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High Springs voters to decide alcohol ordinance, commission race

  //business-finance.news-articles.net/content/202 .. to-decide-alcohol-ordinance-commission-race.html
  Published in Business and Finance on Monday, November 3rd 2025 at 18:40 GMT by WCJB
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High Springs Voters Set the Tone for the Future of Alcohol Regulation

In a decisive turn of local politics, the residents of High Springs, Florida, went to the polls on November 3, 2025, to weigh in on a pivotal issue that will shape the community’s drinking landscape for years to come. The election centered on a ballot measure proposing the establishment of a new Alcohol Ordinance Commission—an independent body tasked with overseeing the sale, distribution, and consumption of alcoholic beverages within the city limits. The measure was adopted by a narrow majority, signaling both enthusiasm for tighter controls and a cautious approach to change.

The Measure on the Ballot

The proposed ordinance would create a five-member commission, each appointed by the city council for staggered four‑year terms. Its mandate would include:

1. Licensing – Approving new bars, breweries, and liquor stores; revoking licenses that fail to meet standards; and setting fee structures for license renewals.
2. Zoning and Hours – Determining permissible operating hours and locations for alcohol sales, with a particular focus on reducing late‑night service in residential neighborhoods.
3. Community Standards – Establishing policies for responsible service, such as mandatory training for staff, limiting promotions that encourage binge drinking, and promoting public health initiatives.
4. Enforcement – Working in partnership with the police and health departments to investigate violations and impose fines or other penalties.

The measure, titled “High Springs Alcohol Ordinance Commission Act,” was presented as a way to give residents more say over how alcohol is regulated in their city, while ensuring consistency and accountability in the licensing process.

Campaign Dynamics

The campaign around the ordinance was lively. Two candidates – former city council member Maria Gonzales and local attorney Daniel “Danny” Whitaker – ran for the three seats open on the commission. Gonzales, a long‑time advocate for community policing and public health, emphasized her experience working with the city’s planning department and her desire to limit “late‑night speakeasy” operations that she said had become a nuisance in certain neighborhoods. Whitaker, on the other hand, stressed his legal background and his belief that a well‑structured commission could streamline the licensing process and reduce bureaucratic delays for small businesses.

Campaign ads highlighted the tension between business owners who feared increased regulatory costs and residents who prioritized safety and reduced alcohol‑related crime. A local bar owner, John McKinnon of “The Riverfront Tap,” voiced concerns that the new commission could make it harder to obtain a license, potentially pushing small establishments out of the market.

Community Perspectives

A series of community forums leading up to the election provided a platform for debate. A notable event took place at the High Springs Community Center, where city officials opened a “town hall” style discussion. City Councilman Thomas Reynolds, who chairs the planning committee, underscored the commission’s role in balancing economic growth with public welfare. Residents in the historic downtown corridor, who had previously expressed concerns about the influx of bars, expressed cautious optimism that the commission would impose sensible restrictions on hours and location.

The city’s public health department, represented by Dr. Lisa Nguyen, released a statement supporting the measure. She cited rising rates of alcohol‑related emergency visits in the region and pointed out that a dedicated commission could coordinate better with hospitals and addiction services.

Follow‑up Links and Additional Resources

The article linked to several key resources that provide deeper context:

• High Springs City Government – Alcohol Ordinance Commission Overview
  This page outlines the commission’s structure, appointment process, and statutory authority. It also lists the city’s current liquor license database and details the renewal fee schedule. The resource emphasizes the commission’s goal of “protecting community welfare while supporting responsible business practices.”

• Candidate Profiles – Maria Gonzales and Daniel Whitaker
  The candidates’ personal websites, linked in the article, offer campaign platforms, biographies, and policy statements. Gonzales’ site details her tenure on the planning board and her involvement with local non‑profits that focus on youth outreach. Whitaker’s profile highlights his legal practice, especially in municipal law, and a series of op‑eds advocating for “smart regulation” rather than outright bans.

• Ballot Measure Text – High Springs Alcohol Ordinance Commission Act
  A PDF link contains the full legislative text of the measure, including definitions of “alcoholic beverage,” “licensed premises,” and “commission authority.” It also delineates the timeline for the commission’s first meeting following election day, as well as the procedures for public input on proposed regulations.

• Local News Coverage – “High Springs News Daily”
  An earlier article from March 2025 reports on a pilot program that allowed a handful of microbreweries to operate under a temporary license. The pilot was cited as a precursor to the current ordinance, illustrating the city’s willingness to experiment with more flexible policies. The coverage includes interviews with brewery owners and city officials discussing the impact on local tourism.

Aftermath and Next Steps

With the ordinance approved, the High Springs City Council is set to convene an emergency meeting to appoint the commission’s inaugural members. Councilmember Reynolds has announced that the appointment process will involve public nominations and a vetting committee to ensure the selected candidates possess a balanced understanding of business and community concerns.

The commission’s first public hearing is scheduled for early January 2026, during which it will review the city’s current alcohol licensing backlog and propose preliminary regulations. Residents are encouraged to attend the hearing, which will be open to the public and streamed online, to voice their opinions and help shape the city’s alcohol policy framework.

In the broader context of Florida’s evolving approach to alcohol regulation—especially amid ongoing discussions at the state level about “late‑night” sales and licensing fees—High Springs’ move may serve as a model for other small cities grappling with similar tensions between economic development and public safety. As the commission prepares to draft its first set of ordinances, the community will watch closely to see whether the balance achieved this election translates into measurable improvements in public health and neighborhood livability.