ALACHUA ‒ In a blend of food, community spirit and fundraising, local leaders once again stepped behind the counter to help raise money for cancer research during a Relay for Life fundraiser held Wednesday, March 5, 2026, at Mi Apa Latin Café in Alachua.

The annual event, known as “Stick a Fork in Cancer,” brings community volunteers into local restaurants to serve customers while raising funds for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. During the event, the Alachua Mi Apa donated a percentage of its proceeds to support the organization’s cancer research and patient services programs.

City of Alachua commissioners, staff members and public safety officials volunteered as guest servers during both breakfast and lunch shifts, greeting customers, delivering meals and helping encourage donations.

The “Stick a Fork in Cancer” initiative is held in communities across the country as part of broader efforts supporting the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life program, which raises funds for cancer research, patient assistance and community education.

For Alachua participants, the event provided an opportunity not only to serve meals but also to help raise awareness and financial support for those affected by cancer.

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ALACHUA – Teams from across the region gathered in Alachua for the 49^th Annual Santa Fe Raider Softball Classic, a long-running tournament that once again showcased competitive high school softball and continued a nearly five-decade tradition connected to Santa Fe High School.

This year’s tournament was played at the Hal Brady Complex softball fields, where teams competed throughout the event in a slate of games highlighting both established programs and emerging talent. The Raider Classic has become a staple of the local spring sports calendar and continues to attract strong participation from teams seeking early-season competition.

Over the years, the Raider Softball Classic has built a reputation for drawing quality teams and providing a competitive environment early in the high school season. Coaches often use the tournament as an opportunity to evaluate their teams against strong opponents while giving players valuable experience in tournament-style play.

Spectators lined the fences at the Hal Brady Complex during the tournament, watching teams battle through multiple matchups on the complex’s softball fields.

For Santa Fe High School, the event represents both tradition and an opportunity to showcase the school’s softball program. Raider players took the field in front of family members and local supporters while competing against visiting teams in a tournament that has now spanned nearly half a century.

As the 49^th edition concluded, the Santa Fe Raider Softball Classic once again delivered a weekend of competitive play and community support, reinforcing the tournament’s role as a highlight of the area’s high school softball season.

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NEWBERRY – The Newberry City Commission opened its Feb. 23, 2026, meeting with a standing ovation for Calita Wilcox, who was honored with a proclamation recognizing her years of service and her selection as Crossing Guard of the Year.

Mayor Tim Marden presented the proclamation, outlining Wilcox’s decades of dedication to public service and the community. Though a native of Archer, Marden noted that Wilcox was raised in Newberry and graduated as a member of the Class of 1982.

According to the proclamation, Wilcox has devoted more than 30 years of service to the state of Florida, including 18 years working in corrections. City leaders described her career as reflecting a lifelong commitment to public service, responsibility and care for others.

Marden said she continues that spirit of service through her faith and volunteerism, serving on the usher board at Bethel Church in Lake City, volunteering weekly at food distributions in Archer and personally delivering food to neighbors who are unable to attend in person.

In addition to her volunteer efforts, Wilcox serves as a poll worker during elections, further demonstrating her commitment to civic engagement and community trust.

City officials also highlighted her role as a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who leads by example through kindness, generosity and compassion.

As a crossing guard for the City of Newberry, Wilcox has extended her impact beyond traffic safety. Marden said she ensures not only the safety of children but also brings joy to their school days — whether through holiday gifts, handing out cold popsicles on warm afternoons or creating memorable moments such as leading students across the crosswalk wearing reindeer antlers during the holidays.

The proclamation noted that many of her acts of kindness go largely unnoticed because she does not seek recognition, choosing instead to serve humbly and wholeheartedly.

Marden stated that Wilcox was rightfully selected as Crossing Guard of the Year, calling the honor a reflection of her dedication, compassion and the profound impact she has on children and families in Newberry.

City Manager Jordan Marlowe said he has observed that Wilcox knows every child’s name and the time individual children usually cross the street on their way to school each morning.

Alachua County Sheriff Chad Scott attended the meeting to recognize Wilcox as well. He cited several examples of her kindness and service and said he was pleased to be present to honor her dedication to the community.

Wilcox, visibly surprised by the recognition, thanked the City of Newberry for the proclamation and expressed appreciation for the honor.

Through her work at the crosswalk and her volunteer efforts beyond it, city leaders said Wilcox exemplifies the kind of quiet, consistent commitment that makes a lasting difference in Newberry.

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ALACHUA – The Alachua City Commission voted 4–1 on March 9, 2026, to authorize demolition of the Cleather H. Hathcock, Sr. Community Center, a city-owned facility long used for community gatherings and events at 15818 N.W. 140^th Street.

The vote clears the way for demolition of the existing building and allows the city to continue moving forward with plans for a new community center to replace the aging structure.

City Manager Rodolfo Valladares presented the item to commissioners, summarizing findings from two professional evaluations commissioned by the city to determine whether the decades-old building could feasibly be repaired, relocated or should be replaced.

“The assessments identified significant structural deterioration and several code compliance deficiencies,” Valladares told the commission.

The studies included a structural observation by GSE Engineering & Consulting and a facility condition and code compliance assessment by Monarch Design Group.

According to Valladares’ presentation and the accompanying reports, moisture damage in the crawl space beneath the building has compromised portions of the floor framing system, resulting in sagging joists, deteriorated wood members and corrosion on roof truss fasteners.

Engineers also reported that the building lacks hurricane tie-down connections required under modern construction standards and that the existing floor framing system does not meet current Florida Building Code load requirements for assembly spaces such as community halls.

The structural report concluded that rehabilitation of the building could cost roughly $275,000 to $550,000, depending on the scope of repairs required to address the damage and bring the structure up to current code standards.

If the city attempted to relocate the building, an option that had previously been discussed as a way to preserve the structure, engineers estimated that could add another $180,000 to $350,000 in costs, not including the necessary structural repairs.

By comparison, the report estimated that constructing a new building of similar size and function could cost approximately $625,000.

The Monarch assessment identified additional issues related to life safety and accessibility that would also have to be addressed if the building remained in use.

Inspectors found disconnected smoke detectors throughout the facility and noted the absence of horn-and-strobe emergency notification systems required for occupant alerts during fires or other emergencies.

They also reported exit signage directing occupants toward a storage room rather than an approved egress route and an exit door that does not meet modern emergency exit requirements.

Accessibility issues were also significant. The building’s restrooms and kitchen areas do not comply with current Americans with Disabilities Act standards, and inspectors concluded the existing floor plan likely lacks the space needed to reconfigure those areas without expanding the structure.

Taken together, the reports suggested that bringing the building up to current code standards would require extensive work and significant expense.

Vice Mayor Shirley Green Brown made the motion authorizing demolition of the existing structure and directing staff to continue moving forward with the design of the replacement facility. Commissioner Dayna Williams seconded the motion.

After Mayor Walter Welch asked for public comment and hearing none, the commission proceeded to vote.

Commissioners Williams, Jennifer Ringersen, Green Brown and Welch voted in favor of demolition.

Commissioner Jacob Fletcher cast the lone dissenting vote, raising a concern about how the agenda item appeared on the city’s website and whether it clearly signaled that demolition would be discussed.

“I access the agenda the same way the public would access this,” Fletcher said during the meeting. “There seems to be no notice to the public that this was a conversation we were going to have today. So, I’m going to have to vote no.”

The discussion itself was brief and followed months of public conversation about the future of the facility. City officials had previously reviewed the project during a commission meeting in September 2025 and later conducted community workshops to gather resident input on the design and programming for a replacement center.

During the meeting, Fletcher also asked whether the building’s condition meant certain activities would need to remain relocated.

Valladares confirmed that leaving the building closed until a replacement facility is constructed was the safest course of action for liability and public safety reasons.

Although the vote formally addresses the fate of the existing building, the discussion also marks another step toward a new community center that city leaders say will better serve Alachua’s growing population.

Concepts previously presented to commissioners include larger multi-purpose rooms capable of hosting major community events, vocational training space, computer labs and flexible meeting areas designed to accommodate both youth and senior programs.

Public feedback gathered through city workshops also highlighted interest in outdoor features such as a shaded stage or amphitheater and expanded space for community festivals and gatherings.

City officials have also discussed improving access to the site, including paving Northwest 159^th Lane and upgrading sidewalks and parking areas to make the facility easier to reach and fully ADA compliant.

For many residents, the Hathcock Center has long served as a neighborhood gathering place for meetings, celebrations and local programs. But the structural reports presented to commissioners reinforced what city leaders have increasingly concluded in recent years — that the building has reached a point where renovation could approach the cost of replacement.

With the demolition vote now approved, attention now turns to what comes next. City leaders say the goal is not simply to replace the aging structure, but to create a larger, more modern community gathering place designed to host the events, programs and celebrations that have long made the Hathcock Center a focal point of civic life in Alachua.

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HIGH SPRINGS – Sidewalks lined with artwork, storefronts buzzing with shoppers and the steady rhythm of a walkable downtown will once again define High Springs when the seasonal High Springs Art Walk returns Saturday, March 21, 2026.

The event will take place from noon to 5 p.m. in historic downtown High Springs and is expected to feature 15 to 20 local artists and makers displaying their work along the district’s charming sidewalks. Visitors can browse paintings, handcrafted goods and other creative pieces while enjoying the area’s eclectic mix of restaurants and shops known for their small-town hospitality.

Organizers describe the Art Walk as a community favorite that celebrates local creativity while supporting downtown businesses.

“This beloved seasonal event provides a vibrant platform for local artists and artisans to display their talents and offer their creations for sale in front of participating storefronts,” organizers said in a release announcing the event.

Artists will set up in front of participating downtown merchants, creating an open-air gallery experience that invites visitors to stroll, shop and engage directly with creators. Many businesses will offer special promotions and sales throughout the afternoon.

In addition to the outdoor displays, Lanza Gallery & Art Supplies will host a featured exhibit inside its space.

“Inside Lanza Gallery & Art Supplies, guests will find the ‘Mini Mini Art Exhibit,’ featuring several tables of small, affordable artworks created by the gallery’s house artists, perfect for collectors and gift-seekers alike,” organizers said.

The “Mini Mini Art Exhibit” will be held for two weekends only, concluding Saturday, March 28.

The Art Walk has become a recurring seasonal event in High Springs, drawing residents and visitors alike to explore downtown’s blend of art, dining and retail offerings. By pairing local artists with established storefronts, the event aims to strengthen both the creative community and the city’s historic business district.

Organizers are also inviting additional artists and creators to participate in future Art Walk events. Those interested are encouraged to email a photo of their work to downtownhighsprings@gmail.com for consideration.

The High Springs Art Walk is free and open to the public.

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NEWBERRY – Newberry city commissioners took steps to align park properties with their current use while also discussing long-term recreation improvements during the March 9, 2026, City Commission meeting.

Much of the meeting focused on land use changes affecting several city-owned parks, as commissioners unanimously approved two ordinances intended to better reflect the properties’ existing use and support future recreational planning.

Park Land Use Changes Approved

During a legislative public hearing, commissioners approved Ordinance No. 2026-19/CPA 26-08 on second reading. The city-initiated ordinance amends the Future Land Use Map for several municipal parks, including Barry Park, Martin Luther King Jr. Park, Lois Forte Park and Jimmy Durden Park.

The amendment changes the land use classification of those properties from Commercial, Recreation and Residential Low Density to Public Facilities and Land, a designation intended to better match how the sites are currently used.

City officials said the change will help guide long-term planning for park expansion and improvements. The objective of the amendment is to allow the city to expand parks where possible, preserve and acquire additional greenspace, coordinate park growth with the city’s comprehensive plan and improve accessibility at existing facilities.

Commissioners also approved Ordinance No. 2026-20/LDR 26-10 on second reading following a quasi-judicial public hearing. The ordinance rezones the same park properties to the Public Facilities zoning district.

The rezoning changes the parks’ zoning classifications from Commercial Central Business District, Residential (Mixed) Single Family/Mobile Home-2 and Residential Single Family-2 to Public Facilities. Officials said the zoning change supports the same goal of expanding and enhancing recreational space throughout the city.

Annexed Parcel Ordinances Move Forward

The commission also approved two additional ordinances related to a privately owned parcel previously annexed into the city.

Commissioners unanimously approved Ordinance No. 2025-43/CPA 25-13, a small-scale Future Land Use Map amendment that changes the designation of parcel number 04377-011-000 from Alachua County Rural/Agriculture to City of Newberry Agriculture.

The item had previously been removed from consideration at the request of the property owner due to concerns about the size limitations for accessory dwelling units. City officials said that after the city revised its regulations regarding accessory dwelling unit size, the owner requested the item return for a second hearing so a building permit application could proceed.

Following a quasi-judicial hearing, commissioners also approved Ordinance No. 2025-58/Petition LDR 25-21, which rezones the same parcel from Alachua County Agriculture to City of Newberry Agricultural.

Recreation Projects Discussed

In addition to the ordinance approvals, commissioners discussed future recreation projects as Parks and Recreation Director Rod Clark sought direction on updates to the city’s Recreation Master Plan for Champions Park South and Martin Luther King Jr. Park.

Champions Park South was discussed as the preferred location for a future gymnasium. Commissioners indicated the facility should be designed to accommodate four courts to support long-term community growth and recreational demand.

Commissioner Mark Clark suggested the building should also be designed so it can be expanded in future years if additional space is needed. The potential project was discussed as a $3 million investment.

Commissioners agreed staff should move forward with planning for the gymnasium concept.

Clark also requested guidance on the master plan for Martin Luther King Jr. Park, where several proposed improvements were discussed.

All three concepts presented included relocating the basketball court to the east side of the park. Commissioners also discussed increasing parking capacity, with Clark suggesting that closing a road within the park could allow for additional parking space.

Additional recreational features were also discussed, including the possibility of adding adult fitness opportunities such as pickleball courts. A covered court was also mentioned as a potential future improvement.

City Manager Jordan Marlowe noted that covering a court would likely need to wait until a later phase of the project so the city could apply for a Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) grant to help fund the improvement.

Commissioners unanimously directed staff to proceed with planning based on the concepts discussed, with Clark expected to return with additional information as the planning process continues.

The Newberry City Commission will meet again at 7 p.m. on March 23, with a Board of Adjustment meeting scheduled immediately afterward.

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TALLAHASSEE – United States Attorney John P. Heekin highlighted a year of expanded prosecutions, civil recoveries and appellate work in a summary of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida’s accomplishments during 2025.

In announcing the annual summary, Heekin said the office advanced the priorities of the U.S. Department of Justice while focusing on public safety and enforcement across northern Florida.

“This past year was momentous for the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida as we capably answered the calls to action by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi while fulfilling the vital mission of the Department of Justice,” Heekin said. “Through our work, we have demonstrated our unwavering commitment to the rule of law and the safety and well-being of our communities.”

Heekin credited partnerships with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and said those relationships would continue to be strengthened in 2026 “as we strive toward delivering safe streets for our residents.”

Criminal Division activity

The U.S. Attorney’s Office divides its federal casework among three divisions: Criminal, Civil and Appellate.

According to the annual summary, the Criminal Division played a central role in enforcement efforts during 2025 through Operation Take Back America, a Department of Justice initiative aimed at addressing illegal immigration, dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and combating violent crime, drug trafficking and human trafficking.

During calendar year 2025, prosecutors in the Northern District of Florida reported:

• 391 criminal defendants charged;
• 293 guilty pleas entered;
• 35 criminal jury trials conducted;
• 984 direct contacts with crime victims; and
• 9,818 written notifications issued to crime victims.

The office said those efforts focused on communities impacted by illegal drugs and criminal violence.

Civil Division recoveries

The Civil Division represents the United States in civil litigation, defends federal agencies and employees, and pursues affirmative cases to recover funds lost to fraud or improper claims. The division also enforces criminal and civil monetary judgments through its Financial Litigation Program.

In 2025, the Civil Division reported:

• Representation of federal agencies in 53 newly filed defensive cases;
• Recovery of $1.7 million through settlements resolving false claims against the federal government;
• Collection of $6.4 million in criminal money judgments;
• Nearly $4 million applied toward victim restitution through asset forfeiture restoration; and
• More than $1 million distributed to state and local law enforcement agencies through the Equitable Sharing Program.

Appellate work

The Appellate Division represents the government in appeals before the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. During 2025, the division handled:

• 105 appeals, including 93 criminal and 12 civil appeals;
• 113 responses to post-conviction motions; and
• 80 appellate decisions affirming district court rulings in favor of the government.

Looking ahead

“The substantial accomplishments of 2025 are merely the foundation upon which we will build even greater achievements in 2026,” Heekin said.

He added that expectations set by the president and attorney general call for continued focus on public safety and oversight of federal programs.

“In 2026, we will remain tireless in our pursuit of justice on behalf of our citizens and committed to making the Northern District of Florida the absolute best – and safest – place in America to live, work and raise a family,” Heekin said.

More information about the Northern District of Florida’s responsibilities and divisions is available through the Department of Justice.

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~ The following is a press release provided by Florida TaxWatch. It has been published here as received, without additional reporting or editing by Alachua County Today staff. ~ 

Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Florida TaxWatch released a second report, Save Our Taxpayers – Property Tax Relief Must be Accomplished Equitably, as a follow up to its original report Options to Eliminate or Reduce the Property Tax Burden on Florida Homeowners primer, as the 2026 Legislative Session commences. This report examines the Florida House of Representative’s proposals, provides the fiscal impact of each, and calls for a ‘Save Our Taxpayers’ ballot amendment for equitable property tax relief.

Property taxes are by far the largest source of tax revenue for Florida’s local governments, generating $59.2 billion in FY2025-26 for counties, school districts, municipalities, and special districts, and that amount is rising rapidly. Of this total, more than $20 billion is paid by Florida homeowners. This revenue funds critical government services such as public safety, fire protection, education, and sanitation.

Florida TaxWatch President and CEO Jeff Kottkamp said, “While the Governor and many in the Legislature want to bring a property tax relief proposal to the voters in 2026, they are far from a consensus of what that proposal will look like. Property tax levies, fueled by rising property values, are increasing rapidly in Florida. They have more than doubled in the last 10 years, including 50 percent growth in the last four years. In turn, many local government budgets have dramatically increased over the last 10 years.

“Providing property tax relief to Florida taxpayers is commendable and the focus on homestead property by the Governor and the Legislature is understandable. But putting a proposal on the 2026 ballot to eliminate all property taxes, without also addressing ever escalating local government spending, is not advisable.

“Florida TaxWatch provides six recommendations, with actionable items, calling for a ‘Save Our Taxpayers’ amendment to replace the current inadequate 10 percent non-homestead assessment cap with one that matches the Save Our Homes cap of the lesser of three percent or inflation for all property owners. We look forward to working with policymakers to ensure property tax relief is equitable for all of Florida’s hardworking taxpayers.”

Those who have been bearing the brunt of rising property taxes should not be forgotten. This includes renters, businesses, people renovating or building an addition to their home, people moving to Florida, and new homeowners. Almost all of the proposals before the Legislature would increase the tax shift from homestead to non-homestead property that already stands at more than $10 billion and growing.

The time is right for a “Save Our Taxpayers” cap to be created, limiting the increases in assessments for both homestead and non-homestead property at the same growth rate. This has been a long-standing Florida TaxWatch recommendation and its research helped to get the constitutional amendment on the ballot that created the 10 percent homestead cap in 2008.

Based on the findings in this report, Florida TaxWatch recommends:

1. The Legislature should not attempt to put a constitutional amendment on the November 2026 ballot to eliminate all property taxes, even if it is limited to non-school property tax levies. Undertaking such a major change in Florida’s tax system should not be attempted without a comprehensive reform plan, including local government efficiency and fiscal responsibility, ensuring the provision of critical government services, and safeguards against the shifting taxes to non-homestead properties.

2. A “Save Our Taxpayers” amendment should be put before the voters to replace the current inadequate 10 percent non-homestead assessment cap with one that matches the Save Our Homes cap of the lesser of three percent or inflation. This would help stop the current tax shift and ensure that all taxpayers are treated more fairly.

3. The Legislature should create an additional exemption for new homeowners—for example, 25 percent of the new home’s initial assessed value. This could be structured so that the new homeowner would have an immediate 25 percent reduction in value which would then be phased out (dollar for dollar) as their Save Our Homes differential increases. This would reduce the cost of buying a home, especially in the first year, helping more Floridians achieve the goal of homeownership.

4. If the Legislature wants to create a new homestead exemption, it should consider making the amount equal to a percentage of the median home value in the county where the home is located. Instead of a the same “one size fits all” amount for all homes statewide, tying the size of the exemption to each home’s value would make the tax savings relatively greater for those in the county with lower home values and therefore likely lower incomes. By acknowledging the difference in median home values between counties, it could help fiscally constrained counties deal with the revenue loss.

5. Any new property tax benefit for homestead property only should be accompanied by a requirement that local governments adopt the rolled-back rate after adding back any taxable value lost to the new exemption, at least temporarily. This would ensure that tax burden is not shifted to other properties, but also that taxpayers receive the full value of the exemption the Legislature (and voters) expected.

6. The Legislature should reform the Value Adjustment Board system, especially increasing the independence of VABs from the local officials that spend the money. A three percent success rate for taxpayers challenging their assessments (for people outside of Miami-Dade County) does not indicate a fair system.

Florida TaxWatch also examines the Florida House of Representatives’ seven proposed constitutional amendments and one statutory change, including the fiscal impact of each, which may be found on pages 5 through 8 here.

About Florida TaxWatch
As an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit government watchdog and taxpayer research institute, and the trusted “eyes and ears” of Florida taxpayers for more than 45 years, Florida TaxWatch (FTW) works to improve the productivity and accountability of Florida government. Its research recommends productivity enhancements and explains the statewide impact of fiscal and economic policies and practices on taxpayers and businesses. FTW is supported by its membership via voluntary, tax-deductible donations and private grants. Donations provide a solid, lasting foundation that has enabled FTW to bring about a more effective, responsive government that is more accountable to, and productive for, the taxpayers it has served since 1979. For more information, please visit www.floridataxwatch.org.

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~ The following is a press release provided by the office of Governor Ron DeSantis. It has been published here as received, without additional reporting or editing by Alachua County Today staff. ~ 

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis joined First Lady Casey DeSantis and Mayo Clinic President and CEO Dr. Kent Thielen to announce that Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville is launching the first carbon ion therapy program in America and the only carbon ion therapy program in the Western Hemisphere.

“Our administration is committed to fighting cancer by making targeted investments in innovative therapies that have the potential to save lives," said Governor Ron DeSantis. "During my time as governor, we’ve increased funding for cancer research and treatment programs by more than 114 percent. The Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program has strengthened Florida’s position as a national leader in cancer research and innovation. We’re proud that Mayo Clinic chose Florida as the home for this groundbreaking initiative, and we look forward to seeing how these cutting-edge therapies give hope to patients fighting some of the most aggressive and treatment-resistant cancers.”

In June 2025, Mayo Clinic opened the 228,000-square-foot Duan Family Building in Jacksonville to expand cancer treatment and research. The new facility will be uniquely designed to deliver both carbon ion therapy and proton therapy, including the ability to treat the same tumor with either approach for greater precision.

“Under the Governor’s leadership, Florida continues to lead in innovation, and today at Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, we are proving that this leadership extends beyond our state, transforming not only how we care for Floridians, but also how the rest of America approaches cancer treatment,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “This state-of-the-art technology was made possible, in part, through funding from the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program.”

Mayo Clinic expects proton therapy to begin in 2027 and carbon ion therapy to begin in 2028. Patients will benefit from expanded care well before then through additional services already being offered at the facility, including photon therapy, immunotherapy, CAR-T cell therapy, advanced imaging, and other specialized cancer services.

Carbon ion therapy is one of the most advanced radiation treatment technologies in the world, designed for hard-to-treat and treatment-resistant cancers. Until now, the therapy has only been available at a limited number of centers in Asia and Europe.

Florida continues to invest heavily in cancer research and treatment. Since 2019, Florida has invested more than $1 billion, increasing cancer program funding by more than 114% and committing nearly $218 million for cancer research in 2025 alone.

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• Bradford County Board of County Commissioners ($5,951,403) - to structurally reinforce the roadway by adding base, pavement and re-establish the roadside swales by regrading and adding erosion protection.
• Citrus County Board of County Commissioners ($16,435,400) – to support the replacement of a sanitary sewer system following stormwater intrusion and increased flows caused by the 2023 and 2024 storms. Upgrading these systems will expand capacity and help alleviate long-standing constraints on the county’s ability to grow, supporting future business development.  
• City of Arcadia 
  o   $14,233,044 – to widen the main stormwater channel in the city,         providing additional storage during storms.  
  o   $8,514,000 – to construct and expand the wastewater treatment plant. 
• City of Live Oak ($3,895,500) – to construct a 100,000-gallon water storage tank and support a water line loop project.  
• City of Macclenny ($7,028,700) – to harden and modernize the Ohio Street Water Treatment Plant by upgrading and improving software and equipment. 
• City of Palatka ($4,932,396) - to harden and expand the capacity of the city’s wastewater treatment plant to handle future wet weather surges. 
• City of Wauchula ($2,386,500) – to support wastewater system repairs, rehabilitation and floodwater mitigation.  
• Columbia County Board of County Commissioners ($4,000,000) – to upgrade and harden community shelters in Columbia County.  
• DeSoto County Board of County Commissioners ($8,000,000) – to construct and install wells and a pumping system to connect the wastewater treatment plant to the disposal wells—providing a more secure, underground disposal method for treated wastewater.  
• Hardee County Board of County Commissioners ($1,900,000) – to remove vegetative debris from the Peace River Waterway system. 
• Jacksonville Electric Authority ($20,000,000) – to redirect all wastewater flows to Jacksonville Electric Authority’s existing, reliable wastewater treatment facility.   
• Okeechobee County Board of County Commissioners ($2,720,000) – to rehabilitate, preserve and harden five critical county-owned bridges.  
• Peace River Watershed Project ($70,000,000) – to support the water infrastructure repair project in Polk County—ensuring restoration and resiliency that manages flood risk and water quality impairment through habitat restoration.  
• Santa Fe College ($5,000,000) – to repair and upgrade the campus gymnasium due to significant roof damage from the 2023 and 2024 Storms.  
• Sebring Airport Authority ($3,044,630) – to demolish and replace the existing stormwater system and associated infrastructure at Sebring Regional Airport and Multimodal Logistics Center. 
• Suwannee County Board of County Commissioners ($38,044,115) – to construct the North Florida Regional Special Needs Emergency Shelter.   
• Town of Glen St. Mary ($1,339,500) – to harden the wastewater collection system by installing permanent standby generators for the sanitary sewer lift stations.  
• Town of St. Lucie Village ($12,124,812) – to construct a resilient, centralized potable water supply system for the town’s public use. 
• Union County Board of County Commissioners ($1,401,750) – to construct a hardened public safety communications tower and upgrade the county’s current emergency dispatch system.  
• Village of Indiantown  
  o   $9,300,000 – to construct a new Reverse Osmosis water treatment plant, replacing existing outdated systems.  
  o   $7,900,000 – to replace 13,000 linear feet of the main water transmission main for the Village. 

• City of Avon Park ($22,248,529) – to assess, evaluate, repair, sleeve or rebuild the facilities at the City of Avon Park’s Sanitary Sewer Collection System.
• Immokalee Water and Sewer District ($10,823,000) – to improve the existing wastewater treatment plant, addressing hydraulic imbalances, enhancing treatment reliability and providing surge capacity necessary to manage extreme wet-weather inflows.
• Town of Dundee
  o   $6,008,781 – to harden the town’s sanitary sewer collection system and install monitoring equipment at the town’s wastewater treatment plant. 
  o   $10,257,429 – to repair damage and harden the town’s potable water system.

• City of Frostproof ($238,991) – to extend an existing water main, designing a 12-inch loop allowing for extension to the area proposed as the Duke Readiness Center. 
• City of Lake City ($1,788,415) – to replace a hangar at the Lake City Gateway Airport significantly damaged by Hurricane Idalia.  
• City of Okeechobee ($1,200,000) – to support a construction project aimed at improving public infrastructure, facilitating expansion within an existing industrial site, including the resurfacing of two major roads that provide access to the Okeechobee Commerce Center. 
• City of Wauchula ($510,000) – to enhance the existing water distribution system by installing approximately 7,100 linear feet of water main, enhancing fire protection along Townsend Street to U.S. Highway 17. 
• Columbia County Board of County Commissioners ($2,000,000) – to construct an inbound and outbound rail track serving the North Florida Mega Industrial Park.  
• Hardee County ($250,000) – to build a dewatering facility, reducing long-term disposal costs. 
• Hardee County Industrial Development Authority ($226,250) – to continue their centralized parking construction, including the relocation of electrical utilities underground. 
• Keystone Heights Airport Authority ($2,950,450) – to construct a runway extension to Runway 2.   
• Okeechobee Utility Authority ($1,000,000) – to install pipe and corresponding water mains to connect previously completed water infrastructure. 
• Putnam County Board of County Commissioners ($3,000,000) – to construct and commission critical public infrastructure at the Central Landfill in Putnam County.  
• Town of Zolfo Springs ($300,000) – to conduct a comprehensive Sanitary Sewer Evaluation Survey which will identify infiltration and inflow sources and address challenges from power outages, lift station failures and aging infrastructure.  

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TALLAHASSEE – Florida students are invited to take part in the 2025 Native American Heritage Month art and essay contests, celebrating this year’s theme: “Celebrating Florida’s Native American Heritage,” according to an announcement Thursday from the Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida.

Native American Heritage Month is observed nationwide each November and serves as a time to acknowledge the cultural, historical and artistic contributions of Native Americans. This year’s contests are designed to encourage students across all grade levels to explore and share stories of Florida’s Native American leaders, artists and historical figures.

“We are proud to offer students opportunities to learn from and honor the Native Americans who have shaped Florida’s story,” said Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas. “I encourage every student to learn about our Native American history and discover the remarkable achievements they made.”

Volunteer Florida CEO Josie Tamayo echoed the message, stating, “I am proud to celebrate the culture and heritage of Native Americans who enrich the value of our Nation. During Native American Heritage Month, we honor the many contributions of Native American Floridians.”

Art Contest Details

All Florida students are eligible to participate. Students in grades K–3 may enter the art contest by submitting one original, two-dimensional piece of artwork reflecting this year’s theme. Four statewide winners will be selected, with each receiving a $200 gift card for school supplies and a one-year pass to Florida State Parks.

Essay Contest Details

Students in grades 4–12 may enter the essay contest. Six winners will be chosen—two from each grade level group (4–5, 6–8, 9–12). Each winning essayist will receive a two-year Florida College Plan scholarship from the Florida Prepaid College Foundation and a $200 school-supply gift card. Essays must be written in English, no longer than 500 words, and focus on a Native American Floridian who has had a meaningful impact on the state’s history or culture.

Examples of suggested subjects include Betty Mae Tiger Jumper, the first woman elected Chair of the Seminole Tribe of Florida; Ulele, sometimes referred to as “Florida’s Timucuan Pocahontas”; Osceola, a prominent advocate for Seminole rights in the 1800s; and Noah Billie, a noted Seminole painter.

Excellence in Education Award

The Governor’s Native American Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award is open to all full-time educators in Florida’s elementary, middle and high schools. Four winners will be selected. Nominations may be submitted by teachers, principals, parents, guardians or students. Winners will receive $2,500 from Volunteer Florida.

How to Enter

Contest entry forms and educator nomination forms may be submitted online or mailed to:

Volunteer Florida

Native American Heritage Month Committee

1545 Raymond Diehl Road, Suite 250

Tallahassee, Florida 32308

All entries must be received by 5 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, Nov. 21, 2025. Additional information is available at www.floridanativeamericanheritage.com.

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Neuropathy is essentially a “glitch” in your body’s electrical system. It occurs when nerves — usually the peripheral nerves outside of your brain and spinal cord — become damaged or destroyed.

Instead of sending clear signals to your brain, these damaged nerves might send “phantom” pain signals, or stop sending signals altogether. It often feels like tingling, burning, or a numb “pins and needles” sensation, typically starting in the hands or feet.

Common Medications for Neuropathy

Treating neuropathy is usually a two-front war: managing the pain and addressing the underlying cause (like diabetes or vitamin deficiencies). Because “normal” painkillers like ibuprofen often don't touch nerve pain, doctors usually turn to these categories:

Anticonvulsants (Seizure Meds)

These are often the first line of defense. They work by "calming down" the overactive nerve cells that are firing off pain signals.

• Gabapentin (Neurontin): Very common; helps dampen the intensity of nerve firing.
• Pregabalin (Lyrica): Similar to Gabapentin but often works faster and is more easily absorbed.

Antidepressants

You don't have to be depressed to take these for neuropathy. They interfere with the chemical processes in your brain and spinal cord that cause you to feel pain.

• SNRIs (e.g., Duloxetine/Cymbalta): Often used for diabetic neuropathy.
• Tricyclic Antidepressants (e.g., Amitriptyline): Older meds that are very effective for nerve pain, though they can cause drowsiness.

Topical Treatments

If the pain is localized to a specific spot, sometimes it's better to treat the skin directly rather than taking a pill.

• Lidocaine Patches: Numb the area temporarily.
• Capsaicin Cream: Derived from chili peppers; it can actually “exhaust” the pain messengers in your nerves, though it might sting at first.

Pain Relievers

• OTC Meds: Acetaminophen or NSAIDs (Advil/Aleve) might help with mild symptoms but are generally less effective for deep nerve damage.
• Opioids: Generally considered a last resort due to the risk of addiction and the fact that they aren't always effective for chronic nerve pain.

              Prosper and be in health.

William Garst is a consultant pharmacist who lives in Alachua, Florida. He is semi-retired and works part time at Lake Butler Hospital in Lake Butler, Florida. William received his pharmacy degree at Auburn University and a Doctor of Pharmacy from Colorado University. The Pharmacy Newsletter is a blog where you can find other informative columns. He may be contacted at garstcph@gmail.com.

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Using an inhaler seems straightforward, but it’s actually a high-precision task. If the technique isn't quite right, the medication often ends up hitting the back of your throat instead of reaching your lungs where it’s needed.

Here is a guide to help you master the puff.

The Pre-Game Checklist

Before you even take a breath, make sure the device is ready to perform.

• Check the Dose Counter: It sounds obvious, but many people keep “puffing” an empty canister. If it’s in the red or at zero, it's time for a replacement.
• Shake it Up: Most Metered-Dose Inhalers (MDIs) are suspensions. Shake the inhaler for 5 seconds to mix the medicine with the propellant. (Note: Dry Powder Inhalers do not need shaking).
• Prime the Pump: If you haven’t used the inhaler in a few days (or if it’s brand new), spray it twice into the air to ensure the next dose is full strength.

Perfecting the Technique

The goal is to create a clear “highway” for the mist or powder to travel down.

For Metered-Dose Inhalers (MDIs - the “L” shaped ones)

1. Exhale Fully: Breathe out away from the inhaler until your lungs feel empty. This creates space for the medication.
2. Posture Matters: Sit up straight or stand. Tilt your chin up slightly to straighten the airway.
3. The Slow Sip: Start inhaling slowly and deeply just as you press the canister. Think of it like a long, steady straw sip, not a quick gasp.
4. The 10-Second Hold: Hold your breath for 10 seconds (or as long as comfortable) to let the particles settle deep in the lungs.

For Dry Powder Inhalers (DPIs - like Diskus or Ellipta)

• The Quick Snap: Unlike MDIs, DPIs require a quick, forceful breath to “suck” the powder out.
• Keep it Dry: Never exhale into a DPI, as the moisture from your breath can clump the powder.

Pro-Tips for Better Results

Maintenance & Storage

• Clean the Plastic: Once a week, remove the metal canister and wash the plastic actuator with warm water. Let it air dry. Clogged nozzles lead to uneven doses.
• Temperature Control: Don't leave inhalers in a hot car. Extreme heat can cause the canister to burst or the medication to degrade.

Common Mistake to Avoid

The “Tongue Block”: Make sure your tongue is on the floor of your mouth. If your tongue is up, it acts like a shield, and the medicine just sticks to it instead of going down your windpipe.

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William Garst is a consultant pharmacist who lives in Alachua, Florida. He is semi-retired and works part time at Lake Butler Hospital in Lake Butler, Florida. William received his pharmacy degree at Auburn University and a Doctor of Pharmacy from Colorado University. The Pharmacy Newsletter is a blog where you can find other informative columns. He may be contacted at garstcph@gmail.com.

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Managing glaucoma requires a commitment to a daily routine. Because glaucoma is often “silent” (meaning you won't feel your eye pressure rising), the medications are your primary defense against permanent vision loss.

Here are five essential things every patient should know about glaucoma medications:

1. Consistency is Your Most Powerful Tool

Glaucoma eye drops only work for a specific window of time (usually 12 to 24 hours). If you skip a dose, your eye pressure can spike, causing “silent” damage to the optic nerve.

• The Goal: Maintain a steady level of medication in your eye around the clock.
• Pro-Tip: Tie your drop schedule to a daily habit, like brushing your teeth or having your morning coffee, to ensure you never miss a dose.

2. Proper Technique Prevents “Body-Wide” Side Effects

Many patients don't realize that eye drops can enter the bloodstream through the tear ducts, potentially affecting your heart or lungs. You can minimize this using a technique called Punctal Occlusion:

• After putting in a drop, close your eyes gently (do not squeeze or blink rapidly).
• Use your finger to press firmly on the inner corner of your eye (near the bridge of your nose) for 1 to 2 minutes.
• This keeps the medicine in your eye and prevents it from draining into your throat and bloodstream.

3. The “Five-Minute Rule” for Multiple Drops

If your doctor prescribes more than one type of eye drop, wait at least 5 minutes between them.

• Why? Your eye can only hold about one-sixth of a single drop at a time. If you put the second drop in too quickly, it will simply wash out the first one before it has a chance to be absorbed, making your treatment less effective.

4. Side Effects Are Common — and Manageable

Don't be alarmed if your eyes sting, turn red, or feel “gritty” when you first start a new medication.

• Expect Local Changes: Some drops (Prostaglandins) can cause your eyelashes to grow longer or even permanently darken the color of your iris (the colored part of your eye).
• Monitor Systemic Effects: Beta-blocker drops can sometimes slow your heart rate or worsen asthma. Always tell your eye doctor about your full medical history, especially heart or lung conditions.
• Refrigeration Trick: If you have trouble feeling if the drop actually landed in your eye, try keeping the bottle in the fridge. The cold sensation makes it much easier to tell if you’ve “hit the target.”

5. They Don't Make Your Vision Better (But They Keep It)

One of the hardest parts of glaucoma treatment is that the medication doesn't improve your sight or make your eyes feel better — it simply preserves the vision you still have.

• Stay the Course: You may feel like the drops aren't “doing anything” because you don't see a difference, but they are working behind the scenes to prevent blindness.
• Never Stop Suddenly: Abruptly stopping glaucoma medication can cause a dangerous “rebound” spike in eye pressure.

Prosper and be in health

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William Garst is a consultant pharmacist who lives in Alachua, Florida. He is semi-retired and works part time at Lake Butler Hospital in Lake Butler, Florida. William received his pharmacy degree at Auburn University and a Doctor of Pharmacy from Colorado University. The Pharmacy Newsletter is a blog where you can find other informative columns. He may be contacted at garstcph@gmail.com.

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Everyone taking prescription medications should be aware of essential safety practices. Here are six tips to help ensure you are taking your medicine correctly and safely:

1. Maintain a Comprehensive Medication List

Keep an up-to-date list of everything you take, and share it with every healthcare provider you see (doctors, specialists, dentists, and pharmacists).

• Include: All prescription drugs, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, vitamins, herbs, and dietary supplements.
• Detail: The name, dosage, how often you take it, and the reason it was prescribed.
• Why it matters: This is the most crucial step to prevent dangerous drug-to-drug interactions, to ensure you don't accidentally overdose on two products with the same active ingredient, and to help your doctor avoid prescribing medicine you shouldn't take.

2. Know the "Five W's" of Each New Drug

Before you leave the doctor's office or the pharmacy, make sure you know the following for every new prescription:

• What is the name of the drug and what is it for?
• When should I take it (e.g., morning, night, with food, on an empty stomach)?
• What are the most common side effects, and when should I call the doctor?
• What foods, drinks (like alcohol or grapefruit juice), or other medications should I avoid?
• Why am I taking this (What is the goal of the therapy)?

3. Take Your Medication Exactly as Prescribed

Consistency is key to the drug's effectiveness and your safety.

• Follow Directions: Take the exact dose at the exact time(s) specified. Do not skip doses, and never take a larger dose because you think it will work faster.
• Do Not Stop Early: Finish the full course of a prescription (especially antibiotics), even if you start to feel better. Never stop taking a maintenance drug on your own; always consult your doctor first.
• Ask Before Modifying: Do not crush, cut, or chew tablets unless your pharmacist or doctor specifically says it is safe, as this can affect how the drug is absorbed or release the medicine too quickly.

4. Use a Single Pharmacy

Whenever possible, fill all your prescriptions at the same pharmacy.

• Interaction Check: This allows your pharmacist—who is a medication expert—to have a complete and centralized record of your profile and automatically check for potential drug interactions or dosage conflicts.
• Ask Questions: Your pharmacist is your best resource for practical advice on when and how to take a medication and what common side effects to expect.

5. Store and Dispose of Medication Safely

Improper storage can ruin the drug's effectiveness, and improper disposal can lead to danger.

• Storage: Keep most medications in a cool, dry place, away from heat and direct sunlight. The bathroom medicine cabinet is often too humid for proper storage.
• Security: Always store medications, especially controlled substances and pain relievers, in a secure place out of reach and out of sight of children, pets, and visitors.
• Disposal: Never flush medicine down the toilet or throw it in the trash unless the label specifically instructs you to. Find a drug take-back program or a community disposal site (often at local police departments or pharmacies) for safe disposal of unused or expired drugs.

6. Never Share or Borrow Prescription Medication

Medications are prescribed based on an individual's specific medical condition, weight, allergies, and other concurrent medications.

• For You Only: Never take medicine prescribed to another person, even if you have the same symptoms. What is helpful for one person could be dangerous or deadly for another.
• Do Not Share: Never give your prescription to a family member or friend. If you have unused medication, dispose of it safely.

Prosper and be in health.

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William Garst is a consultant pharmacist who lives in Alachua, Florida. He is semi-retired and works part time at Lake Butler Hospital in Lake Butler, Florida. William received his pharmacy degree at Auburn University and a Doctor of Pharmacy from Colorado University. The Pharmacy Newsletter is a blog where you can find other informative columns. He may be contacted at garstcph@gmail.com.

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Sept 15 – Oct. 15 is the nationwide celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. This year’s theme is “Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future,” reminding us that our nation’s strength comes from the diverse people who call it home and the shared commitment to build a better future together.

From the arts and education to business and public service, Hispanic Floridians continue to enrich every aspect of life in our state. Their leadership, creativity, and dedication exemplify the power of community and the enduring belief that opportunity should be within reach for all.

The Florida Commission on Human Relations’ (FCHR) mission is to promote equal opportunity and prevent discrimination by investigating allegations of discrimination in housing, public accommodations, employment, and state whistleblower retaliation as well as educating Floridians about their rights and opportunities. Through our diligent work, we continue to build a Florida where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. For more information or to file a complaint, contact the Florida Commission on Human Relations at (850) 488-7082 or visit www.FCHR.MyFlorida.com.

This month, and throughout the year, we honor the past while inspiring the future, by recognizing the collective heritage that connects us, celebrating the diversity that strengthens us, and reaffirming our commitment to fairness for every Floridian.

Cheyanne Costilla, Executive Director

Florida Commission on Human Relations

The history of vitamin K is a story of a single discovery that later expanded to include a family of related compounds, each with distinct roles in the body. The journey from initial observation to a detailed understanding of vitamin K1 and K2 spans several decades and involves multiple scientists.

The Initial Discovery of Vitamin K

The story begins in the late 1920s with Danish biochemist Henrik Dam.

• 1929: Dam was conducting experiments on chickens, feeding them a diet that was deficient in cholesterol and fat. After a few weeks, he noticed that the chickens developed a mysterious bleeding disorder, where their blood was slow to clot.
• 1935: Dam concluded that a new, fat-soluble vitamin was missing from the chickens' diet. He named this substance “Koagulations-Vitamin,” which is German and Danish for “coagulation vitamin.” This is where the letter “K” comes from.
• 1939: American biochemist Edward Doisy and his team at St. Louis University isolated and determined the chemical structure of the primary plant-based form of the vitamin, which they named phylloquinone. This substance would later be officially named Vitamin K1.

For their work on the discovery and chemical nature of vitamin K, Dam and Doisy were jointly awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1943.

Vitamin K1 (Phylloquinone)

• Source: From the very beginning, it was clear that the "anti-hemorrhagic" factor came from plant sources, particularly green, leafy vegetables like spinach and kale.
• Function: Early research, and the Nobel Prize, focused on its essential role in blood coagulation. Vitamin K1 acts as a crucial cofactor for an enzyme that "activates" several clotting factors in the liver, including prothrombin (Factor II), Factor VII, Factor IX, and Factor X. Without this activation, these proteins cannot function properly, leading to uncontrolled bleeding.
• Modern Understanding: Vitamin K1's role in blood clotting remains its most well-known and clinically important function. It is used medically to treat bleeding disorders, and is routinely given to newborns to prevent a condition called Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB).

Vitamin K2 (Menaquinones)

The story of vitamin K2 is more recent and has led to a re-evaluation of the entire vitamin K family.

• Discovery of a Second Form: Soon after the discovery of vitamin K1, scientists realized that there was another form of vitamin K. This second form, found in animal products and produced by bacteria, was chemically different. It was named menaquinone and collectively referred to as Vitamin K2. Unlike K1, which has a single chemical structure, K2 is a family of related compounds, designated as MK-4, MK-7, MK-9, etc., based on the length of their side chain.
• Japanese Fermented Foods: A major breakthrough in the understanding of K2 came from research into the traditional Japanese food natto, a dish of fermented soybeans. Scientists discovered that natto was an incredibly rich source of a long-chain menaquinone, specifically MK-7. This led to a boom in research on K2's health benefits.
• Beyond Blood Clotting: While K1 is primarily used by the liver for blood coagulation, researchers found that K2 has a different fate in the body. It is preferentially used by other tissues, especially bone and arterial tissues.
• The “Calcium Paradox”: A key aspect of modern K2 research is its role in “calcium trafficking.” Scientists have discovered that K2 activates proteins like osteocalcin in bones, which helps bind calcium and integrate it into the bone matrix. At the same time, K2 activates Matrix Gla Protein (MGP), a protein that prevents calcium from building up in soft tissues like arteries. This led to the theory that K2 may play a significant role in both bone health (preventing osteoporosis) and cardiovascular health (preventing arterial calcification).

Summary of Key Differences and Modern Research

The history of vitamin K is a testament to how scientific understanding evolves. What began as a single discovery of a “coagulation vitamin” has expanded to encompass a complex family of nutrients with far-reaching effects on human health.

Prosper and be in health.

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William Garst is a consultant pharmacist who lives in Alachua, Florida. He is semi-retired and works part time at Lake Butler Hospital in Lake Butler, Florida. William received his pharmacy degree at Auburn University and a Doctor of Pharmacy from Colorado University. The Pharmacy Newsletter is a blog where you can find other informative columns. He may be contacted at garstcph@gmail.com.

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