Eric was served on the High Springs city commission from November, 2009, through January 2012, and is the author, editor, and owner of this website.
Originally born in Gainesville, Florida, Eric May was raised for most of his life in his hometown of Newberry, FL. After moving to High Springs eight years ago, Eric began work as a website and graphic designer and computer technician. He is self-taught in the areas of digital design & computer repair and started his own company performing these duties at the age of 16.
Eric is married to his beautiful wife Jenna, who is received her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Florida and is currently working as an elementary school teacher. Eric and Jenna are both heavily involved in their church, including serving with youth and children. Both have a heart for the community of High Springs and hope to see the same atmosphere passed down to their future generations as well as incorporating new families to share it with them. Eric enjoys kayaking, fishing, playing the drums, computer design, training his dog, and spending time with his wife.
Eric,
Not sure if there is a place for this but I thought I would send it to you.
Setting the Record Straight
The High Springs City Commission recently spent $11,000 to conduct a forensic audit of the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). As part of their analysis, the auditor reviewed documentation only from the CRA for funding and grants given to the Main Street Program as well as the High Springs Community Theater, Hugh A Buie, Sr, and the New Century Women’s Club. The findings in the audit are based upon a very narrow definition of “redevelopment” that is not shared by many other CRA organizations in Florida and the information provided to the auditors was incomplete.
At a recent CRA meeting, Sylvia Newcomb accused the Main Street Program of “improperly handling money” and being “fiscally irresponsible.” Ann Carter said that “inappropriate money was taken “and “it did not belong to the people that took it.” Vice Mayor Bob Barnas said some of the money given to Main Street “went to pay for a $15,000 commercial for the Grady House.” Ms. Carter, the member of the board who states that she “loves the truth” wants everyone brought to justice. Recklessly, The CRA failed to take the time to get the facts before denigrating the Main Street Program, its volunteers and me.
The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is a governmental entity. CRA Plans are funded by incremental property value increases within the Community Redevelopment Area. Property value is determined as of a fixed date and tax revenues from increases in real property value are deposited into the Community Redevelopment Agency Trust Fund to be reinvested for the benefit of the redevelopment area. In High Springs, the CRA area is a designated area downtown. According to the Florida CRA, there is no specific determination of the projects which can be funded other than that “the plan must be consistent with the local government’s comprehensive plan.” The plan is a “living document” that can be updated and changed with the needs of the community. Our CRA has always (and still does) given money to groups for projects to enhance the downtown area. This is no different from CRA’s all over the State.
The Main Street Program operated under the private 501(c)3 non-profit corporation, Community Development Corporation (CDC). Over the years, Main Street received both public and private funding to provide education, support, guidance and vision for the preservation, improvement, economic restructuring and promotion of the historical High Springs downtown. During that time, the Main Street was granted funds by the City of High Springs and the CRA to support the Main Street Program. There were never any promises by, nor constraints put on, the Main Street Program with regard to the use of those funds. However, the Program Treasurer has always answered questions from the CRA Board and the Main Street/CDC’s Profit and Loss Statements were provided when requested. In addition, in 2010, the City’s appointed representative sat down with the Treasurer to ask questions and review the Quickbooks files and documentation. Moreover, the CDC recently underwent an IRS audit. There were no findings of conflicts of interest by board members or inappropriate use or documentation of funds by the Internal Revenue Service.
The money was spent consistent with the Main Street Program’s mission of promoting the historic downtown. Some of the projects included: Fantastic Fridays, Downtown Banners, Membership in the National Main Street Program, Salary for a full-time Manager, Façade Grants, New Business Packets, Managing the Farmer’s Market and Gateway Signs. There is absolutely no evidence whatsoever that Main Street improperly spent any funds given to it by the CRA.
The Grady House is a lovely bed and breakfast in High Springs that helps to bring over 1500 visitors to High Springs per year. There is no question it is the premier lodging establishment in High Springs. My husband and I have had the privilege of owning the Grady House for the past 6 years and have been extremely active in promoting all aspects of the area. I have served in many volunteer positions including as a member of the Mayor’s Economic Development Task Force, on the Board of The Chamber of Commerce and as an appointed member of the Alachua Tourist Development Council for several years. I also served on the CDC board as President for 4 years.
Back in 2008, Visit Florida made a video of High Springs. This video obviously has NOT been viewed by those who are now loudly “appalled” that money was improperly spent to make a “commercial” for the Grady House. The video http://www.visitflorida.com/video/310-high-springs which appears on the Visit Florida website is a wonderful travel promotion for High Springs and its good nature. Here are the facts about the video:
1. The funds for the Visit Florida video came from the CRA and Visit Gainesville. The CRA contributed $1500 (NOT $15,000). Recognizing the importance of publicity to the area, Visit Gainesville also contributed $1500 to its production. Visit Gainesville is our local tourism partner and obtains a great deal of its funding from local tourism tax dollars which are collected by hotels and bed and breakfasts, like the Grady House. Bed tax money must be used in a manner which will yield bed tax money. Visit Gainesville chose the Grady House to be the accommodation in the video.
2. The idea of the video was Visit Gainesville’s and Visit Florida’s. The planning, selection of a production company, editing, choice of locations, including the selection of the Grady House as one of the local businesses, was made by Visit Gainesville and Visit Florida. Grady House is the ONLY lodging in High Springs that is a Visit Florida partner.
3. On the video, the day started with a family having breakfast at the Grady House with the sign briefly displayed. Other signs displayed during the video were, The Great Outdoors, Mad Hatters, Ginnie Springs, the Santa Fe Canoe Outpost and “Welcome to High Springs.” The Ichetucknee River, Blue Springs, downtown and the Farmer’s Market were also featured in the video.
4. My husband, Paul, was asked to be the narrator by the makers of the video. He is not only an articulate speaker but a passionate supporter of High Springs. There was no script given but what you hear on the video from Paul is from the heart and his love of the area. Significantly, Paul did not mention the Grady House at all. The video was about our City and Paul talked about a day in High Springs with all of the beauty, fun and interesting activities it has to offer.
5. The CDC worked with Wes Skiles who, graciously, offered some of his treasured and unique underwater footage which was included in the video. Mr. Skiles, too, loved High Springs and wanted to feature its resources.
A magnificent video to promote High Springs, and all it has to offer, was made by Visit Florida at a cost of $1500 by the CRA. It emphasized the beauty, the uniqueness and the friendliness of this small town. The video still appears on the website 4 years later. I would say that is a great return on investment.