Erin Green The Canterbury Equestrian Showplace in Newberry holds tournaments and shows nearly every week of the year and brings in visitors that triple the population of the city. This major attraction could be sold in favor of a housing development. But now the city of Newberry is looking for $5,000 for an audit so the idea of a public-private ownership can be explored.

Canterbury’s Tale: Long history, uncertain future for Newberry’s horse showplace

NEWBERRY – When Wendy Low was just a child, she would hold “horse shows” in her parent's backyard, complete with homemade ribbons for those lucky enough to place in her imagined competition.

Today, Low, 49, has real horses and real ribbons as manager of Newberry's Canterbury Equestrian Showplace, a place that each year brings more than three times the population of Newberry to the city.   Full Story

Photo By Rachel Anne Ryals Rows of seats were set out at Alachua Elementary School for Wal-Mart's meeting about the proposed supercenter. But even though residents, including City Commissioner jean Calderwood (above) sat down in the seats, Wal-Mart officials said that there would be no presentatino, that residents would be required to walk around the room and ask experts questions. Some residents said because they didn't get a presentation, they didn't know what questions to ask.

Wal-Mart holds meeting, gives no presentation about planned supercenter

ALACHUA – The very first public meeting to discuss a proposed Wal-Mart Supercenter in the city of Alachua had people sitting and waiting for a presentation that never came.

Instead of the typical neighborhood workshop where development officials give a presentation and then answer questions from the audience, Wal-Mart officials instead had three stations with experts set up for people to ask their questions individually.   Full Story

Want fireworks? Only one place to go -- Alachua

ALACHUA -- The city of Alachua is the only area city that will have a Fourth of July celebration this year.

The city has a full day of music, games and vendors – and, yes, there will be fireworks.   Full Story

Buzz. Slap. Ouch. Itch. Mosquitoes are back in area

It’s that time of year again. Mosquitoes are here.

And as the summer lingers on, the pesky mosquitoes latching onto arms and legs will only get worse.   Full Story

Trying to balance Alachua’s budget, increasing rates and taxes discussed

ALACHUA – In order to balance the budget in Alachua, the possibility of raising fees and the tax rate was discussed in the second of four scheduled budget meetings.

Alachua City Manager Clovis Watson Jr. said that the changes are necessary as the city moves toward a self-sustaining fund system, where each fund – such as electrical, water, etc. – pays for itself, rather than borrowing or supplementing from other funds.   Full Story