“This is your city. This is your home. This is your future”: Newberry Mayor Jordan Marlowe gives State of the City Address

BY DAVID LIGHTMAN

NEWBERRY, Fla. – The Mentholee Norfleet Municipal Building was at full capacity on Thursday evening, February 20, for Mayor Jordan Marlowe’s annual State of the City Address. The crowd included Alachua County Supervisor of Elections Kim Barton, Chris Mack of Newberry Main Street, Alachua County Property Appraiser Ayesha Solomon, Alachua County Sheriff Chad Scott, School Board of Alachua County Member Tina Certain, Lizzie Jenkins of the Rosewood Foundation, and Alachua County Commissioner Marihelen Wheeler.

Marlowe began, “I want to start by saying how much I appreciate each and every one of you guys coming out here tonight. Every year, I think that because this Commission and our staff do such an amazing job of being open, accessible, and transparent, everyone already knows everything that’s happening in our community. Then I start to worry no one’s going to show up, so it really means a lot to me that you guys… walked out here tonight to join us.

“Newberry has more to brag about this year than any other community that I know of… Newberry does the little things, like construct[ing] the nicest City entrance sign in all of Alachua County. Newberry does the big things, like winning Business View’s Best Managed Town in 2024 – great job. Newberry does the right things, like honoring the men and women who have served this country with a memorial that they can be proud of. Newberry does the things that everyone else says can’t be done. I actually cannot tell you how many people told me that it was impossible to get Dudley Farm State Park to engage in Truth and Reconciliation with us. This year, this community moved the Perkins home, the last remaining structure built by a family whose ancestors were born enslaved, onto the park. And Dudley Farm State Park is now the first park in the State of Florida to officially engage in Truth and Reconciliation. Newberry doesn’t just lead the county in this work, we are leading the state.

“I think 2024 was a record year for groundbreaking ceremonies, and there is no one better to tell us all about it than the Commissioner who personally visits just about every business on a daily basis [and] knows everyone and their dog by their first name, Newberry’s own Christmas elf, Commissioner Tony Mazon.”

Mazon mentioned the new Publix, which will be opening soon and providing jobs. He said 12 new brick-and-mortar buildings were constructed and 39 business licenses were issued in Newberry in 2024; 817 homes were built and 163 business licenses issued over the past six years.

Marlowe continued, “We have made incredible strides in fostering economic growth. All of those new businesses, every single one, chose Newberry as their home. They are not only creating jobs, they’re adding their own vibrancy. They’re adding their own energy to our local economy.” Marlowe introduced Commissioner Tim Marden to discuss streamlining government.

Marden said the new 11,000-square-foot City Hall building that is currently under construction will put the different departments that are spread out all over the city under one roof, and that will help with costs and efficiency. Marden said the building is designed to allow expansion when needed. 

Marlowe said, “City Hall really is going to be a beautiful addition to Newberry’s downtown, and while it may be a physical manifestation of the strength of our community, the heart of our community is always going to be our small town values… Our community is a tapestry of people who care for one another. Whether it’s checking in on a neighbor after a storm or rallying around a family in need, our small town values define us and remind us that success is measured not just in dollars and data but in the strength of our connections and the quality of our lives.” Marlowe cited City Clerk Judy Rice, who will be retiring after 35 years, as an example of Newberry’s values. Marlowe presented Rice with a Key to the City award for being the longest-serving employee in Newberry’s history.

Marlowe recognized Newberry’s first responders and introduced Commssioner Mark Clark, who retired from the fire department. Clark thanked the Newberry Fire Department and the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office for the work they do. Clark interviewed emergency workers in a video, and they showed off the new brush truck and other equipment.

Marlowe personally thanked Sheriff Scott before introducing Commissioner Rick Coleman to talk about the Parks & Recreation Department. Marlowe said, “Coleman has been a leader for any and all things for the betterment of our youth.”

Coleman said, “I get to talk to you about everything we are doing to ensure your kids, and one day my grandkids, can go outside in the fresh air, away from the video game, and just play. This was a great year for us. Not only did we complete a brand new baseball field at Jimmy Durden Park, but we also completed Newberry’s first inclusive playground at our Easton Sports Complex… We finished the first of five new multi-purpose fields, and we added lights to one.” Coleman said youth sports participation grew by 11% last year and adult participation grew by 41%. 

Marlowe said, “I love that new inclusive park. Everything about it tells you everything you need to know about us and what we value.” Marlowe talked about Newberry’s emergency preparedness and introduced the longest-serving Commissioner, Monty Farnsworth, to talk about Newberry’s efforts to protect the public. 

Farnsworth said he wanted to thank the staff for the way they responded to Hurricanes Helene and Milton. He said they won a number of awards for their rapid and effective response.

Marlowe said the guiding question will always be: “How can we serve our residents better?” He introduced retiring City Manager Mike New to discuss the F300 Agricultural and Food Technology Innovation Park, which is currently under construction.

New said, “F300 will create high-skill and high-wage jobs for our residents by growing and attracting new businesses and supporting entrepreneurship. This project will help commercialize university research and support innovative businesses through a research park business incubator and startup accelerator. F300 will be an asset for Florida, and it’s located right here in Newberry. F stands for Florida, and 300 symbolizes the 300 specialty crops grown in our state. Newberry leads a 14-member consortium supporting this food tech park being established on 170 acres… F300 will promote economic growth in line with our community’s local charm and rich agricultural heritage. Farmers, entrepreneurs, consumers, students, and others in our communities will benefit from F300.”

Marlowe concluded, “My vision for Newberry is clear. It is a community that grows while staying grounded. It is a city that provides opportunities for every single citizen while remaining rooted in compassion and care… This is your city. This is your home. This is your future. And I have been proud to have been your mayor.”