Gainesville
CITY WEBSITE: cityofgainesville.org
POPULATION: 133,997
CITY HALL ADDRESS: 200 E. University Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
MAYOR: Lauren Poe
CITY MANAGER: Lee Feldman
CONTACT: (352) 334-5000
The City of Gainesville was founded in 1853 and named after Seminole Indian War General Edmund P. Gaines. Not long after its official incorporation in 1869, Gainesville’s cotton shipping station become one of the largest in the state. The town’s population boomed as the industry grew, and Gainesville became the fourth largest city in Florida by the early 1900s. The history and charm of Gainesville is still alive today, especially in the historic district, where large Colonial Revival and Victorian mansions still stand. Gainesville is the largest city in Alachua County, spanning roughly 62 square miles. It is the county seat and a cultural, educational, medical and commercial center for the North Central Florida region and beyond.
Gainesville is home to the University of Florida, the creators of Gatorade, Santa Fe College and UF Health. Its proximity to beaches and world-class springs, along with other attractions including museums, performing arts and live music, defines Gainesville as one of the most attractive cities to live in Florida. For the more outdoorsy types, there are eight state parks with more than 100 miles of biking, birding or hiking. The city is also full of craft breweries and local restaurants with innovative cuisine and interesting cocktails.Gainesville’s initiative is to define a new kind of city — a New American City. City leaders hope to make Gainesville an inspiring model for other communities and, most importantly, the best home possible for its beloved residents.
Alachua: The Good Life Community
CITY WEBSITE: cityofalachua.com
POPULATION: 9,893
CITY HALL ADDRESS: 15100 NW 142 Terrace Alachua, FL 32615
MAYOR: Gib Coerper
CITY MANAGER: Kamal Latham
CONTACT: (386) 418-6100
Located in the heart of North Central Florida, the City of Alachua has a wealth of small-town charm, recreational facilities and a cutting-edge biotech industry.Alachua is a historic Greater Gainesville municipality and home to a scenic main street, a bundle of locally owned restaurants and frequent festivals. The city also boasts a collection of bioscience, technology and life-research companies.Known as “The Good Life Community,” Alachua’s connection to commerce is served by U.S. Route 441 and Interstate 75. The city’s access and transportation connections have greatly enhanced employment opportunities, ranging from life-sciences research and development to logistics and distribution.
Alachua also offers some outdoor adventure, most notably the San Felasco Preserve State Park. With one of the few remaining mature forests in Florida, the preserve connects residents and visitors to over 7,000 acres of hiking, biking and horseback trails. Bobcats, white-tailed deer, gray foxes, turkeys and many species of songbirds live in the 18 natural communities found in the preserve.
Residents can enroll their children in four public schools: W.W. Irby Elementary (K-2), Alachua Elementary (3-5), A.L. Mebane Middle (6-8) and Santa Fe High (9-12).The University of Florida and Santa Fe College are both situated just minutes away, with Santa Fe College also offering a satellite campus in Alachua. With UF in near proximity, residents and visitors can enjoy a wide variety of arts, captivating museums, collegiate sporting events and everything in between.
Special events in Alachua include the Fourth of July Celebration, Spring Festival, Harvest Festival, Christmas Parade, a new concert series featuring a variety of music genres and live cover music that is family friendly at Legacy Park. Residents have convenient access to health care with local physicians and other medical specialists practicing in the city. UF Health Shands Hospital and the North Florida Regional Medical Center are just a 15-minute drive.Visitors and residents alike can enjoy the city’s Welcome Center, which houses both the Alachua Historical Society and the office of the Chamber of Commerce. The Welcome Center, which was formerly a post office and then a police station (with a jail), opened in 2014 after an extensive overhaul. The Center provides information on local businesses and also features displays and exhibits from the Alachua Historical Society.
Alachua is also home to Progress Park, a 205-acre private corporate park. Established by UF, the park has 35 companies and over 1,100 employees, making it the largest cluster of biotech companies in the state of Florida.Some city highlights include the new Legacy Park at the Hal Brady Recreation Complex, a host site for the Babe Ruth Softball World Series; Alachua Towne Centre, a restaurant and shopping hub featuring numerous shopping and dining opportunities in addition to professional and service-oriented businesses; and Main Street, a winding road lined with boutiques and eateries in the heart of the city. Coming soon is Momentum Labs, a new lab facility for startup biotech companies. Also in 2022 will be a new business and residential development at San Felasco Parkway.
Archer
CITY WEBSITE: cityofarcher.com
POPULATION: 1,336
CITY HALL ADDRESS: 16870 S.W. 134th Ave., Archer, FL 32618
MAYOR: Iris Bailey
CITY MANAGER: Charles A. “Tony” Hammond, MPA (ICMA/CM)
CONTACT: (352) 495-2880
What is now known as the City of Archer was established in 1850 in the southwest corner of Alachua County, then named Deer Hammocks. Thanks to local plantation owner, David Yulee, the Florida Railroad was brought to the town, where it served as an important railroad stop from the end of the Civil War into the 1930s. Upon its completion in 1859, Yulee changed the town’s name to Archer in honor of his late friend, James T. Archer, Florida’s first secretary of state. The City of Archer celebrates Yulee Railroad Day the first Saturday in June in honor of David Yulee and his contributions to the city.
The Maddox Foundry was one of the town’s biggest industries and is still in operation today. William Henry “Hitup” Maddox established the foundry in 1905 as a machine shop to service the local mining industry. It was the main employer of the town at the time, and it is still owned and operated by the Maddox family, who are devoted to serving the great City of Archer.Notable residents throughout the ages include conservationist and founder of the National Audobon Society, T. Gilbert Pearson, and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee Bo Diddley.The City of Archer proudly showcases its small-town charm and dynamic history through the Historical Railroad Museum, community center and numerous historic homes that date back to the 1890s.
Hawthorne
CITY WEBSITE: cityofhawthorne.net
POPULATION: 1,669
CITY HALL ADDRESS: 6875 S.E. 221st St., Hawthorne, FL 32640
MAYOR: Matt Surrency
CITY MANAGER: Wendy Sapp
CONTACT: (352) 481-2432
Hawthorne’s history is intertwined with its crossroads. Early Native Americans created a crossroads near what is now known as Hawthorne. Sixteenth century Spanish conquistadors, explorers such as ornithologist William Bartram and many others used the crossroads throughout that time. This led to the founding of a town near the crossroads, called Jamestown, which was renamed to Hawthorne in 1880. In 1879, Dr. C.A. Simmons made the first discovery of phosphate in Florida near Hawthorne. He created Florida’s first phosphate mill at the stone quarry near the town.
Hawthorne began to make a name for itself in the agriculture industry by planting citrus trees in the 1880s. However, the Great Freeze in 1894 caused farmers to switch from citrus to vegetables and Sea Island cotton. Railroads cutting through the city continued Hawthorne’s history as a crossroads town and spurred its development into a bustling small city. The area served as a transfer point for rail lines, with north-south tracks intersecting with east-west routes. This was a huge asset for the agricultural sector, and Hawthorne remains an agricultural center to this day.By the end of the 19th century, Hawthorne had earned a reputation for its hunting and fishing opportunities. A local hotel provided hunting dogs and guides for the many outdoorsmen who frequented the area.
Considering Hawthorne’s proximity to more than 400 lakes, it is no surprise the city has maintained its reputation as an outdoorsman’s destination even today. Little Orange Creek Nature Park is a popular attraction, with more than 2,800 acres of wilderness that offers hiking, biking, hunting and kayaking trails. For those seeking more relaxing activities, the Hawthorne Historical Museum and Civic Center provides a more simple, laid-back excursion. Civic amenities include a handsome public library, a well-appointed health and wellness center, the Cultural Center in the historic former City Hall, two major schools –– Shell Elementary School and Hawthorne Middle High School –– and beloved local restaurants, where heartwarming home recipes and Southern hospitality are always on the menu.
High Springs: Small Town Meets Big Growth
CITY WEBSITE: highsprings.us
POPULATION: 6,652
CITY HALL ADDRESS: 23718 West U.S. Highway 27, High Springs, FL 32643
MAYOR: Gloria James
CITY MANAGER: Ashley Stathatos
CONTACT: (386) 454-1416
Cool, fresh water passes beneath towering oaks, alligators and turtles bask on fallen trees and gar and bluegill cruise along with the current. Egrets browse the shallows in search of minnows as bright blue spring water flows continuously from the rocky underground caves.These are just some of the marvels that attract thousands of visitors each year to the City of High Springs, known as the Gateway to the Springs. The area is home to Ginnie Springs, Poe Springs, Blue Springs, the Santa Fe River and O’Leno State Park. These natural wonders are what lure visitors to High Springs.
What makes them stay and live there, however, is the welcoming character of the community rich with small-town, Old Florida charm. The tight knit, rural community is a place where everybody knows everybody, and people are friendly everywhere you go. Many residents trace their roots four, five, even six generations back, when their great-grandparents came to work in the bustling railroad and phosphate mining industries. High Springs used to be one of only five places in Florida with a railroad turntable, which allowed rail cars to turn around or be taken off the track for repairs, thus bringing many jobs at the time.
Laid-Back Lifestyle
High Springs has always been a small town, where life moves a little slower. Fifth-generation resident and Community Redevelopment Agency coordinator, David Sutton, remembers the High Springs of his youth being laid back and tight knit. Children could ride out on their bicycles on weekends and spend all day with their friends, not returning until dark, and parents did not worry. No one was a stranger, and the community looked after each other.
“When I was growing up, you’d be gone for the day, and if you did something, chances are it’d get back to your parents before you did,” Sutton said.
Back in those days, the Priest Theatre was a local hangout for neighborhood kids. It only cost $1 to see a movie there on Monday nights, and the 240-seat theater would be busy. The family-owned theater was run by Mrs. Sheffield during Sutton’s youth. She walked the aisles to make sure children behaved and stayed safe. If someone was too loud or causing trouble, she would shine her flashlight on them, and if the whole audience became too noisy, she would turn the lights on and stop the movie until everyone settled down.
“She patrolled the aisles like a policeman, but parents knew you could go there, and she’d call parents if you got too loud. They also knew you were safe there. They look out for you, and that’s a tremendous part of growing up here,” Sutton said.
Despite a growing population, High Springs is still very much the same. Youth growing up there can still enjoy more freedoms than they might in other places. No town is completely crime-free, but High Springs is considered a safe place to live. High Springs is also the kind of place where it is hard to go into town without seeing a familiar face. People who have only lived there for a few weeks can feel as comfortable as those who have lived there for generations, no matter where they go.
The antique shops, galleries, mom and pop stores and many other small businesses have served the community for years and are still going strong. Some share roots as deep as the railroad tracks. There is a sense of community in High Springs that cannot be found in a big city. Neighbors get to know each other. People smile and wave as they pass by, and it is commonplace to strike up a conversation with a stranger. Civic organizations and churches in town are always willing and able to help the community.
Growth Draws More Homes and Businesses
Living in High Springs comes with many benefits. Many people who work in Gainesville’s booming technology and medical industries, but want to enjoy a rural lifestyle, can find the right home in High Springs. It is only a 30-minute commute to Gainesville. Between the natural attractions and the historic district, there is never a shortage of fun things to do close to home. Families benefit from both the convenience and quality of the area’s highly regarded K-8 school, High Springs Community School. Being a K-8 school means siblings can ride the same bus to school together. Parents with both middle and elementary school-aged children need only to go to one campus for after-school events. Because it is such a great place to live, there is much more hustle and bustle in High Springs than there used to be. The population has grown from around 3,900 in 2000, to about 5,300 in 2010, to roughly 6,650 in 2020, according to the U.S. Census.
Developers are rising to meet the demand for this growth, and they currently have 3,700 homes proposed for the High Springs area over the next several years. Homebuilder D.R. Horton has been building and selling homes in Bailey Estates since 2006. Because of the high demand for housing in the area, Bailey Estates sold out of homes in early 2021, and D.R. Horton opened a brand-new development five minutes away as a result. The new community, Oak Ridge, brings 205 single-family homes close to Interstate 75 as well as downtown High Springs. It is also a short drive to High Springs Community School, making it a convenient location for all residents. Homes there start in the mid-$200,000s. In response to the growing population and increasing visitation, new businesses have begun to pop up in High Springs. One of these is the Pink Flamingo Diner, which was formerly Floyd’s Diner off U.S. Highway 441. The diner offers not only great food, but mini golf and live entertainment, making it a very popular destination. The Great Outdoors restaurant downtown, which is now under new ownership, is another popular attraction downtown. High Springs also has its own brewery, High Springs Brewing Company.
“Friday and Saturday nights here are packed, between The Great Outdoors (restaurant), the brewery and the live entertainment. People come from all over to enjoy Friday and Saturday nights in High Springs, and we’re looking to expand on that to provide people with the entertainment type district,” Sutton said.
The City would like to expand recreation for the people of High Springs and draw in more businesses that offer entertainment and modern amenities. The City is currently in the approval process to build Rails to Trails in High Springs, which is a cycling and walking path on old railroad tracks. This trail would connect the old railways that used to run through downtown High Springs to the nearby Alachua Rails to Trails system. Rails to Trails are popular around the United States, and it is an efficient way to make use of land that otherwise lies vacant. For High Springs in particular, it would allow the community to celebrate the town’s railroad history in a meaningful way.
Gearing Up For Growth
The landscape of High Springs is developing in many ways. Previously empty roads are now filled with cars most days. Residential developments are springing up and spreading out, and new businesses are planting roots in High Springs. Rapid growth brings a need for enhanced infrastructure and more amenities to serve residents.Infrastructure management is a top priority for the City of High Springs, which recently hired a new city manager, Ashley Stathatos.
Stathatos brings experience from the sprawling Dallas-Fort Worth suburbs, where she served 20 years in various government roles. She plans to help High Springs take proactive steps to ensure growth does not happen faster than infrastructure can support. One of the biggest priorities is water and wastewater infrastructure, the core necessity to support more residents. The City is exploring all avenues of funding, including grants, loans and support from developers, to help expand High Springs’ water supply and distribution. High Springs is also working with the nonprofit Florida Rural Water Association to develop new plans to tackle its water needs.
“Florida Rural Water is providing a plethora of services at no cost, which is such a blessing,” said Kevin Mangan, public information officer for High Springs.
A second school is also needed for the area due to residential growth, but plans have not yet been solidified. The City is currently working with the school board to potentially designate land for it. The growing population is congesting the small downtown district. Traffic is often backed up along the two-lane U.S. Highway 41, which runs straight through downtown. While it is up to the State of Florida to widen the road, the City is seeking ways to provide more parking downtown. There are a few vacant or unused parcels of land downtown the City hopes to purchase to convert into lots.Overall, developers share the City’s desire to grow High Springs’ residential sector responsibly. Developers are working hand in hand with the City to plan for development that infrastructure can support while keeping High Springs an attractive place to live. The positive relationship between city leaders and the area’s developers means that the best efforts are being made to provide proper transportation, schools, water and other needs.
“We have a commission that believes that working together and being a community is the best way forward for everyone involved,” Mangan said.
Preserving a Way of Life
Driving through downtown High Springs does not look like driving through any other town in America. The numerous locally owned businesses are an exciting mystery for first-time visitors to explore. Small-town charm is a crucial part of High Springs’ identity and is the very reason the quaint town is seeing so much inevitable growth. Maintaining that way of life is of utmost importance to all who call High Springs home.
“If we change who we are because people have moved here, we’re not the reason they moved here anymore,” Sutton said. “We’re looking to take who we are, and what we have, and let’s grow on it.”
While there are currently no chain restaurants, hotels or retail stores in High Springs, demand for such a commercial base may emerge as growth continues. Rules and plans are in place to keep such development away from downtown. High Springs’ Historic Preservation Board embraces growth and change, yet it is extremely protective about preserving the buildings and structures that give High Springs its character. The historical integrity of the downtown area is hugely intact because of those efforts. Existing buildings are renovated and reused rather than torn down to make way for new ones. Between the friendliness of the residents, the beauty of the surrounding natural spaces and the captivating and ever-present history, High Springs has a charm that other communities cannot replicate –– and a way of life that will be preserved for generations to come.
LaCrosse
CITY WEBSITE: townofLaCrosse.net
POPULATION: 435
CITY HALL ADDRESS: 20613 N. State Road 121, LaCrosse, FL 32658
MAYOR: Dianne Dubberly
TOWN CLERK: Lee Forzly
CONTACT: (386) 462-2784
LaCrosse is a small town 15 miles north of Gainesville. A quiet, rural area, it spans 4.4 acres of land used primarily for farming and livestock. The quaint town seemed to be mostly forgotten in the 1800s. It was one of the only towns in Alachua County to be left out of “Eden of South,” a book written by Carl Webber in 1883. However, after being incorporated in 1989, the town became known as the potato district due to its large potato crop. It became a major shipping point and connection to transport crops by railroad. The forgotten town would be forgotten no more. LaCrosse continues to flourish today, with many small businesses and a still thriving agricultural industry with potatoes, corn and other crops.
LaCrosse offers many recreational parks and activities, including the LaCrosse Recreational Park with a basketball court, tennis courts, a playground area and picnic pavilions. Another attraction is the Packing Shed, a local hub for fresh fruit and vegetables. The Shed is famous among both residents and visitors for its historical significance and modern utility. The town of LaCrosse takes pride in its fire department, which contracts with Alachua County to provide rural fire rescue services to county residents within an approximate 86 square mile radius of the town. The Alachua County Library District also makes a stop in LaCrosse for their weekly bookmobile shop.
Micanopy
CITY WEBSITE: micanopytown.com
POPULATION: 669
CITY HALL ADDRESS: 706 N.E. Cholokka Blvd., Micanopy, FL 32667
MAYOR: Joseph Aufmuth
CITY MANAGER: Debbie Ganano
CONTACT: (352) 481-2432
Micanopy is the oldest inland town in Florida, founded after the King of Spain relinquished Florida to the United States in 1821. Micanopy means “head chief,” named after Seminole Chief Micanopy. Though small, the town is mighty and was involved in many important historical events. Micanopy’s sprawling oaks clothed in Spanish moss create a classic Southern atmosphere and make it seem as if it is “the town that time forgot.” Micanopy is also the self-proclaimed antique capital of Florida, with pieces from the past showcased in the Micanopy Historical Society Museum and it’s the town’s many antique shops.
Antique shoppers come to Micanopy from all across Florida in search of treasures along Cholokka Boulevard. This street also hosts the annual Fall Harvest Festival which includes music, crafts and lots of fun.Micanopy is also home to Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, a vast, natural park with bike and hiking trails offering views of wild bison, horses, alligators, deer and hundreds of bird species. Micanopy’s Barr Hammock Preserve and Price’s Scrub State Park offer nature trails and wetland areas for visitors to explore. The small town has also hit the silver screen throughout the years, making cameos in movies such as “Doc Hollywood,” “Cross Creek” and “Miracle Child.”
Newberry
CITY WEBSITE: NewberryFl.gov
POPULATION: 6,915
CITY HALL ADDRESS: 25440 Newberry Road, Newberry FL 32669
MAYOR: Jordan Marlowe
CITY MANAGER: Mike New
CONTACT: (352)472-2161 ; [email protected]
Newberry is a place where unlikely contradictions flourish together. The past is very much a part of the present, but the community embraces a progressive attitude toward the future. The city is growing, but residents are only hanging on tighter to that small-town feel. The generations-old tradition of working in agriculture continues, but through innovation and technology rather than outdated, conventional methods. Seniors in the community share pieces of history while encouraging Newberry’s children toward change and progress. Mayor Jordan Marlowe describes the City of Newberry as “progressively conservative.” No matter how different each part of life is for people in Newberry, there is a strong sense of unity and community that keeps the small town together.
“We enjoy each other, and we want to know about each other’s lives, we’re raising each other’s kids, we go to each other’s birthday parties. When somebody is in trouble, we come together as a community to help,” said Marlowe, a lifelong resident.
The family-oriented community brings neighbors and friends together for bonfires and celebrations. Children live life outside, enjoying their backyards, playing basketball in the street, riding bikes around town and playing in the area’s numerous parks. There is a sense of camaraderie and family.
“I’m going to be able to go to a restaurant and see my family, see my friends in the community, know the person that owns the restaurant, know the cook who’s cooking the meal, sit across the restaurant from my pastor, all at one time,” Marlowe said.
Although Newberry is a quaint town with Old Florida history, it has diversified economically, politically and socially over the years.
“We enjoy talking with people with different opinions and different beliefs and views of the world in a respectful way, and I think that enriches the community, and I think the bulk of my community feels that it enriches the community.” Marlowe said.
Newberry’s director of planning and economic development, Bryan Thomas, grew up in Gainesville, which is located only about 15 minutes east of Newberry. He remembers being excited to go out to Newberry’s Watermelon Festival each year as a child, and even though it was not very far away, it always felt like a big expedition out into the country as a young boy. Now, looking at Newberry through grown-up eyes, Thomas appreciates it for more than just the fun aspects.
“It’s a surprisingly dynamic little town. It has a conservative political mindset, but within that framework, a very progressive attitude toward innovation and doing things right,” he said.
Newberry Welcomes New Residents
Newberry Road runs through Gainesville and out toward Newberry, and it is becoming a corridor for growth and development. The relatively new Town of Tioga brings apartment-style housing, single-family homes, dining, shops and entertainment in an urban environment on the outskirts of Newberry in the small community of Jonesville. The community has been a significant contributor to the area’s residential and commercial growth. A unique new development planned for Newberry is a bigger deal than the name implies. A developer is in the concept design phase for a tiny home community in Newberry. The tiny homes –– which are generally between 300 to 600 square feet –– will provide an affordable housing option in a county and state where home prices are soaring.
“We want to make sure that everybody in Newberry can find a house that fits their budget and fits their lifestyle,” said Marlowe, who also has a vision that the tiny homes could serve as a community for retired veterans.
Newberry recently created an ordinance that specifically would allow for a tiny home community. There are exciting additional projects coming in the near future.
“We’ve had calls from Arizona, Atlanta and South Florida from people in the tiny house community who heard about the ordinance and were calling to ask if we had parcels in mind where they could potentially develop a tiny home neighborhood,” Thomas said.
A 900-unit, 55-and-older retirement community is also going through the approval process in Newberry. The large development that Thomas said is a little more “upscale” will attract more commercial development without contributing to school crowding issues. There is also a new mixed-use development planned for the area surrounding the Easton Newberry Sports Complex.
A Self-Sustaining Community
Considering Newberry’s close proximity to the larger City of Gainesville, which is a major employment center for the region, it might seem that Newberry would be a bedroom community for Gainesville. However, Newberry offers every amenity residents could need, right there at home. The great schools, ample opportunities for recreation and the exceptionally business-friendly environment with many places to work close to home are all reasons why Newberry is a great and convenient place to live. Newberry is known for its great schools. Newberry Elementary School, Oak View Middle School and Newberry High School are all located within 1 mile of each other.
“You can go to kindergarten as a panther, and you can graduate high school as a panther, and that’s a rare thing these days,” said Marlowe, who teaches at the high school in addition to his role as the mayor. “Teachers get to know the students well, and parents get to know schools better than they otherwise would.”
For parents and other residents, there are many places to work for a variety of industries and education levels. Newberry is an exceptionally business-friendly town that has a reputation for welcoming unusual, niche businesses that are not as well received in other places. For example, the Gourmet Rodent moved to Newberry when it was primarily a rodent feeder operation, and it has since grown to be one of the largest reptile breeding facilities in the world. This would not have been possible without the City of Newberry changing its code and making adjustments to accommodate the evolving business.
Now, the Gourmet Rodent is one of Newberry’s largest employers. This is just one example of the several businesses the City of Newberry has welcomed in efforts to provide local employment opportunities as well as to enrich the local economy. The City is facilitating a new project, the Agri-Tech Research Park, which will serve as a hub for innovation and technology in agriculture and bring many new high-tech businesses –– and jobs –– to Newberry. Newberry offers plenty of fun things to do when the work or school day is over. Many people are familiar with the small town because of its opportunities for recreation.
“Newberry used to be known for two things: The Canterbury Equestrian Center and the Backyard Barbecue,” Thomas said.
Newberry is also known for a third thing, however –– the annual Newberry Watermelon Festival, which will be held for the 76th year in 2021. People come from all over to enjoy the festival’s watermelon parade and competition, beauty pageant, family fun and, of course, the fresh, locally grown watermelons. A new concert venue is being built in one of Newberry’s old, 40-feet-deep phosphate mining pits, and is expected to open in September 2021 with a major debut concert event. The venue will likely accommodate up to 30,000 people and draw large music acts. Newberry is a top destination for many unconventional, and traditional athletes. The Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center, formerly known as the Canterbury Equestrian Center, is one of Florida’s top destinations for equestrian events and competitions. It is currently undergoing renovations and additions, including the covered arena that can seat 800 people.
Riders of a different kind visit Newberry for the Gatorback Cycle Park, an off-road track for dirt bikes and other two-wheeled vehicles. The facility has been in operation for 30 years and is very well known in the motocross community. The Easton-Newberry Archery Center is another facility renowned by a niche community. The world-class facility has indoor and outdoor shooting ranges and hosts training programs, practices and archery events for all skill levels and styles. As for more conventional sports, Newberry’s Champions Park hosts super-tournaments for Little League baseball and travel softball leagues. The large, 40-acre complex includes 16 fields currently, but there are plans in the works for a championship stadium to be built, which would host games for the final crowning of tournament champions.
Waldo
CITY WEBSITE: waldo-fl.com
POPULATION: 1,028
CITY HALL ADDRESS: 14655 Kennard St., Waldo, FL 32694
MAYOR: Louie Davis
CITY MANAGER: Kim Worley
CONTACT: (352) 468-1001
Waldo is a quiet town with a rich history. The City of Waldo was known as a winter playground and became an extremely popular train stop. Trains would pull in for a noon stop, which allowed passengers to enjoy the town by visiting the Waldo House for lunch, the town park with a local bandstand that could be heard for blocks, the opera house and theaters, a baseball game or a cruise around Lake Atto. Memories of its time as a popular train stop still linger around Waldo, especially in the red train caboose on display.
The antique caboose may not be for sale, but Waldo has an antique village with plenty of pieces that are. The antique village, owned by Rosanna and Carl Smith, attracts visitors from across Central Florida searching for the perfect treasure. The village can accommodate up to 65 vendors and attracts a large portion of Waldo’s visitors every year. It is well-known for its weekly flea market the largest in North Central Florida and a community tradition for more than 40 years. Waldo is located fewer than 15 miles north of Gainesville, offering residents a small-town lifestyle while still close to the area’s larger cities.