ALACHUA – Golfers from across the region gathered Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, at Turkey Creek Golf and Country Club for the Miracle at Turkey Creek golf tournament, marking the event’s fifth annual playing since the course reopened after a decade-long closure.

A total of 144 golfers participated in the tournament, which featured a full field, shared meals and time on the course as players filled the fairways throughout the day.

The men’s first-place team included Joe Thigpen, Ken Vejraska, Ken Radcliffe and Ben Love, while the women’s first-place honors went to Kathy Quelland, Tina Banner, Vicki Glass and Robin Cunningham.

The tournament is held annually at Turkey Creek Golf and Country Club, 11400 Turkey Creek Boulevard, just off U.S. Highway 441 in Alachua. The course originally opened in 1978 and served as a central feature of the Turkey Creek community for decades. Following multiple ownership changes and financial challenges, the course closed in 2011, remaining unused and overgrown for nearly 10 years.

In 2015, the Turkey Creek Master Owners Association purchased the property. In the years that followed, residents and volunteers worked to restore the course, addressing long-standing infrastructure issues and gradually returning it to playable condition. The reopening of the course marked the end of a prolonged period of inactivity and signaled a revival of golf at the site, a feat that many likened to a miracle given the many challenges that the nearly an all-volunteer team of residents and volunteers faced in restoring the golf course.

Saturday’s tournament coincided with the milestone of five years since the course’s reopening, a point organizers and participants recognized throughout the day. Golf carts lined the staging area early in the morning as teams checked in, and players returned to the clubhouse following their rounds for awards and fellowship.

Organizers credited the continued success of the Miracle at Turkey Creek tournament to steady participation and community involvement, noting that the event has grown alongside the course’s return to regular play.

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HIGH SPRINGS – A 71-year-old High Springs man was critically injured Saturday night after being attacked by a dog, prompting a responding deputy to fatally shoot the animal to stop the assault, according to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.

The incident occurred at approximately 7:07 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, when sheriff’s office deputies and Alachua County Fire Rescue responded to a report of an active dog attack. The first deputy arrived within minutes and observed the dog actively attacking the victim.

Authorities said the dog had already bitten its owner — the adult daughter of the victim — when she attempted to intervene. As the deputy worked to physically separate the dog from the victim, the animal turned and began biting the deputy. The deputy then discharged his service weapon to incapacitate the dog and stop the ongoing attack. The dog later died as a result of the gunshot wound.

Once the attack was stopped, deputies immediately began rendering aid to the victim, who was suffering from significant blood loss. Multiple tourniquets were applied at the scene in an effort to control the bleeding until paramedics arrived.

Fire rescue personnel assumed medical care upon arrival, and law enforcement officers from the High Springs Police Department, Alachua Police Department and Gainesville Police Department assisted sheriff’s deputies by blocking roadways and intersections to expedite the victim’s transport to UF Health Shands Trauma Center.

The victim survived the attack and was last reported to be in stable condition. Medical staff later confirmed that the prompt application of tourniquets by responding deputies played a critical role in saving the victim’s life.

The injured deputy was treated at a local hospital and later released. The dog owner sustained minor injuries during the incident.

Detectives and forensic investigators with the sheriff’s office responded to the scene to conduct an investigation. Alachua County Animal Control also responded and took possession of the dog.

Alachua County Sheriff Chad Scott thanked the deputies who worked to save the victim’s life and the multiple law enforcement agencies that assisted to ensure paramedics were able to provide lifesaving care as quickly as possible.

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ARCHER – The City of Archer is facing ongoing scrutiny after an independent audit identified widespread deficiencies in its financial operations, including problems related to utility billing, payroll taxes and internal accounting controls.

The audit, which examined multiple fiscal years, documented numerous weaknesses in how the city tracked revenue and expenses. Among the most concerning findings were irregularities in the city’s water and sewer billing system, where some customer accounts were not billed accurately or consistently.

Auditors reported instances in which utility customers were charged only minimum fees regardless of usage, while other accounts showed extended gaps in billing. In addition, utility revenue records did not consistently align with bank deposits, raising concerns about whether all payments were properly recorded.

The audit also revealed failures in payroll administration, including the nonpayment of federal payroll taxes that had already been withheld from employee wages. Those lapses resulted in a significant liability to the Internal Revenue Service and compounded the city’s financial instability.

Auditors cited weak internal controls as a contributing factor, noting that the same employees were often responsible for receiving payments, recording transactions and reconciling accounts. That lack of separation, auditors said, increases the risk of errors and reduces financial oversight.

Additional findings included duplicate accounting entries, deposits recorded in inactive or closed accounts, and discrepancies between financial reports and actual bank balances. Auditors concluded that the city lacked formalized financial procedures and consistent review processes.

City officials discussed the audit findings during public meetings, acknowledging that the problems developed over time and were not limited to a single department or transaction. The financial issues have prompted the city to seek outside assistance to reconstruct records, strengthen accounting practices and bring operations back into compliance with state and federal requirements.

The situation has also led to administrative changes and heightened oversight by elected officials. Residents have raised concerns at commission meetings about utility billing accuracy, transparency and the city’s long-term financial stability.

City leaders have said correcting the deficiencies will require sustained effort, improved internal controls and updated financial systems. Auditors cautioned that resolving the issues and restoring public confidence will take time as corrective measures are implemented.

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ALACHUA – The Florida Park Service Ranger Association has named Michael Ebner, a park ranger at San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park and Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park, as the recipient of its 2026 Park Ranger of the Year Award.

The award was presented Jan. 27, 2026, during the Florida Park Service’s annual Park Manager Meeting in Fort Lauderdale. Ebner was selected from statewide nominations representing more than 1,000 Florida Park Service employees.

According to the association, Ebner was recognized for his commitment across all aspects of park operations, including visitor services, resource management, maintenance, prescribed fire and interpretation. His leadership, problem-solving skills and dedication to mentoring others were cited as qualities that enhance the visitor experience and reflect the “Ranger First” philosophy.

“Michael is an integral part of the San Felasco and Devil’s Millhopper team,” said Heather Goston, park manager. “His strong work ethic, guidance, and attention to detail have helped bring important park improvements to life. Michael exemplifies the Ranger First attitude, and we all feel fortunate to work alongside him.”

San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park is one of North Central Florida’s largest state parks. The park’s North Trailhead, which features horse trails, off-road cycling routes and hiking trails, is located off U.S. 441 at 13201 San Felasco Parkway in Alachua. Ebner’s work supports daily operations and visitor engagement at the Alachua-based preserve.

“Park rangers are the heart of Florida’s award-winning state parks,” said Warren Poplin, president of the Florida Park Service Ranger Association. “Michael’s dedication, leadership, and service above self reflect the very best of the Ranger First philosophy, and we are proud to recognize his outstanding contributions.”

Ebner was selected from among district awardees statewide, including Terri Messler of Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park, Sunny Clark of Colt Creek State Park, Ed Alaniz of Myakka River State Park and Guillermo Rodriguez of the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail.

Now in its fifth year, the Park Ranger of the Year Award is hosted by the Florida Park Service Ranger Association and sponsored by Tyler Technologies. Established in 1989, the association supports current and former Florida Park Service employees and operates the James A. Cook Humanitarian Relief Fund, which has provided nearly $250,000 in assistance to nearly 300 individuals. The association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

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ORLANDO – Students from Oak View Middle School in Newberry, Newberry High School, Gainesville High School and Alachua’s Santa Fe High School were among the Alachua County competitors earning top honors at the fifth annual Great Debate: Florida’s National Civics and Debate Championship, which drew more than 600 middle and high school students from Florida and 14 other states to Orlando this past weekend.

Participation in the championship has nearly quadrupled since the inaugural event five years ago, reflecting growing interest in civics education and competitive debate. Students competed in impromptu speaking, extemporaneous debate and legislative debate, with champions named in both middle school and high school divisions.

“Florida continues to lead the nation in civics education, and the growth of The Great Debate proves that Florida’s approach to civics and debate is a model for other states to follow,” said Florida Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas. “We are proud to host a national event that brings students together for a weekend of rigorous competition and thoughtful discourse.”

Middle School Results

Alachua County Public Schools eighth-grader Avinoor Jutla of Lincoln Middle School was named Overall Middle School Tournament Champion, earning the top honor among middle school competitors nationwide.

Jutla also earned multiple individual awards, placing sixth in extemporaneous debate, second in impromptu speaking, and finishing as a finalist in legislative debate.

Six Alachua County Public School middle school students from Lincoln, Oak View Middle School and Kanapaha Middle School earned a combined nine awards across the three debate categories.

Additional middle school honors included:

• Extemporaneous Debate: Maria Eder, Oak View Middle School, finalist
• Impromptu Speaking: Ellington Smith, Oak View Middle School, third place; Sarah Khial, Kanapaha Middle School, finalist
• Legislative Debate: Maggie Castle, Oak View Middle School, fifth place; Quinn Baker, Oak View Middle School, finalist; Avinoor Jutla, Lincoln Middle School, finalist; Sarah Khial, Kanapaha Middle School, finalist

High School Results

At the high school level, five Alachua County Public Schools students from Newberry High School, Eastside High School, Gainesville High School and Santa Fe High School earned six awards in varsity impromptu speaking and varsity legislative debate.

High school ACPS results included:

• Varsity Impromptu Speaking: Audrey Ellenburg, Newberry High School, fifth place; Tanvi Gawande, Eastside High School, finalist; Gillian Collins and Arlo Sawicki, Gainesville High School, finalists
• Varsity Legislative Debate: Gillian Collins, Gainesville High School, fifth place; Steph Slavei, Santa Fe High School, finalist

Overall high school championship honors went to Daniel Llobet of the School for Advanced Studies Wolfson, who also captured first place in high school legislative debate. Joseph Wise of Wildwood High School won high school impromptu speaking, while Hailey Graepel of Pasco High School claimed the extemporaneous debate title.

A full list of winners is available at www.TheGreatDebateFL.com.

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NEWBERRY – Enrollment for the inaugural 2026 school year at Newberry Community School will officially open Feb. 1, as the new elementary school prepares to welcome its first group of students.

Families with elementary students currently enrolled at Newberry Elementary School are guaranteed a seat for the upcoming school year; however, parents must formally accept their child’s placement during the enrollment period to secure enrollment.

As preparations continue for the school’s first year, Newberry Community School is assembling its instructional staff. Teaching positions are being filled by veteran educators and high-achieving education professionals focused on academic excellence, student growth and strong community values.

The school will be led by Lacy Roberts, who will serve as Newberry Community School’s principal. Roberts will oversee the launch of the school and its academic and community initiatives during its first year of operation.

In addition to student enrollment, the school is seeking volunteers and engaged parents interested in supporting classrooms, school events and community-building initiatives.

Families interested in enrolling a child may visit the school’s website, ncsedu.org, beginning Feb. 1 for enrollment information. Parents and community members interested in volunteering are encouraged to contact Roberts or visit the Little Red Schoolhouse in Newberry for additional details.

The Newberry Community School office is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Questions may be directed to the school office at 352-474-2040.

Newberry Community School is scheduled to open for its inaugural academic year in 2026.

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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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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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~ The First Recorded Clinical Trial in 1747 ~

The history of Vitamin C is closely linked to the understanding and eventual conquest of scurvy, a debilitating and often fatal disease that plagued sailors on long voyages for centuries.

Early Observations

As early as the 15th century, it was noted that certain foods, particularly citrus fruits, had a curative effect on scurvy. Vasco da Gama's voyages, for instance, observed this link.

In 1747, James Lind, a British naval surgeon, conducted a controlled experiment demonstrating that citrus fruits effectively prevented scurvy. He compared various treatments among sailors with scurvy and found that only those receiving oranges and lemons recovered. This is perhaps, the first recorded clinical trial.

Despite Lind's groundbreaking work, it took several decades for the British Navy to mandate citrus fruit or juice as a regular provision for sailors, earning them the nickname “limeys.”

The Dawn of Vitamin Research:

In 1912, Casimir Funk introduced the concept of “vitamins” as essential dietary components. The anti-scorbutic factor was soon recognized as a water-soluble substance, initially called “water-soluble C.”

Isolation and Identification:

In 1928, Hungarian scientist Albert Szent-Györgyi isolated a substance from animal adrenal glands, naming it “hexuronic acid.” He suspected it might be the anti-scorbutic factor.

Around the same time, in 1932, American biochemist Charles Glen King also isolated vitamin C in his laboratory and concluded it was the same as Szent-Györgyi's hexuronic acid. There was some dispute over who made the definitive connection first, possibly due to communication delays.

Working independently, Szent-Györgyi and his colleague Joseph Svirbely conducted experiments on guinea pigs (which, like humans, cannot synthesize vitamin C) and proved that hexuronic acid was indeed the anti-scorbutic factor. They renamed it “ascorbic acid,” meaning “anti-scurvy.”

Structural Determination and Synthesis:

In 1933, British chemist Norman Haworth determined the chemical structure of vitamin C. Haworth and Szent-Györgyi jointly proposed the name “ascorbic acid”

Both Szent-Györgyi and Haworth were awarded Nobel Prizes in 1937 for their work on vitamin C. Szent-Györgyi received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his discoveries concerning biological combustion, with specific reference to vitamin C, and Haworth received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work on the constitution of carbohydrates and vitamin C.

Further Discoveries and Applications:

Szent-Györgyi continued his research, famously identifying paprika as an exceptionally rich and easily accessible source of vitamin C, allowing for its production in larger quantities.

Since its discovery, vitamin C has been extensively studied for its various roles in human health, including its function as an antioxidant, its involvement in collagen synthesis, immune function, and iron absorption.

Today, vitamin C is recognized as an essential nutrient, and its deficiency is known to cause scurvy, characterized by symptoms like weakness, bleeding gums, and poor wound healing.

Research continues to explore the potential benefits of vitamin C in preventing and treating various diseases.

The history of vitamin C is a compelling story of scientific investigation driven by the need to combat a devastating disease. From empirical observations to isolation, structural determination, and synthesis, the journey to understanding and utilizing this essential nutrient has significantly impacted human 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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As a concerned citizen of Florida, I am writing to express my deep alarm over the recent decision to eliminate all vaccine mandates in our state. Vaccines have long been one of the most effective and life-saving public health tools we have. Rolling back these protections threatens to reverse decades of progress against diseases like measles, mumps, and polio — illnesses that vaccines had nearly eliminated.

This decision will not affect all Floridians equally. Black and Brown communities, already facing disproportionate rates of chronic illness, limited access to care, and systemic health inequities, will bear the heaviest burden. Without the safeguard of mandates, these communities are at greater risk of disease outbreaks and preventable deaths.

I am also concerned about the issue of trust. Our nation’s history of medical neglect and mistreatment of Black and Brown populations has left a deep scar of mistrust in the healthcare system. Abrupt policy changes such as this risk eroding fragile progress in building confidence and could reinforce skepticism toward public health guidance.

Beyond the health risks, there are serious financial and economic consequences. Preventable outbreaks lead to increased healthcare costs, hospitalizations, and strain on already overburdened medical systems. Families who cannot afford time off work or unexpected medical bills will be disproportionately harmed. Local businesses and schools may also face disruptions if vaccine-preventable diseases reemerge, causing lost productivity and economic instability. In short, what may appear to be a rollback of regulation could instead create higher costs for families, communities, and the state as a whole.

While individuals should have the right to make informed decisions — including the ability to opt out under certain circumstances — public health policy must balance personal choice with the protection of children, immunocompromised individuals, and entire communities. Without mandates or robust equity-driven alternatives, our most vulnerable neighbors will be left unprotected.

Faith and cultural values are also central to many families’ health decisions. Public health efforts should engage and respect these perspectives. But removing mandates outright, without strong outreach, education, and access initiatives, will send us backward — leaving communities exposed to diseases that science has already taught us how to prevent.

I urge you to reconsider this decision. If mandates are to be removed, Florida must implement strong, equity-focused measures to ensure that every Floridian — regardless of race, income, or faith — is protected. Public health policy must be guided not only by science and fairness but also by a recognition of the enormous economic and financial strain that preventable outbreaks place on families and our state.

Roberta C. Lopez

Archer, Florida