 1 a.m., James Robert Mann, 47, of Valdosta, Ga., was driving north on C.R. 239 when his four-dour Chrysler veered into oncoming traffic and hit a four-door Mercury driven by Earl Emmitt Freeney, 66, of High Spings.

Both drivers were wearing seatbelts, according to the crash report.

Mann had to be extricated from his car by Alachua County Fire Rescue and was taken to Shands at the University of Florida in critical condition.

Earl Emmitt Freeney, 66, of High Springs was taken to Shands in serious condition.

Both have been released from Shands, said FHP Trooper Javon Murphy. He said Mann continues to recover from several broken bones.

An investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing, Murphy said.

In last week’s edition of Alachua County Today, city leaders from Alachua, Newberry and Waldo gave their New Year’s resolutions for their cities. This week, leaders from the remaining four cities outline what they’d like to see in 2010.

High Springs

High Springs Mayor William Coughlin said his top priority for 2010 is stimulating the local economy. He would like to see the city build a relationship with Enterprise Florida to bring light manufacturing and high-tech industry jobs to High Springs.

He is also working to modify the city’s sign ordinance to make it more attractive to incoming businesses.

“I want to ensure that the city is business-friendly, so we are encouraging folks to come here and not discouraging,” Coughlin said.

Hawthorne

After a tough couple of years, Mayor Eleanor Randall is optimistic about the new direction the city is taking.

“I’m happy to say that we are continuing to make the necessary changes that we started in 2009.”

Her goals are to increase transparency, get more people involved with the city and bring the community together. She said this means working with the various city entities, including the schools and the chamber, and developing the youth council and senior center.

“I think 2010 has a lot of hope and promise,” Randall said.

Archer

Like Hawthorne, Archer is also trying to overcome recent setbacks and get back to basics. Archer City Manager John Glanzer, who was hired in October, has had nearly a 100 percent turnover in city office staff and has worked to get the commission to put bad feelings aside and work as a unit moving forward to serve the city.

“We are here as servants to the citizens of or community,” Glanzer said. “That is our only goal.”

Glanzer’s priority projects are creating a sewer system, re-establishing a viable and comprehensive recreation program and improve the overall level of city service.

 

“My goal is to try to provide consistent, competent service to our community,” Glanzer said.

LaCrosse

 

Mayor Diane Dubberly said the future of LaCrosse is as a small town, but she would like to see some growth compatible with the nature of the town.

 

Her top priorities are bringing a library branch to LaCrosse and building a Web site for the city.

She said a Web site would help increase the involvement of citizens in the local government by letting them know what is going on.

 

I’d love to see citizen involvement improve, Dubberly said. Then, we could really look to what direction we want to go in.

 

City leaders are constantly looking for ways to improve their communities. Some cities are building on past success, while others are starting from scratch. Whatever the challenges, most city leaders have the same goals – improve services, increase citizen involvement and build on what makes their city special.

According to an e-mail sent by High Springs Police Chief James Troiano to the police department and city staff, police Lt. Gordon Fulwood was fired from the High Springs Police Department Dec. 28.

Troiano sent a follow up e-mail Dec. 29 clarifying that he “should have stated that I have recommended his termination for a violation of HSPD Directives.” On Wednesday, City Manager Jim Drumm said Fulwood has not yet been officially fired. While Troiano has the authority to recommend termination of an employee, it is the city manager that would make the final determination.
Drumm said a predetermination hearing must take place, which comes before any disciplinary action would be in effect, to have all parties state their cases. The predetermination hearing would determine if the officer deserves disciplinary action or if there were false accusations being made.

However, Fulwood did confirm that on Dec. 28, officers arrived at his home to confiscate his uniform, badge, identification card and gun, and the officers delivered a letter stating he had been terminated from the police department.

Fulwood is reportedly facing termination as a result of three internal investigations Troiano initiated against him last year. The investigations date to late July, Dec. 8 and Oct. 29, but Troiano declined to comment on the circumstances because the cases are still open and not yet public record.

Fulwood said he had been on paid administrative leave from Oct. 29 until he was notified he was facing termination. He said on Wednesday that he has been in contact with legal representation separate from his Police Benevolent Association representation and that he is considering the possibility of legal action against the city of High Springs.

“I’m just really, really tired,” Fulwood said Wednesday. “I’m worn out with all of this. This is not what I got into law enforcement for, and I’m ready for all of this to be over. I’m in the process now of trying to start a business, because I’ve got to have a way to support my family.”

Fulwood was hired as a patrol officer for the High Springs Police Department in June 1995 under the leadership of former police chief Tom Wolfe. When Ray Kaminskas became police chief in 2003, Fulwood was promoted to sergeant and given the official title of detective. When Kaminskas died in August 2007, Fulwood stepped in as command lieutenant and was interim police chief until Troiano joined the department and became permanent police chief in March 2008.

Editor’s note: More details and information for this story will be available in the Jan. 14 edition of Alachua County Today.

An August 2008 decision by High Springs officials to fire a city police dispatcher was “without just cause and due process” and will cost the city thousands of dollars in back pay, a joint arbitrator in the case ruled last week.

Ginger Travers was reinstated with seniority to her position as a dispatcher at the High Springs Police Department and will be reimbursed for all wages and benefits lost since she was terminated Aug. 19, 2008. Before she was terminated, Travers had worked as a customer service clerk, police dispatcher and police chief’s administrative assistant since she was hired by the city in 1981.

Arbitrator Roger C. Williams of Tuscaloosa, Ala., delivered the ruling Dec. 29 after being appointed mediator to the wrongful termination case between Travers, who was represented by the North Central Florida Police Benevolent Association, and the City of High Springs.

The city fired Travers for insubordination when she allegedly violated a written order from High Springs Police Chief James Troiano that instructed her to “not talk to anyone other than her attorney, PBA representative, and the investigator,” about an internal investigation concerning Travers ongoing at the time, according to the arbitration document.

However, Williams ruled Troiano’s order in itself was “not a lawful order” because it violated Travers’ First Amendment rights of freedom of speech; therefore she did not “refuse” to obey the order and was unjustly terminated. He added that even if her disobedience had fit the department’s definition of insubordination, her misconduct would not have been serious enough to merit termination.

Troiano issued Travers the order to not discuss her ongoing investigation when he appointed Sgt. Antoine Sheppard in August 2008 to investigate allegations that Travers made inappropriate statements to Finance Technician Yolanda “Lani” Bowden regarding the police department and Troiano’s personal life.

These remarks stemmed from Troiano’s decision to demote Travers from administrative assistant to police dispatcher after he reopened a case concerning Travers falsifying training records in 2007, before Troiano joined the department. According to the arbitration document, Travers allegedly told Bowden that she had been unfairly disciplined and that Troiano replaced her with the new administrative assistant Shelley Moore because she was 27-years-old.

Her termination came when she later asked Bowden privately what she was being investigated for, which the city argued was a breach of a High Springs Police Department Directive to not talk about the investigation.

The falsified records investigation

One month after joining the department in March 2008, Troiano initiated an investigation into Travers concerning an allegation that she had falsified training records in 2007 while working as administrative assistant to then Police Chief Ray Kaminskas. According to arbitration documents, Travers did admit to falsifying at least one report which she knew was false, but that she had done so under direction of Kaminskas and then Captain Arvey Bass.

At the time of the falsification, Lt. Gordon Fulwood ordered Officer Steve Holley to audit training records and when it was discovered training records had been falsified, Fulwood notified Kaminskas on Aug. 30, 2007, but Kaminskas died one day later.

Acting as police chief upon Kaminskas’ death, Fulwood told City Manager James Drumm that he thought Travers should be fired for the falsifications but that at the same time he needed her in the department. According to Williams’ arbitration document, Fulwood suggested the city “rectify the training deficiencies by training the police officers as quickly as possible” and punish Travers by lowering her rating on her yearly performance appraisal.

Drumm agreed and assured Fulwood he had authority to deal with the falsification, and no internal investigation was held. The low score on Travers’ October 2007 appraisal made her ineligible for a pay raise for six months and also cost her a 3 percent pay raise.

It is also noted that Travers said she was only responsible for preparing and submitting training reports to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement under Kaminskas’ orders, and that it was the police chief’s responsibility to confirm the accuracy of the information in records and if the officers completed the training. When she heard Fulwood had discovered her role in falsification, she offered to resign but Drumm assured her the issue was “over.”

When Troiano reopened the case in April 2008 after taking his position as police chief one month earlier, he determined she had violated policy by falsifying documents and demoted Travers from administrative assistant to police dispatcher. He then filled the administrative assistant vacancy with Shelly Moore, who is no longer with the department.

Next Investigation

Troiano then called for the August 2008 investigation upon verbal allegations made by Bowden to Finance Director Helen McIver and Deputy City Clerk Jenny Parham that Travers indeed made comments about Troiano’s personal affairs to Bowden.

Sgt. Antoine Sheppard then conducted interviews with Bowden, McIver, Parham and Travers and concluded Travers spoke with Bowden in a private conversation about her demotion and her opinions about her replacement. Bowden then told McIver about Travers’ remarks, who then told Parham.

It was during these interviews that Travers was given the written order to “not talk to anyone other than her attorney, PBA representative, and the investigator” while Troiano and Sheppard investigated to see if she had violated the police department’s code of conduct with her comments.

According to the arbitration documents, Sheppard’s testimony and Bowden’s sworn statement revealed that on Aug. 6, 2008, Travers talked to Bowden about the ongoing investigation by saying “I’m going to break a rule…What the hell is going on?”

It was reported that after subsequent interviews, Sheppard was unable to prove Travers’ guilt or innocence concerning her remarks about Troiano’s personal life, because Travers claimed Bowden also made personal remarks about Troiano.

Sheppard was however able to confirm that Travers communicated with Bowden about the ongoing investigation. This, city officials believe, gave Troiano and the city grounds to fire her in August 2008 for violating a department directive because she did not adhere to his order to not discuss the case with other parties.

Troiano said Tuesday the department does not plan to appeal Williams’ decision to reinstate Travers, but he said the ruling that a police department can not direct an employee to remain silent about an internal investigation is a baffling idea.

“How can you run a law enforcement agency, and not order someone not to do something?” Troiano asked. “That’s the heart and soul of an agency is to keep secrets when they need to. It’s confusing to us because we don’t believe [Williams] properly used the law to render that part of the decision, but he made the decision and we’ll honor it, but we want clarification because it affects us and potentially every law enforcement agency in the state.”

The Advent season marks the beginning of the Christian life, because it’s the first act of setting apart our life to the will of God.  Advent is also a season of anticipation, so in one sense it’s happy in the hope of Christ’s appearing, and it’s penitential because we’re trying to get ourselves ready for His return.  The collect for the season of Advent is a prayer that all Christians should keep in their hearts; it sets our hearts and minds on the proper course of Christian living.

“Almighty God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life, in which thy Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the quick and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal, through him who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, now and ever. Amen.”

This prayer sets some big expectations for us.  Some may think they are beyond our reach, which would mean the prayer can’t be prayed faithfully.  I prefer to take C.S. Lewis’ advice on this, “very often the only way to get a quality in reality is to start behaving as if you had it already,” So, we can pray beyond our ability because we know that God is the One who gives us that right desire and then He works in us so that we become more like He is.  A child grows into a mature adult through effort and will, and by imitating its parents as they assist and encourage the child.  And so it is in the Christian life.  We learn to pray for the good of our eternal soul, with faith that God will hear our prayers and answer them.

A Christian who has renewed determination at Advent can quickly get discouraged by an immediate failure to be perfectly obedient to the Law of God.  Then that broken-heartedness for disappointing God can cause the Christian to sink into spiritual immaturity.  Why try when the pain of failure or possibly repeated failure is so discouraging?  This has become the state of mind for too many Christians, who set out to be a disciple with great hope and determination but after a spiritual stumble or two, shrink into a defeatist attitude. 

But, we need to face that enemy of spiritual depression head on and steer a course for a hopeful Christian year of growth.  We should take Saint Paul as our guide and guardian against spiritual depression: “…for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.” (Romans 13:8) Always remember this when depression challenges you. 

Now, focus not only on the beauty but the intended meaning of “loveth” and why the archaic endings can still teach us the purpose behind the Holy Bible, translated in 1611.  “Loveth” is a verb in the present tense, which means it’s the state of the heart and mind at that very moment.  It’s not necessarily concerned with what was done yesterday but it reminds us that love is a state of the heart, mind and will, NOW.  We’re to love God today, regardless of the past, regardless of our fear of the future, regardless of things we can’t change in days gone by or what we might fail to do tomorrow.  Love is living in the present moment with our heart set on God.

Saint Paul is encouraging us not to focus on obedience to the law as our first priority, but to strive for a right relationship, communion and fellowship with God.  It’s for that very reason that our Savior told us to, “love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, soul, mind, and strength.”  Our fulfilling the Law is motivated by love for God, not the fear of punishment or failure.  In other words, when we put love for God as our first and greatest desire, we find that obedience follows without the burden of guilt or threat being attached.  The world will know God because we love Him and keep His commandments.

 

Holidays are good and vacations are great.  But the combination can lead to unintended…and unwelcome… consequences. 

How can this be?

Glad you asked.

What do holidays and vacations have in common?

Yes, time away from work, away from the daily grind.

Down time, to spend as you choose, within reason, of course.

Each provides an opportunity for our minds and our bodies to become rejuvenated and to keep us from going over the edge.

But as with all good things, excess is bad and moderation is good. 

If a glance at the calendar, or a gentle nudge from a spouse isn’t reminder enough that it’s time to head back to the grindstone, there are a few additional indicators that might tip one off.

Time slippage – The gradual, but ever so real loss of time perception is a sure tip off that vacation time should be drawing to a close.  The first day of vacation is marked by the alarm sounding at the usual hour, bright and early.  The freshly awakened vacationer is out of bed and completely dressed in 10 minutes, in time to watch the sun rise. Ahh…how relaxing.

By day two, sleeping in for a few minutes can surely be harmless and there is certainly no damage in staying up a bit later than usual…because you really don’t have to get up so early. 

However, by day five the new pattern is becoming firmly entrenched.  Except now, the alarm clock is nowhere to be found, and neither are the house slippers that were discarded sometime between 2 and 4 a.m. as the late, late show was moving into hour three.

Or as the DVD drones on and on playing the same nonsensical clip of  theme music over and over and over again. 

What, did the film end?

When did that happen?

Somewhere between midnight nap two and twilight nap three.

The sun is high in the sky and the television is blaring something about the midday news break.  The bathrobe is still stained with last night’s spaghetti sauce as is a drop of maple syrup from breakfast the day before.

Houseclean fever — The bizarre actions displayed by someone who could be mistaken for a cross between Mr. Clean and the Jetson’s Rosie the maid stealthily surveying each room, armed with Formula 409 in one hand and a spray bottle of chlorine bleach and a cleaning rag in the other.  Children and pets run when this manifestation of sanitary meets insanity enters the room.  No room, no nook, no cranny is safe from this cleaning crazed homebody.  And this can happen at any hour, day or night, midnight or twilight.

Television terminus — Bleary eyes, loss of verbal communication skills and couch potato positioning are the telltale signs of this vacation related malady that results from watching endless reruns of the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, C.S.I., The Golden Girls and The Andy Griffith Show. 

Betty Crocker cracked — If it can be baked, basted, boiled, broiled or braised, it is now crammed in the refrigerator.  The pantry is empty, save the two cans of Fancy Feast Seafood Gourmet cat food, and given one more day of mindless vacation, there’s no guarantee that won’t end up in the crockpot with the carrot that slipped behind the refrigerator’s vegetable crisper.  All the Tupperware containers, Glad disposable food savers and Cool-Whip tubs are stacked neatly in the freezer, filled with newly tried recipes spawned from the cooking frenzy that has practically depleted the entire state’s supply of milk, eggs and Hamburger Helper.  In fact, even Mother Hubbard’s dog would be searching for better living arrangements if he were to venture into this bastion of homemaking gone bad. 

The real hint that vacation time is no longer fulfilling its intended purpose is when one just can't slip into that mindfully relaxed state for which one is searching. There is a battle of wills raging between cleaning the cracks in the driveway, sautéing the dill pickles in Fancy Feast Seafood Gourmet and wondering if Leave it to Beaver will ever be regarded as a literary work of art.

It’s time to call it a day; head back to work and deal with the pressing issues of life, such as where in the heck is that alarm clock anyway? 

Ahhh, it’s good to be back from over the edge.

On Nov. 13 a jury convicted Charles Grapski of two third degree felonies of battery on a law enforcement officer, but the political activist sought and obtained a partial reprieve from that Tuesday.

Judge James Nilon agreed to withhold adjudication of the felony convictions while imposing

Break out the hats, the noisemakers and the confetti. 

Happy New Year – almost.

Isn’t it delightful that once a year every year we have the opportunity to start off with a clean slate, so to speak?

Our bad habits and annoying mannerisms that drive us, as well as others, to the brink of madness are subject to be dealt with decisively and completely.

Because…on January 1, we have a choice to make changes in our lives — or not.

Some call it New Years resolutions; others call it a formula for failure.

Not surprising, the most common New Years resolution is to lose weight.  After six weeks of fattening the calf, it’s time for cold turkey.  And not the eatable kind either.

We all vow each year to try harder to do the things we know we should, such as getting in better shape — physically, financially and emotionally. According to Uncle Sam, the top 10 New Years resolutions in order of popularity are: Lose weight; pay off debt; save money; get a better job; get fit; eat right; get a better education; drink less alcohol; quit smoking now; reduce stress overall; reduce stress on-the-job; take a trip; and volunteer to help others.

Sounds good.

Too good to be true.

And we know all too well that most New Years resolutions aren’t going to be kept.  We start out with high hopes that are soon to be dashed. Because, as the couch doctors will tell us, behavior changes can be quite difficult. 

Hello…

We have worked long and hard to ingrain these habits in our psyche and into our daily lives.  And now we are not only going to slam on the brakes, but make a 180-degree turn?

But what if those of us making an array of annual resolutions opted instead to make just one resolution instead of an entire list of wrongs to be righted on the road to becoming new and improved individuals?

By breaking down a long and intimidating list of resolutions over a period of time, the entire lot seems more manageable. Let’s jettison the involved and wearisome effort of solving a host of resolutions instantly.

Wouldn’t it be more prudent to take baby steps, one at a time?

That’s right – only one resolution this year.

And if that works out, maybe another one next year.

If the choice is between changing a multitude of bad habits or a single failing, I opt for the easy way out.  And in this case, as opposed to most of the terribly serious life issues, the easier way out may be the one most likely to succeed.

One again, my resolution for everyone else is to have a safe, healthy and guilt-free New Year.  Throw out the whole enchilada of resolutions such as losing weight, quitting smoking, sticking to a budget, saving money, finding a better job, becoming more organized, exercising more, being more patient, eating better, drinking less.

Select one, focus on it and forget the rest.
This year I’ll work on getting fit. 

The same resolution as last year …  and the year before.

Some resolutions take longer than others.

And next year I’ll work on something else, like not participating in the post-Christmas clearance sales mania.

And the year after that I’ll start eating healthier.

And the following year, well how about spending less money?

So this year I’m going to continue working on getting fit.

And one of the best methods to get fit, as any fitness guru will tell you, is to exercise.  And once again, I’m going to exercise my prerogatives right down and into the after Christmas madness, have a cinnamon coated pretzel and spend the last dollar I have left.

Relief is at hand.  My 2010 New Years resolution is set and I’m good to go.

Best wishes to all for a healthy and happy New Year.

I want to thank my committee for all their time and hard work and made this year's Christmas Parade a success even if the weather didn't cooperate. We had 65 entries scheduled and about 40 actually participated. I want to thank Clovis Watson, Jr for being our Grand Marshal.  
We awarded prizes to six entries. The prizes were divided between non-profit and commercial floats. The winners were:
Non-profit:
1st Place- City of Alachua- They pledged to use their winnings to buy presents for the kids.
2nd Place- Christ Central Alachua Ministry
3rd Place- Tacachale
 Commercial:
 1st Place- Sandvik
2nd Place- O2BKids
3rd Place- Alachua County Today
I want to express my special thanks to all those who braved the weather to participate and to enjoy the Parade.
 

Hugh Calderwood, Chairman
Alachua, Fla.

This past Sunday, Dec 6th, my beautiful sister, Donna L. Boe, lost her battle to brain cancer and she went to be with the Lord.  On Dec. 9th, her funeral procession started from Trinity Methodist Church, there in Gainesville & went thru your little town of Alachua & she was buried @ the cemetery next to Springhill United Methodist Church.  The reason I am writing to you, is I wanted to commend Alachua's Police Department for the incredible job they did in making sure the procession was uninterrupted thru each red light & intersection.  They made sure all traffic was stopped to allow the procession safely thru.  I would also like to make mention that in passing thru one of the intersections, there were about 5 city workers that stopped what they were doing, basically standing @ attention & had their hats removed, showing complete respect for my sister & all of us.  Lastly, I would like to thank Springhill United Methodist Church for all the food their members prepared for all of the family & friends of Donna Boe.  The little town of Alachua helped us all get thru an incredibly difficult day & I just wanted to say thank you.
 
Sincerely,
 
Marilyn Zarate, Donna's "Big, Little Sister"

As a result of a thorough and comprehensive nationwide search, the city of Newberry, Fla., was chosen as the site of a new Dream Park by the folks of Cooperstown, NY.

We should all be applauding the tremendous efforts by the City of Newberry, its City Commission, the City Manager, staff, and the hard work of all of its citizens.

A suggestion to the Alachua County Commission: please think outside the Gainesville city limit sign and support all of the surrounding communities in the County…especially Newberry.

This worthy project will benefit the entire county, not only in jobs, and tax revenues, but also, and most importantly, our youth.

I strongly urge the County Commission, as well as all of the citizens of the county, to support the City of Newberry in their quest of this very-achievable dream.

Gib Coerper, Vice Mayor
City of Alachua

 

The Alachua County Library District Alachua Branch would like to thank the supporters of our recent PrimeTime Reading Program.  This six week program brought in 20 families with elementary school age children to read and discuss favorite picture books with humanities-based themes such as fairness, respect, courage, hope, and determination. 

Photos from Prime Time are available for viewing at http://www.flickr.com/photos/acld/sets/72157622835836328/

It was very successful.   Families reported that due to the program they read together more and they are also more comfortable with coming to the Library.  Food and door prizes were important in making the six sessions fun and inspiring events.

This program would not have been possible without the support it received.

These businesses, organizations, and individuals provided either voluntary assistance or monetary or in-kind donations.

We are so fortunate that we live in a community in which a program whose goal is to improve the ability to read in young people is supported with such generosity.

Please join me in thanking these individuals and organizations.  Please forgive me if I have inadvertently omitted anyone.

Alachua Business League; Alachua Chamber of Commerce; Alachua Elementary School; Alachua Lions Club; Alachua County Today; Beef O’ Brady’s; Mayor Bonnie Burgess; Busby’s Cabinets; City of Alachua; Kathy Colson; Elizabeth Curry; Gator Domino’s; Diana Felver; First United Methodist Church of Alachua; Florida Humanities Council; Friends of the Alachua Branch Library; Friends of the Alachua County Library District; Hitchcock’s Foodways Foundation; Irby Elementary School; Thomas H. Maren/Emily Sabah-Maren fund of the Maine Community Foundation; Office Depot Foundation; Santa Fe High School Student Government; Mickey Singer; Turkey Creek Lions Club; Valerie's Loft; Walgreens #11244 (Alachua); Audrey Wiesenfeld; Ted Wilson.

Caryl McKellar
Alachua Branch Library Manager

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The Alachua County Today Online Edition is the online edition of Alachua County Today, a weekly paper covering all of the Alachua County, Florida area, including the cities of Alachua, Archer, Gainesville, Hawthorne, High Springs, LaCrosse, Micanopy, Newberry and Waldo.

Alachua County Today Online Edition features the top local and national news articles, sports stories, columns and special interest articles from Alachua County Today. The traditional print edition and the online edition complement each other. Not all print content is immediately available in the online edition and not all online content is available in the print edition.

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Alachua County Today has a record of pushing buttons and demanding officials follow their legal duties, and we are sometimes considered the pesky red-headed stepchild of area media outlets. We were recently informed by an area public information officer that of 80 media outlets he deals with, Alachua County Today is the “only one that causes problems.” This may not sound like a gratifying statement, but after recent struggles for public information, we have embraced the label.

Our mentality for justice came screaming back a few weeks ago when one of our reporters hit a roadblock with the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office. We found out the Sheriff’s Office had offered information to The Gainesville Sun after claiming they could not help us. We had been working for about three weeks on a breaking news story about a woman stealing money from Hawthorne, but a detective at the Sheriff’s Office repeatedly ignored phone calls. We were eventually sent back and forth between the State Attorney’s Office and the Sheriff’s Department because both were claiming they had no information on the incident, and the report on the investigation was “not public record.” The report had been complete for about 23 days, but it was lost in what was eventually dubbed “Quality Control” at the Sheriff’s Office.

When we found out the Sun had received the “missing” information from the Sheriff’s Office, we went on the attack to find out why we had been deceived. We called Sheriff Sadie Darnell, we called both public information officers at the Sheriff’s Office, we called officials in Hawthorne and we were in contact with an attorney representing the Florida Press Association. We cracked open our legal books, we heated up the copy machine and we popped open our highlighters. We were determined to get to the root of what we viewed as an injustice and an unethical situation. The Sheriff’s Office informed us that we would have to submit all future public information requests in writing because we were stirring up so much trouble. They told us they could not give us a report on this incident, but after our own investigation, we determined that the Sheriff’s Office was indeed promoting illegal, however unintentional, activities. They have no right to demand we submit any requests through writing, and they were obligated to release certain information to us that they did not offer.

We were not going to stand by as our, and thereby our readers’, rights were violated. While other news publications have allowed such incidents to occur without any further research or knowledge, we pursued truth and justice. We met with Sherriff’s Office officials to further discuss our concerns, and they informed us that they had indeed misunderstood the law. They apologized for their attempt to control the flow of information, and we certainly appreciate being able to inform them about the law so other publications can avoid similar situations.

We have no ill will against the Sheriff’s Office, but we want to be clear that we will not stand by and allow our rights to be trampled upon. By censoring the media, people such as you, our readers, will be left in the dark, and corruption will be allowed to fester. Alachua County Today will fight for our readers, and we will fight to preserve the rights of the media, and in turn, the rights of all citizens.

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