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CRA approves $20,000 grant for free Saturday 'Springs Hopper' shuttle
Summary
The High Springs CRA voted 3–1 on April 23 to award Honeybee Ventures a $20,000 pilot grant to fund a free Saturday shuttle (11 a.m.–7 p.m.) operated by Get Up and Go Transport, aimed at boosting downtown visitation and reducing parking strain.
The High Springs Community Redevelopment Agency voted 3–1 on April 23 to approve a $20,000 project incentive grant to Honeybee Ventures to fund a pilot free Saturday shuttle called the 'Springs Hopper.' The board was presented with a staff recommendation explaining the shuttle would run Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., operate in a continuous loop between the Springs and the downtown business district, and include onboard sponsorship and digital advertising to help offset operating costs.
Staff said the grant request covers seasonal operating payments to Get Up and Go Transport, a local provider that would supply vans, drivers and insurance; project costs were estimated at about $30,000 with additional revenue from sponsorships and advertising. Commissioners asked whether the $20,000 would be paid as a lump sum or disbursed over the season, whether the city would receive certificates of insurance and indemnification language, and where stops would be located; staff said the route’s first stop would be in front of the Chamber of Commerce and that the High Springs History Museum would be an early stop on the loop.
Board members also discussed monitoring and performance metrics and noted stipulations in the grant agreement would require reimbursement if the program did not run as proposed. Using the CRA’s new scoring matrix (70 points is the reported threshold), the shuttle scored 81.25 combined points. A motion to fund the shuttle was made, seconded and passed by voice vote, recorded as three in favor and one opposed.
The board directed staff to obtain liability and automobile insurance information and indemnification language from Get Up and Go Transport and to route the agreement to the city attorney for review before final disbursement. The board also noted the program is a Saturday‑only pilot; if successful, staff hopes it could become an annual offering or attract additional private support.
Outcome and next steps: The CRA approved the $20,000 grant; staff will finalize contractual terms including insurance and reporting requirements and return documentation to the city attorney as requested.
