Oliver: Revise outdated High Springs City Ordinance 10-2D for the prosperity of our town

Letter to the editor
It’s no secret that some residents have a longstanding dispute with the brewery in High Springs since its inauguration five years ago. However, recent events have cast a new light on the situation (the pleas heard from our local business owners at our recent City Commission meeting), highlighting the unintended consequences of an archaic City ordinance that is stifling not just the brewery but also the entire local business community during a time of outrageous inflation and economic hardship.
The current City Ordinance 10-2D, which mandates that businesses generating less than 51% of sales from food and nonalcoholic beverages must remain closed on Sundays, is a relic of the past that no longer serves the best interests of our community. This ordinance not only unfairly targets the High Springs brewery but also restricts economic growth and vitality in our town.
Here are some key points to consider in support of revising this outdated ordinance:
1. **Economic Impact**: The brewery’s forced closure on Sundays not only hurts its revenue but also has a ripple effect on other businesses in town. A thriving brewery can attract visitors, boosting foot traffic and sales for neighboring establishments; this is clearly evident from other areas in Alachua County where breweries have opened. All of the breweries in Alachua County have added such diversity and growth to many areas and have made positive impacts on the communities. They are also allowed to be competitive with the market and are not mandated to close on Sundays.
2. **Consumer Choice**: Consumers should have the freedom to choose where they spend their Sundays. By restricting the brewery’s operations, we are limiting residents’ and visitors’ choices for leisure and entertainment. There is no religious or moral reasoning behind the Sunday closure brought on by the ordinance, as every one of the sit-down restaurants in High Springs has a full bar with beer and liquor open on Sundays after 1 p.m. It is not the intent of the ordinance to prohibit drinking on Sunday. The ordinance is merely intended in its current form to target one specific business in High Springs, which is unfair.
3. **Community Support**: A very small group of long-term High Springs residents have personal grievances with the brewery. However, it’s essential to separate personal issues from the greater good of the community. Supporting the revision of this ordinance will benefit our town as a whole. Moving past this issue swiftly and effectively as a community will allow us to focus on larger issues troubling the city of High Springs and the community.
4. **Adaptation to Modern Times**: Our town needs to adapt to changing consumer behaviors and preferences. Many cities have already revised similar ordinances to promote economic growth and cater to evolving lifestyles. Again, every brewery in Alachua County is allowed to open on Sundays and have a full weekend of sales except for the High Springs Brewery. This keeps them from being competitive in the market and unjustly punishes them for deciding to call High Springs their home.
In conclusion, it’s time for us to set aside personal differences and focus on what will benefit the entire community. By advocating for the revision of Ordinance 10-2D, we can pave the way for a more vibrant and prosperous town that embraces inclusivity and economic progress. We can do it together as a whole community and show our neighbors, businesses, and visitors how much we support each other.
Your support in this matter is crucial, and I urge you to join us in pushing for positive change that will benefit all residents and businesses alike.
Please share the word and share this post! All we ask is for fair treatment and justice for the High Springs Brewery.
Jared Oliver, High Springs
The opinions expressed by letter or opinion writers are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of AlachuaChronicle.com. Assertions of facts in letters are similarly the responsibility of the author. Letters may be submitted to info@alachuachronicle.com and are published at the discretion of the editor.
I guess as a commerical property appraiser your comments are to be expected. You have shown where your heart and wallet are. This small group of long term High Spring residents (your labal) is a lot larger than you think. Me personally it has nothing to do with the brewery, great outdoors, or any other business in High Springs. It is a need for a town that I have lived in for over 38 years stays to its morals and ethics that i was introduced too 38 years ago. Sundays to most Christans is a day of worship and rest. Christians of the Methodist, Baptist and Reformed (Presbyterian and Congregationalist) traditions, observe Sunday as the sabbath, a day devoted to the worship of God at church (the attendance of Sunday School, a service of worship in the morning and evening), as well as a day of rest (meaning that people are free from servile labour and should refrain from trading, buying and selling except when necessary). How many Churches and Houses of Worship are there in High Springs compared to bars and places that serve alcohol. Government Offices, schools, federal entities in High Springs are closed. It used to be the ideal of “Blue Laws” restrictions on Sunday behavior.[21] In Oklahoma, for example, it is stated: “Oklahoma’s statutes state that “acts deemed useless and serious interruptions of the repose and religious liberty of the community,” such as trades, manufacturing, mechanical employment, horse racing, and gaming are forbidden. Public selling of commodities other than necessary foods and drinks, medicine, ice, and surgical and burial equipment, and other necessities can legally be prohibited on Sunday. Alcohol sales are not a necessity on Sundays anywhere. That was how it was when I first came to High Sorings and it still is t HF at was across the United States in over of the states and more than 3/4 of small cities and counties. This town was doing just fine without alcohol sales on Sundays until someone got a wild hair. This town doesnt need 24 hour convenience stores, Starbucks, or big box store to survive. All this alcohol sales junk is how to make High Springs a Big City. High Springs doesn’t need the big city crime, traffic, noise, etc that comes from dropping moral and ethics just so you can buy a beer on Sunday.
You are correct in every aspect. It is evident that there was a lack of consideration and regard for the longstanding residents. The newcomers arrived with the expectation that the entire town should conform to their presence.
Never argue with stupid people, they will just drag you down to their level and beat you with experience. – Mark Twain
I am curious to know if DUI related crashes and Arrests have gone up on Sundays since the allowance of alcohol sales. I would like to know if domestic violence calls have gone up on Sundays since the allowance. I know the traffic violations gave gone up.
Now putting aside the Sunday alcohol issue. All you pro big city people. What and how is High Springs going to handle all this new growth with the planned subdivisions and businesses. The amount of traffic is crazy now. The semi trucks coming through town at all times is crazy. There us not a week that goes by where I don’t see road rage in the morning rush hour or evening hour hour. The road surfaces are in terrible shape now. The parking is not adequate now. And what ever happened to the big push for the compact parking on Main St. You cant even get that right.
With this new medical center at 441 and NW 202 Street you are going to need to get a traffic light. All ready there are too many near miss crashes. The Police Department and Fire Services, and all city government will gave to grow to handle more issues. Utilities will have to expand. All I see is more money having to be spent on a town that is fine the way it is. More and more out of state tags of people moving here. You used to be able to wave to a person and get a wave back. Now you get stares or the middle finger. The friendly little town of High Springs is definitely losing its southern charm.
I am hearing all the hype of what a future High Springs is going to be but nothing on how we are going to achieve it responsibly and financially.
The locusts’ infestation continues.
Many long-time residents of High Springs are not interested in transforming it into an entertainment district in its Historic area. They welcome new business, but not a duplicate of what they have witnessed in Gainesville.
Maintaining a small rural town’s identity and charm is essential because it:
– Fosters a strong sense of community and belonging
– Attracts visitors and new residents who appreciate its authenticity
– Provides a refreshing alternative to urbanization and homogenization
– Ensures the town remains true to its core values.
Excellent points Fitz-i-Be.
The decision regarding the Brewery rests solely with the residents of High Springs, as it is their community, not that of distant visitors who happen to frequent the area.
I agree completely with this letter writer. Alcohol sales in other businesses have already put to rest the idea of selling on Sunday. Let the brewery be open as well.
By the way, I have lived in High Springs for 37 years and I do not drink. The brewery is a reputable business and should be allowed to be open on Sundays after 1:00. Give them a chance.
A very small group of citizens, lol
A very small group of residents who have personal grievances. lol
The repetitive utilization of inconsequential jargon serves as a means to manipulate the discourse with outdated strategies. The “previously established regulation” that you consistently allude to underwent a reevaluation and received a vote a mere two years ago. The City Chamber was teeming with local inhabitants who are genuinely invested in this community. I fail to recollect you voicing your opinions fervently during that time? Numerous other enterprises adhere to the regulations and operate on Sundays harmoniously. Visitors on Sundays do have options.
However, the commitment to assimilate and not cause any disruptions appears to have been short-lived. 💰
#1) They knew the law when they opened. If the numbers didn’t add up without needing to be open on Sunday, that’s on you for moving forward, not on the community to bend to your desire.
#2) The law is intended to target pure bars that don’t serve food, not any one specific business. Again, they knew the law when they opened the business.
#3) Sounds to me it’s a very small group that want this bar open and are demanding that everyone bend to their will.
#4) An open bar on Sunday is your key to whether a town is “up with modern times”? Wow, OK.
Apparently the locales where these other bars are located want them open on Sunday. This city does not. You’re free to go to any of these other establishments. No one is stopping you. The town also apparently doesn’t want big box stores. No one is stopping you from going to Lowe’s in Alachua, or Wal-Mart in Gainesville.
All of this reminds me of the type of people that move next to an established airport, but then complain because of the noise. The law was in place when they decided to open that business. It’s not everyone else’s fault is it didn’t make economic sense with having a 6 day week.
That is indeed the crux of the matter and eloquently put. I must express my concern regarding the mentioned petition. It was positioned on the tap room bar, allowing individuals from various places to sign it without any verification. Consequently, it cannot be considered a legitimate petition.
I agree, George, Some of the loudest voices for wanting to let them open on Sunday, don’t even live in High Springs.
Thank you all for engaging in this important discussion and sharing your perspectives. I’d like to address a few key points:
1. If the aim is to uphold Sunday as a day of rest, shouldn’t all bars selling alcohol close, not just the brewery? For example: The Great Outdoors, El Patio, The Watershed, Pink Flamingo Diner all have full bars that sell beer and liquor on Sundays. Not allowing the brewery doesn’t prevent people from drinking on Sundays. Maybe we can revise the ordinance to say absolutely no alcohol sold on Sundays? Let’s make sure we ensure fairness in our decisions. Let’s remember, unity is key in our community’s progress.
2. I believe there is a misunderstanding of what I wrote in my letter. I was highlighting the fact that a very small group of long-term residents have had such a feud with the brewery since they opened that they would do anything they can to to see them not succeed. I truly appreciate and value the wisdom shared from our long-term residents, it is absolutely invaluable knowledge they can share with us and their perspectives are much appreciated. However, I believe we should value all the diverse voices in our community, from long-term residents to business owners to newcomers. Let’s all work together towards a common goal. Let’s maybe empower our community as a whole by considering a collective decision through a November ballot or work at revising the ordinance for fairness.
3. Something that does’t get brought up when discussing businesses and performance is the outrageous expense increases. We can all agree we are feeling it as a community with record inflation. I’m sure anyone who has renewed their homeowners insurance has seen it. If you are a resident in the city of high springs you have seen your utility bills increase with more increases on the way. Think about how much businesses are having to spend on insurance and cost of goods/services/utilities increasing. Hopefully we can understand that the economy as a whole has changed som much since 2019 and show a little understanding of why what worked financially in 2019 doesn’t work in 2024. Just something I hope we can consider in future discussions.
4. Unfortunately, as you may be aware, Bridlewood development is coming to our town (estimated to double the current population when complete). This is going to present all new challenges to High Springs. New businesses are also starting to purchase land and prepare for development. High Springs definitely holds a unique charm we all cherish (you have to live here to understand). Let’s strive to sustain our businesses and preserve our town’s essence amidst inevitable changes. Let’s unite to adapt and grow while maintaining our beloved small town’s character and rich history.
Again, thank you to everyone joining the conversation and sharing your perspectives. Together, let’s build a stronger, more united High Springs for generations to come.
Jared Oliver. Great letter, thank you for recapping some of the main issues raised here.
First, I’d like to say that I do NOT have a feud with the Brewery and I wish them well in their business endeavor. I’ve lived in High Springs for 14 years, so I consider myself a little bit old and a little bit new to the city. I agree that the Brewery offers another choice for entertainment to both residents and visitors alike.
I’d like to reiterate that the issue presented here DOES NOT suggest that we ban all alcohol sales on Sunday. To be fair, the suggestion all along has been for the Brewery to offer some kind of food on Sundays that will meet the 51% food sales required for alcohol sales on Sunday. In this way, one business will make the necessary change to uphold the current (and long-standing) High Springs ordinance, rather than expecting the other four venues to change their current business practice. This would assure that all businesses are treated fairly. This seems to be the most reasonable solution to level the playing field for all.