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1 month ago

High Springs staff to draft ordinance after workshop on certified recovery residences City commissioners discussed how to implement a state requirement to accept exemption requests for certified recovery residences, directed staff to draft a local ordinance for first reading, and asked for an overlay map and Orlando's use table to guide zoning decisions.

High Springs is taking steps to create a transparent process for certified recovery residences, balancing community needs with state requirements.

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#HighSpringsAlachuaCounty #FL #CommunityTransparency #CitizenPortal #HighSpringsRecoveryResidences #ZoningRegulations #HousingPolicy

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1 month ago

City manager previews $19M water project and warns staffing, access disputes could jeopardize funding City staff previewed a proposed $19 million drinking‑water project that has $9.5 million in initial funding and warned that a delayed County Road 236 wastewater lift‑station due to an access dispute and vacancies in finance and public works could threaten project timelines and compliance with auditors.

A $19 million drinking-water project in High Springs is at risk due to staffing shortages and access disputes, raising concerns about funding and timelines!

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#HighSpringsAlachuaCounty #FL #PublicInfrastructure #CitizenPortal #WaterSustainability #HighSpringsWater

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1 month ago

High Springs approves three continuing engineering‑services contracts amid questions about procurement rules The City Commission approved continuing‑services agreements with Woodard & Curran, Kimley‑Horn and CPH Consulting, a step officials said will let staff quickly select prequalified engineers for projects. City staff and contractors explained Florida’s qualifications‑first procurement process and cautioned that price negotiations occur project by project.

High Springs is streamlining its project planning by approving engineering contracts that promise quicker access to top-tier firms—what does this mean for future city developments?

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#HighSpringsAlachuaCounty #FL #HighSpringsEngineering #CitizenPortal #ProcurementReform

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2 months ago

City outlines police and fire savings as staffing is reduced; commissioners seek detailed projections High Springs managers told the commission they expect about $47,759 in one-time police savings and $171,350 in recurring fire savings after reducing shift staffing from five to four. Officials warned overtime impacts are uncertain and said staff will supply more detailed budget and call-volume projections.

City officials report significant savings from police and fire staffing cuts, but concerns about overtime costs and response capacity loom large.

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#HighSpringsAlachuaCounty #FL #BudgetTransparency #EmergencyResponse #HighSpringsPublicSafety #StaffingEfficiency #CitizenPortal

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3 months ago

County scientist warns High Springs of new Santa Fe BMAP obligations, local allocation of 496 pounds of nitrogen Alachua County water resources manager Stacy Greco told the High Springs commission that the updated Santa Fe Basin Management Action Plan (effective 11/25/2025) assigns High Springs a 496‑pound nitrogen allocation for Hornsby Springs and requires local plans to meet 2028 milestones; staff must submit implementation steps by Jan. 16. County officials described rebate programs and large regional projects to meet deficits.

High Springs is facing new nitrogen reduction obligations with a looming deadline, putting pressure on local leaders to act swiftly and efficiently!

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#HighSpringsAlachuaCounty #FL #HighSpringsEnvironment #NitrogenReduction #SustainableDevelopment #WaterResourceManagement

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5 months ago

High Springs reorganizes leadership, approves budget amendment and several contracts; FDLE grant, theater reroof and engineering contracts cleared The City Commission elected Andrew Miller as mayor and selected a vice mayor, approved Ordinance 2025-07 (first reading) amending the FY2025 budget, accepted a $65,000 FDLE grant for radios and approved contracts including a Priest Theater reroof and continuing engineering agreements.

High Springs just elected a new mayor and vice mayor while approving a significant budget amendment and crucial contracts that will revitalize the downtown area!

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#HighSpringsAlachuaCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #HighSpringsCityCommission #CulturalAssets

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5 months ago

High Springs picks Fred Fox Enterprises for CDBG administration after Cornerstone files protest City staff recommended and the commission awarded a contract for CDBG subgrant administration to Fred Fox Enterprises after Florida Commerce guidance and a public protest from Cornerstone. The commission approved the award but heard Cornerstone s concerns that scoring errors and compliance delays could jeopardize the project timeline.

High Springs has awarded a crucial CDBG subgrant to Fred Fox Enterprises, but a competing firm is raising red flags over scoring errors and project delays!

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#HighSpringsAlachuaCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #PublicProcurement #CommunityAccountability #HighSpringsCDBG

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5 months ago

High Springs approves using emergency reserves to pay nearly $900,000 wastewater invoice as officials probe funding gaps The High Springs City Commission voted to pay a late invoice tied to its wastewater treatment project from emergency cash reserves after officials said the bill would otherwise exceed available cash; commissioners ordered a document review to determine how a $1.5 million sewer deficit and an overdue Evoqua invoice surfaced without earlier notice.

High Springs is facing a financial storm as city leaders approve using emergency reserves to cover a shocking late invoice of nearly $900,000 for a wastewater project, raising urgent questions about accountability and transparency.

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#HighSpringsAlachuaCounty #FL #CitizenPortal

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6 months ago

High Springs resident raises conflict-of-interest concern over Walker Folds’ role in nearby tower project A resident told the commission Walker Folds LLP signed a letter as an affected party on a tower development while also representing the City of High Springs; commissioners said Alachua has identified alternate counsel for land-use conflicts

A local resident has raised alarming conflict-of-interest concerns regarding the law firm Walker Folds, which is representing both High Springs and signing letters against proposed tower developments.

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#HighSpringsAlachuaCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #CivicAccountability

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6 months ago

High Springs officials dissect state law SB 180 and its limits on post-storm land-use changes At the Oct. 9 High Springs City Commission meeting residents and the city attorney discussed SB 180, a recently enacted Florida law that restricts some local land-development regulatory changes after hurricanes and mandates administrative approvals for certain actions; commissioners said the law will affect the city's ongoing Land Development Code

High Springs faces a potential roadblock in its post-hurricane recovery as state law SB 180 could limit the city's ability to implement crucial land-development changes.

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#HighSpringsAlachuaCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #LandDevelopment #CivicAccountability #HighSpringsLandUse

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6 months ago

Commissioners hear update on Santa Fe River basin impairment and possible DEP planning A commissioner reported that five of six springs in the Santa Fe River basin are now listed as impaired and said the DEP is studying plans to restore minimum flows, including a controversial option to discharge treated wastewater into the basin; the commission agreed to seek an expert briefing

Five out of six springs in the Santa Fe River basin are now deemed impaired, raising serious concerns about the ecological future of this vital water source.

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#HighSpringsAlachuaCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #WastewaterManagement #WaterConservation #EcologicalRestoration

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8 months ago

High Springs City Commission Approves Referendum for Brewery Operation Hours Commission approves ordinance allowing citizens to vote on brewery hours in November.

High Springs is set to let voters decide if local breweries can operate on Sundays, a game-changing move for the community's craft beer scene!

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#HighSpringsAlachuaCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #HighSpringsBreweries #CivicParticipation #RegulatoryReform #LocalEconomy

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8 months ago

Florida Bar Rule Requires Notice for Attorneys Transitioning Between Firms Commission discusses Florida bar rule on attorney-client transfer protocols during firm changes.

High Springs City Commission faces a pivotal moment as they navigate the potential transition of their city attorney, ensuring legal stability amid changes.

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#HighSpringsAlachuaCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #CommunitySupport #HighSpringsLegal #LegalRepresentation

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8 months ago

High Springs Commission Approves Tentative 6.99 Millage Rate and School Resource Officer Contract Commissioners propose a maximum millage rate and approve school resource officer funding increase.

High Springs City Commission has proposed a new millage rate and secured funding for a school resource officer, sparking debates on financial strategy and public safety!

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#HighSpringsAlachuaCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #EmergencyPreparedness #FiscalResponsibility

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8 months ago

High Springs Commission Discusses Partnership with Former Commissioner Williams on Museum Expansion Commission explores collaboration for museum display space and legal considerations with former commissioner.

The High Springs City Commission is teaming up with former Commissioner Williams to unlock the hidden treasures of the local museum, but can they overcome space limitations and preservation challenges?

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#HighSpringsAlachuaCounty #FL #CommunityCollaboration

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8 months ago

High Springs City Commission Proposes 6.99 Mills Max Tax Rate for 2025 Budget City sets maximum millage rate for 2025 at 6.99 mills while maintaining budget flexibility.

The High Springs City Commission has proposed a controversial new millage rate of 6.99 mills for the upcoming fiscal year, sparking concerns about potential tax increases for local property owners.

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#HighSpringsAlachuaCounty #FL #CommunityFinance #CitizenPortal

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9 months ago

High Springs CRA outlines budget for planning and beautification projects High Springs CRA reviews funding allocations for policing, beautification, and farmers market oversight.

High Springs is gearing up for exciting changes with a new budget aimed at revitalizing downtown and enhancing community spaces!

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#HighSpringsAlachuaCounty #FL #CommunityBeaautification #CitizenPortal #SustainablePlanning #HighSpringsCRA #InfrastructureDevelopment

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9 months ago

City Commission approves brewery ordinance amendments amid lively debate City Commission amends alcohol sales regulations for breweries and restaurants incorporating local input.

High Springs is buzzing as the City Commission takes on the hot topic of alcohol regulations, potentially reshaping the future of local breweries and restaurants!

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#HighSpringsAlachuaCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #HighSpringsAlcoholRegulations #LocalBusinessSupport

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9 months ago

City Manager seeks clarity on Sunday brewery permit standards Commissioner White requests guidance on approving special use permits for Sunday brewery openings.

High Springs is debating the future of Sunday brewery openings—will your favorite local spot be part of the plan?

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#HighSpringsAlachuaCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #CommunityEvent #PermitApprovalGuidelines #HighSpringsBrewery #TransparencyInGovernance

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9 months ago

City outlines new funds for parks and transportation expansion initiatives City reveals plan for using impact fees to enhance parks and transportation infrastructure

High Springs is taking bold steps to enhance its parks and transportation infrastructure with a new financial strategy that could reshape the city's future!

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#HighSpringsAlachuaCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #HighSpringsParks #FinancialManagement #CommunityGrowth

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9 months ago

High Springs City Commission approves Hicks bid for road repair and nominates Commissioner White Commission approves Hicks for road repairs and nominates White to water policy board.

High Springs is taking bold steps to revamp its roads and tackle environmental challenges head-on!

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#HighSpringsAlachuaCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureImprovement #FiscalResponsibility #HighSpringsRoads #EnvironmentalManagement

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9 months ago

Local businesses advocate for Sunday morning traffic increase in Alachua County Businesses in Alachua County push for greater Sunday morning customer traffic and rights awareness.

In High Springs, Florida, a passionate call for increased Sunday morning business traffic is igniting community collaboration and hopes for a thriving local economy.

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#HighSpringsAlachuaCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #HighSpringsLocalBusinesses #CommunityEngagement

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9 months ago

High Springs Commission debates brewery Sunday opening amidst community concerns Commissioners discuss the potential for breweries to operate on Sundays amid public feedback.

High Springs is at a crossroads as city commissioners debate whether to lift Sunday alcohol sales restrictions, sparking a passionate divide in the community.

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#HighSpringsAlachuaCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #CommunityValues #HighSpringsBreweries #LocalBusinessSupport

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9 months ago

High Springs City Council seeks guidance on alcohol sales ordinance revisions City officials discuss potential changes to regulations governing alcohol sales near churches.

High Springs is at a crossroads as city leaders debate potential changes to alcohol sales regulations that could reshape the local business landscape and community standards.

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#HighSpringsAlachuaCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #HighSpringsAlcoholSales #BusinessRegulations

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9 months ago

James Moore presents High Springs fiscal year 2023 audit amid accounting challenges High Springs faces delays in fiscal year 2023 audit due to significant accounting issues.

High Springs navigates significant accounting hurdles as the fiscal year 2023 audit reveals critical issues and sets the stage for future improvements.

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#HighSpringsAlachuaCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #GovernmentAccountability #AuditCompliance #HighSpringsAccounting

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9 months ago

High Springs Commission discusses brewery hours and upcoming ballot petition Commissioners debate allowing brewery to operate on Sundays and potential ordinance changes.

High Springs is debating whether local breweries should be allowed to pour pints on Sundays—could this change reshape the town's culture and economy?

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#HighSpringsAlachuaCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #HighSpringsBreweries #LocalBusinessSupport #RegulatoryReform #CommunityInput

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9 months ago

High Springs Council to Put Brewery Hours Question on Ballot for Citizens Vote Council members advance motion to include brewery hours question on upcoming election ballot.

As the clock ticks down, High Springs City Commissioners are on the brink of giving residents the power to decide the fate of Sunday brewery operations—will the community finally have a voice?

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#HighSpringsAlachuaCounty #FL #CivicEngagement #CitizenPortal #LocalDemocracy

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9 months ago

High Springs City Council approves new fire assessments amid ongoing negotiations Council approves resolution for fire assessments to maintain essential emergency services funding.

High Springs City Commission takes bold steps to secure fire department funding and enhance community engagement—discover what changes are on the horizon!

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#HighSpringsAlachuaCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunityEngagement #CivicAccountability

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9 months ago

High Springs leaders discuss budget challenges and employee retention strategies City officials explore pay raises and budget management to retain talented staff in High Springs.

High Springs City Council is grappling with tough budget decisions that could determine the future of employee retention amid rising costs and competitive salaries.

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#HighSpringsAlachuaCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #BudgetManagement #EmployeeRetention

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9 months ago

Water Department outlines operational budget and contract services for 2023 Water Department details budget allocation for salaries, services, and utilities in 2023.

High Springs is navigating the challenges of growth by strategically budgeting for its water department, ensuring reliable services with new technology and trained staff.

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#HighSpringsAlachuaCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #EmployeeSupport #HighSpringsWater #WaterQuality