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A sea of pumpkins awaits at the Alachua Methodist Church’s 24th Annual Pumpkin Patch, offering a colorful selection of gourds and family-friendly activities throughout October. Visitors can explore unique varieties and enjoy photo ops, all while supporting the church’s mission work.

Alachua Lions Club members joined together with Troop 88 Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts to celebrate completion of scout hut renovations with a ribbon cutting ceremony. / Alachua County Today Staff Photographer

L-R: City of Alachua Public Services Director Michael Carrillo, Assistant City Manager Rodolfo Valladares, City Manager Mike DaRoza, Alachua County Manager Michele Lieberman, Alachua Mayor Gib Coerper, Alachua Vice Mayor Ed Potts, Alachua City Commissioners Shirley Green Brown, Jennifer Ringersen, Dayna Williams (formerly Miller) and Alachua County Fire Rescue Chief Harold Theus / Photo special to Alachua County Today

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ALACHUA – On Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, students at Alachua’s W.W. Irby Elementary School and A.L. Mebane Middle School had a unique opportunity to learn about democracy through a hands-on experience. City of Alachua officials and staff hosted a mock election, allowing students to vote on a lighthearted issue: cupcakes vs. brownies.

The event began with city staff providing an overview of the election process. Students then watched as City officials engaged in a spirited debate, presenting arguments for their preferred dessert. Once the debate concluded, it was time to vote.

As City staff tallied the results, students participated in a lively Q&A session with City officials. They posed insightful questions such as, “What inspired you to pursue a role in local government?” and “What are the functions of the various city trucks we see around town?”

City Manager Mike DaRoza took a moment to emphasize the significance of voting. “Don’t let anyone tell you how to vote, that is your choice alone,” DaRoza said. “But, above all else, remember that you can disagree on a topic and still get along with your friends.”

When the results were announced, Irby Elementary students had chosen cupcakes as their favorite, while Mebane Middle School students overwhelmingly voted for brownies.

“It is the most heartwarming thing to help these students understand the importance of voting, and then being able to watch them participate,” said Alachua Mayor Gib Coerper. “We are really trying to instill confidence in the next generation of citizens.”

This hands-on event underscored the value of civic engagement, leaving students with a deeper appreciation for the democratic process—and a likely craving for cupcakes and brownies.

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ High Springs will soon have a new face sitting on its commission after Chad Howell notched a solid victory over Julie Ann Tapia-Ruano for Seat 4 in the Nov. 5, 2024, City Commission race. Howell picked up 2,432 votes (63.66 percent) to Tapia-Ruano’s 1,388 votes (36.34 percent). Howell and Tapia-Ruano were vying for a seat being vacated by Commissioner Byran Williams. Williams, a local pastor, has served as commissioner off and on numerous times over the last 24 years. Howell, 44 years old, relocated to High Springs in 2018, has been married for more than 22 years and has two daughters. By day, Howell serves as a supervisor of the Criminal Investigations Division at the Alachua Police Department.

Incumbent Commissioner Katherine Weitz beat out Sue Weller for Seat 5 on the High Springs Commission as 2,198 voters (57.90 percent) pulled the lever for Weitz while Weller garnered 1,598 votes (42.10 percent). Weller has previously served on the High Springs commission and more recently served as the liaison between the City of High Springs and the High Springs Chamber of Commerce. Weitz is currently serving as Mayor. Weitz and Howell are scheduled to be sworn into their seats at the next commission meeting, which is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 14, 2024.

Voters in High Springs also approved four Charter amendments. Amendment number 1 allows the City to update its corporate boundary in accordance with Florida law. Amendment number 2 would allow the electronic advertisement of public notices rather than in the newspaper, provided that such notices are placed five weeks in advance of the hearing. Amendment number 3 updates the oath of office for commissioners and charter officers to ensure that no person convicted of a felony or found to be mentally incompetent may run for office until restoration of civil rights or removal of disability. Amendment number 3 also permits adjustments in the City’s budget and requires the City Manager to inform the commission when revenues are expected to be outpaced by appropriations. Amendment number 4 updates the names of public parks and also allows the City’s Sports Complex to be added to a list of public owned lands.

In the race for Alachua County Sheriff, political newcomer Chad Scott appears poised to finish on top by a margin of roughly 415 votes. Scott, a Democrat, challenged sitting Republican Sheriff Emery Gainey who was appointed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) to finish out the term of Clovis Watson, Jr. Watson announced July 31, 2023 that he would resign effective Oct. 1, 2023 amid health concerns.

While a recount is ongoing, unofficial election data shows Scott garnering 62,757 votes (46.97 percent) over Gainey’s 62,342 votes (46.66 percent). A third candidate, Pamela Marshal-Koons, with no party affiliation, picked up 8,513 votes (6.37 percent). With the margin of victory at less than one-half of one percent, a recount is mandated by law. The Alachua County Canvassing Board began meeting Sunday morning and was scheduled to continue each morning until all ballots had been recounted, which could be as late as Thursday, Nov. 14.

If Scott is declared the winner, he will assume office in January 2025.

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ALACHUA ‒ An FFA team from Santa Fe High School brought home a prestigious Gold Emblem from the National FFA Agricultural Issues Forum Leadership Development Event in Indianapolis. They joined only seven other teams nationwide in earning this top honor. This marks the first time since 1990 that Santa Fe High has achieved a gold-level emblem in a leadership development event.

The team, consisting of students Taylor Batten, Leila Ceilley, Savannah Eckert, Bryli Kuhn, Layla Parris, Alana Seals, and Taylor Trosper, presented on the agricultural impacts of bottled water in their local community. Their presentation addressed complex issues related to water resources, farming, and environmental impacts—a topic they explored through extensive research and multiple community forums.

The students presented to stakeholders including the Alachua County Farm Bureau, the Alachua County Department of Environmental Protection, and the Florida Springs Institute, refining their topic through community feedback.

To reach the national stage, the team first secured a win at the state competition in June, which qualified them to compete against the nation’s best FFA teams. In Indianapolis, they defended their research in front of a panel of expert judges, answering audience questions with poise.

Brian Skipper, the FFA sponsor and director of Santa Fe High’s Academy of Veterinary Assisting, praised the team’s dedication. “The students put in countless hours researching, creating a script, and practicing answering questions for this event,” said Skipper. “Because of this contest, they are all able to find reliable sources on topics, speak in front of large groups, and write academic papers.

Skipper added that these experiences would serve students well into their futures, preparing them to become informed, active citizens. The Santa Fe High FFA chapter’s success in the competition is a testament to the students' dedication and the strong agricultural education program at the school.

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GAINESVILLE ‒ 59-year-old Newberry man, Steven Dean Webb, was arrested on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, following a burglary and alleged assault at a construction site. Webb faces charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and burglary of an occupied dwelling after reportedly stealing copper wire and injuring the property owner during his getaway.

According to the Gainesville Police Department, the incident occurred at approximately 7:30 a.m. at a house under construction in the 2800 block of Southwest 1st Avenue. The homeowner discovered Webb inside the garage, cutting copper wire from the fuse panel with a long-handled tool. When the homeowner confronted Webb and said he was calling the police, Webb fled to his car, which was parked on the street.

The homeowner attempted to take a photo of Webb through the windshield as he tried to escape. Webb allegedly accelerated, hitting the homeowner's leg with the front bumper. The victim managed to jump out of the way and was not seriously injured.

The victim also informed police that copper wire had been stolen from the property during a prior incident on Nov. 2, when Webb was caught on video walking around the house carrying the same cutting tool. Clear photographs of Webb’s face and his vehicle’s license plate led to his identification using facial recognition software. Authorities confirmed the car is registered to someone who shares an address and last name with Webb.

An Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputy apprehended Webb at his Newberry residence. Before being read his Miranda rights, Webb reportedly admitted to being at the property but claimed he was inspecting copper pipes when the homeowner jumped in front of his car, causing the collision.

Webb’s criminal history includes a violent felony conviction and a state prison sentence for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, for which he was released in 2004. He is currently on pre-trial release for driving without a valid license, with two additional notices to appear for subsequent violations of the same charge.

Judge Adam Lee has ordered Webb held without bail, pending a hearing on a motion from the State Attorney’s Office to keep him detained until trial. The investigation into the cost of damages and theft is ongoing as the homeowner awaits an assessment from an electrician.

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ALACHUA – The Alachua Chamber of Commerce gathered with city officials, community members, and local business owners on Oct. 30, 2024, for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of LisaV Company, a new addition to the heart of downtown Alachua.

Located at 14822 Main Street, LisaV Company offers curated home décor, unique furnishings, and comprehensive interior design services, aiming to bring a fresh, stylish touch to Alachua’s historic Main Street.

The ceremony drew an enthusiastic crowd, including members of the Alachua Chamber of Commerce, Mayor Gib Coerper and City Commissioner Dayna Williams, who all gathered to officially welcome LisaV Company. As owner Lisa Vega, a seasoned interior designer with a passion for creative spaces, cut the ribbon, attendees applauded the arrival of a business dedicated to both beauty and functionality in home design.

Housed in a restored historic building, LisaV Company’s interior combines rustic charm with contemporary elegance. The store features carefully selected décor items, furnishings, and a variety of services to help clients bring their design visions to life. From accent pieces and textiles to larger furniture items, the collection reflects Vega’s eye for detail and dedication to quality.

Alachua Chamber of Commerce President Adam Boukari expressed enthusiasm about the business’s potential to attract both locals and visitors to downtown Alachua. “LisaV Company adds a wonderful touch to Main Street,” said Boukari. “It’s businesses like this that keep our downtown area thriving and unique.”

The ribbon-cutting ceremony concluded with a tour of the shop, where guests browsed the collection and discussed potential design ideas with Vega and her team. Many attendees noted the positive impact a business like LisaV Company can have in drawing visitors to the area and contributing to Alachua’s vibrant downtown culture.

LisaV Company is now open to the public, with Vega and her team ready to assist clients in finding the perfect pieces for their spaces and providing expert advice on interior design.

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ On Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, the High Springs Community School (HSCS) students in grades 6-8 were able to cast their vote for President in a mock election.

After a month of informational preparation presented in each of the Social Studies classes in the 5-minute bell ringers, students were allowed to register to vote, received a voter registration card, and then, on Election Day, they presented their voter registration card and received a ballot. Students then proceeded to an official voter booth, cast their vote and finally receiving an official “I VOTED” sticker. The 5-minute bell ringers provided unbiased information on the election process in brief.

Information from the very first presidential election, to the history of voting, the primaries and caucuses were explored. Also covered were the history of the two main political parties, their symbols, and beliefs, party conventions and what happens during the campaigns.

Students also learned about the difference between the popular vote and the Electoral College, who can be President and Vice President and what to consider when choosing a candidate to support.

And finally, students learned what positions are in a Presidential Cabinet, what happens after an election, what a Lame Duck is, and what happens on Inauguration Day.

The administration and staff at HSCS played a key role in supporting this educational opportunity, with special thanks extended to the Social Studies team for grades 6-8, led by Jennifer Buckner and including Vito Montauk and Bill McMahan. Former teachers Jackie Michael and Terri Burley were also recognized for their contributions to making the program a success.

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Author Terri Burley is a former teacher of 30 years at High Springs Community School and a member of the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) whose main purpose is to install a love of country, patriotism, and to inform the public on the importance of voting.

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ALACHUA ‒ In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s destructive landfall, Waste Pro, Fishin’ For Vision, and other organizations came together to deliver essential aid and comfort to the residents of Steinhatchee. The community support effort, spearheaded by the Gainesville-based nonprofit Fishin’ For Vision, provided residents with a trailer full of supplies, as well as meals prepared by Cowboyz Catering.

Waste Pro’s Regional Government Relations Directors, Loyd Childree and Dayna Williams, along with Fanning Springs Division Manager Trip Lancaster, were on-site to assist with the relief effort, which included distributing toiletries, towels, cleaning supplies, baby items, and clothing. Hundreds of residents gathered to receive supplies and enjoy hot meals, with Cowboyz Catering providing breakfast and lunch for over 300 people.

Dayna Williams, Waste Pro’s Director of Government Relations for North Central Florida, expressed the company’s commitment to supporting the community. “This is what we do at Waste Pro; we care for our communities,” she said. “Despite the devastation to several of our facilities and some of our team members suffering loss, we were determined to get out into the community and lend a hand where we could. It’s a privilege to give these folks a warm meal and show we care.”

Hurricane Helene, which made landfall near Perry, Florida, on Sept. 26, 2024, struck the Big Bend region with sustained winds reaching 140 mph. The storm's impact was far-reaching, causing severe flooding and tornado outbreaks across western North Carolina, East Tennessee, and southwestern Virginia. As of Oct. 12, the death toll had reached 252, with many survivors left to rebuild their lives in the storm's aftermath.

Steinhatchee was among the hardest-hit areas, with homes and businesses left in ruins and many still without power and water. The town’s remote location adds challenges to relief efforts, as neighboring communities are miles away and access is limited.

Fishin’ For Vision, founded by Dylan Klein at age 15, played a vital role in the relief effort. Diagnosed with Cone dystrophy—a currently incurable condition that impacts vision—Dylan Klein chose to turn his experience into a mission to help others. Through Fishin’ For Vision, he and his family have worked to support the Florida Kidsight Foundation, which provides scholarships and assistance to children with vision needs.

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ALACHUA ‒ With the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, flooding has made several Florida rivers unsafe for normal navigation, necessitating restrictions like Idle Speed/No Wake zones and temporary closures. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is monitoring the situation.

The agency says that the public's cooperation with safety guidelines is crucial for minimizing risks. High river levels not only increase the risk of swift currents but can also conceal various underwater hazards. Submerged debris, changes to river channels, and altered landscapes are among the dangers that boaters might encounter during floods. The FWC advises extreme caution and recommends that individuals avoid unnecessary travel on these affected waterways until conditions improve.

FWC is alerting the public about widespread flooding across several rivers in Florida, following the impacts of Hurricane Milton. The affected waterways include the Suwannee/Santa Fe, St. Johns, and Withlacoochee rivers, where rising waters have led to the implementation of various safety measures to ensure public safety. By staying informed and adhering to these measures, boaters can help ensure their safety and that of others during this challenging period.

As flood levels increase, specific areas along these rivers have triggered the enforcement of Idle Speed/No Wake zones. These zones come into effect when water levels, monitored by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) gauges, reach critical points. Boaters within these designated zones are required to reduce their speed to idle, minimizing wakes that could pose additional hazards during these flood conditions.

The establishment of Idle Speed/No Wake zones is critical for protecting both the natural environment and the safety of individuals navigating these waters. Compliance with these restrictions helps reduce the risk of accidents due to submerged obstacles and prevents additional stress on already vulnerable riverbanks and flood-prone areas.

In response to extreme flooding conditions, parts of the Withlacoochee River have been temporarily closed to all vessel traffic. This measure is aimed at ensuring public safety as the river's rising levels have made navigation particularly hazardous. Submerged hazards, swift currents, and floating debris pose significant dangers in these conditions, making travel on these river segments unsafe.

Boaters are strongly advised to avoid these closed sections until water levels subside and conditions return to normal. The FWC emphasizes that this precaution is necessary to prevent accidents and injuries during this period of heightened risk.

The FWC urges all boaters and river users to stay updated on current river conditions, including any changes to restrictions and closures. To access real-time information on Idle Speed/No Wake zones, river closures, and other safety updates, individuals can visit MyFWC.com/Boating. By selecting “Waterway Management” and clicking on the “Alert!” banner at the top of the page, boaters can stay informed about the latest developments.

FWC Boating and Waterways Section Leader Maj. Bill Holcomb stressed the importance of safety during this time: “Safety is our top priority. We are working closely with local officials and monitoring water levels to make adjustments as conditions change. We ask all boaters to respect these temporary restrictions and stay alert to any updates as the situation evolves.”

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STEINHATCHEE, FLA - Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the award of $1,000,000 in funding from the Florida Disaster Fund to the Fish and Wildlife Foundation of Florida to support the rebuilding of fishing and aquaculture infrastructure damaged by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The funding will go toward the rebuilding of boat slips and docks, the repair of fish houses, impacted aquaculture businesses, and other important infrastructure repairs for Florida’s fishing economy across the Big Bend region.
 

"The Big Bend's fishing industry took a direct hit from hurricanes Debby and Helene, and so did the hardworking Floridians who make their living on the water," said Governor Ron DeSantis. "Today’s investments will help to rebuild critical waterside infrastructure and help get Floridians in the fishing and aquaculture industries back to full operations.”

To unlock additional resources from the federal government, Governor DeSantis’ administration also initiated the process of submitting a federal fisheries disaster declaration to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce. This declaration request would provide access to federal funding, subject to appropriation, for offshore, nearshore, and inshore fisheries to rebuild. Governor DeSantis requested a similar federal fisheries disaster declaration following Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Idalia. 

Governor DeSantis has also directed the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to expedite any permits or approvals for businesses impacted on uplands or on the water to ensure the rebuilding of damaged structures is not delayed by bureaucracy.

“Governor DeSantis has a proven track record of helping communities recover quickly and rebuild fully after storms," said Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Executive Director Roger Young. “We are grateful for his leadership and support in assisting the fishing industry as it recovers from hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton.”

Additionally, the Governor announced several discounts on fishing and hunting licenses, including lifetime licenses, to get anglers back on the water and provide a boon to the industry that serves them. This includes: 

  • Half-off short-term licenses for Floridians from October 25, 2024, to January 3, 2025, for the annual and five-year multisport licenses for fishing and hunting; and
  • A 50% discount on lifetime sportsman licenses for children up to 17 years of age. 
    • Age 4 or younger - $200 (normally $400)
    • Ages 5 to 12 - $350 (normally $700)
    • Ages 13 to 17 - $500 (normally $1,000)
Additionally, FWC is offering annual salt water and freshwater combo licenses for just $5.

Fishing and Florida are inseparable. Florida leads the nation in the number of saltwater fishing anglers, generating a $9.2 billion impact on the State of Florida’s economy. Additionally, the annual dockside value of commercial fisheries was estimated at $244 million. Today’s announcement will help Florida residents regenerate lost income and rebuild their businesses and infrastructure.

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GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis said Tuesday that authorities have started criminal proceedings against the owner of the bull terrier found abandoned and tied to a pole on Interstate 75 ahead of Hurricane Milton’s landfall. The rescued dog was safe with a new foster family.

Newly filed court records explain the mystery about how the dog – which became a celebrity on social media after his rescue during the hurricane – ended up on the roadside in Tampa. 

Its owner was identified in court records as Giovanny Aldama Garcia, 23, of Ruskin, just south of Tampa, facing a felony charge of aggravated cruelty to animals. Aldama Garcia, a solar company employee, did not immediately return phone messages.

He was arrested Monday at his rented home in Ruskin and released early Tuesday on a $2,500 bond from the Hillsborough County Jail. Court records said Aldama Garcia showed up at the county animal shelter in Tampa to try to retrieve his dog one day after it was found abandoned along the interstate. 

“We said you'd be held accountable, and you will be held accountable,” DeSantis said.

Investigators said Aldama Garcia had owned the dog, which he called Jumbo, since it was a puppy and had been trying unsuccessfully to get rid of the dog for weeks. “He could not deal with the dog,” the arrest report said. 

The state attorney, Suzy Lopez, said Tuesday that Trooper had touched the hearts of people across Hillsborough County, and she aimed to protect the county’s most vulnerable citizens, including what she called “four-legged friends.”“The fact that somebody could tie a dog to a pole on the interstate as we were facing a Category 5 hurricane is absolutely impossible for me, as a dog owner and dog-lover [to] imagine,” Lopez said.Court records said Aldama Garcia’s mother, Mabel Garcia Gomez, 53, had stopped their car Wednesday on I-75 during their family’s evacuation to Georgia from heavy rain ahead of the raging hurricane, letting the dog out of the vehicle. Aldama Garcia said he last saw the dog in standing water and left it behind.

Meanwhile, the dog – renamed Trooper in honor of the Florida Highway Patrol officer who rescued him – was safely living with a foster family in the Tallahassee area, according to the county’s Humane Society office. It provided a photograph of what appeared to be a happy, panting dog with a rubber toy between its paws.

Trooper’s new foster family, who wasn’t identified, will have the first opportunity to adopt him if it is a good fit, the Humane Society said. The family was learning about Trooper’s preferences and helping him become comfortable and confident, it said.

Investigators said Aldama Garcia saw photos of the abandoned dog on social media and initially wanted it back, then changed his mind after learning the dog was with a foster family in Leon County. 

“After finding out the dog was being fostered, he surrendered the dog due to someone else giving the dog a better life,” the arrest report said.

The highway patrol said Aldama Garcia’s actions put the dog’s safety unnecessarily at risk. It described him as showing no emotion after learning the dog was still alive.

“Due to the circumstances, and the extreme danger and risk of death caused by the defendant to the dog, the defendant's actions caused excessive unnecessary infliction of pain and suffering to the dog,” court records said. “In addition, the defendant stated he never notified anyone that the dog was left behind on (the) interstate during a hurricane evacuation. The defendant continued driving to Georgia to a safe place.”

The highway patrol found the dog tied to a pole in standing water. The agency posted a video on social media showing the black-and-white dog tied in an area where flooding had water almost covering its legs.

“Do NOT do this to your pets please,” the patrol said.

The highway patrol arranged for the dog to be examined by a veterinarian, then transported it to Leon County, where the Humane Society said in his first few days there he was “incredibly stressed and still decompressing.”.
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This story was produced by Fresh Take Florida, a news service of the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications. The reporter can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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TALLAHASSEE - The Triple Threat Throwdown played a pivotal role in another successful year to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Catch a Florida Memory program. And it culminated with a prestigious Fishing Kayak Bundle for one lucky angler! Brian Ferreira has been drawn as the Throwdown winner and received a Bonafide P127 fully outfitted with a fishing package from Mustad Fishing and a Safety Bundle from Russ Vorhis-State Farm Insurance.

Brian joined the Catch a Florida Memory program in March of 2020 and has become one of the most prolific anglers to date. During Season 2, Brian logged a record 87 different achievements from March 1 through Sept. 9, making this a well-deserved bonus for an epic season of fishing.

 “Catch a Florida Memory’s Triple Threat Throwdown is just one of the many ways Florida’s saltwater anglers continue to support marine fisheries conservation while creating unforgettable moments and passing on the love of fishing to future generations,” said FWC Commissioner Sonya Rood. “It was an honor to meet our 2024 winner, Brian, and thank him for participating in this exciting and innovative program.”

“The Triple Threat Throwdown remains an innovative and engaging initiative to further marine fisheries awareness and conservation efforts in the state of Florida. Building on the success of last year, we are thrilled by the continued participation and enthusiasm in Season 2,” said Jessica McCawley, Director of the FWC’s Division of Marine Fisheries Management. “We encourage everyone to enjoy the water, create lasting memories and contribute to the conservation of our fisheries ahead of Season 3 in 2025.”

Hoping to get in on the action? Don’t worry! Triple Threat Club status is awarded all year long to anglers who qualify in all three Catch a Florida Memory programs. This means the angler has caught a Saltwater Grand Slam, a Saltwater Reel Big Fish and has submitted at least 10 species from the Saltwater Life List. Triple Threat Club members receive exciting prizes, such as custom fishing apparel, seasonal prizes and entry into exclusive raffles including the Triple Threat Throwdown 2025, which will run from March 1 through Sept. 8. Keep a lookout for more details early next year!

Catch a Florida Memory’s saltwater angler recognition program rewards anglers for their fishing efforts while encouraging them to target a diversity of species. Anglers do not have to harvest their fish to be eligible for prizes and are encouraged to use proper fish handling techniques.

New to Catch a Florida Memory? Learn more and submit catches at CatchaFloridaMemory.com. Check out the latest catches and see your achievements highlighted by following the Catch a Florida Memory Facebook page, Facebook.com/CatchaFLMemory. View angler catches, stay up to date with the latest news and much more on Instagram and X by following @MyFWC and on Fishbrain by following FWC Saltwater Fishing.

If you have questions about the Catch a Florida Memory program, contact https://catchafloridamemory.com/" target="_blank">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Your purchase of fishing equipment, motorboat fuel and a fishing license supports aquatic education and outreach efforts. Learn more at MyFWC.com/SFR.

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GAINESVILLE – New details emerged Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, in the criminal case against a felon accused in between stints in prison of submitting false signatures on a petition supporting a 2022 Florida recreational marijuana initiative.

Colton Edward Brady, 34, of Fayetteville, Georgia, had been hired to collect signatures of registered voters for the petition by a Tallahassee-based political committee, Sensible Florida Inc. The effort – which would have legalized possession of up to one ounce of marijuana – was a precursor to the separate campaign that will put the question about recreational marijuana use on the ballot in November.

Brady has prior felony convictions over the past 14 years for marijuana possession, theft and burglary. As a felon who still owes unpaid court fines, Brady couldn’t add his own name to the effort because he isn’t allowed to vote under Florida law.

Brady, who was released on bond Friday, could not immediately be reached because numbers listed for him were disconnected or did not have voicemails set up. Michael Minardi, chairman of Sensible Florida, did not immediately return voicemail messages to discuss Brady’s employment.

The Florida Supreme Court blocked the 2022 initiative, so it never went to voters.

Brady worked on the marijuana campaign after he was released from state prison in October 2020 and before he was sent back to prison in June 2023 for violating parole after he was accused of stealing a Toyota Camry belonging to his mother, Dana Mabrey, 54, of Tallahassee, according to court records.

Mabrey, his mother, was also implicated in the petition fraud scheme, according to state records. Mabrey worked as a signature-gatherer and submitted names that didn’t check out, the records said. Mabrey, who could not immediately be reached because two phone numbers listed for her were disconnected, has not been arrested or charged with any crime.

Brady was released from prison again in June this year. Investigators in the petition fraud case interviewed him in May when he was still behind bars.

Brady told Florida investigators he was jealous of other petition-gatherers because he wasn’t collecting as many signatures supporting the marijuana initiative, despite approaching people across the Tallahassee area at grocery stores, retail stores and Florida State University’s campus, according to newly available court records in the case.

Brady said he learned during training for signature-gatherers how to use publicly available information to look up names and details of voters in Leon County, and fraudulently submitted their information on the marijuana petitions, the court records said.

In at least one case, he submitted in February 2022 the name of a voter – John Marcus Dodson, 37, of Tallahassee – who had died in September 2020. The county’s elections office noticed the disparity when it sought to confirm in November that all the signatures were those of authentic registered voters. His mother, Mabrey, also submitted Dodson’s name on a petition, the court records said.

At least three others confirmed they never signed the petitions that Brady submitted. “No way,” one of them, Marissa Jefferson, 40, of Tallahassee told investigators.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which announced Brady’s arrest Thursday, said Brady submitted 66 names and signatures in Leon County for the marijuana initiative, and 49 were rejected as invalid. Those were significantly higher rejection rates than the 3.5 percent of rejected signatures from other workers on the campaign, the state said.

Brady was arrested in Georgia on Sept. 5, 2024, and faces eight felony counts for petition fraud, including use of a dead person’s information, submitting false voter registration information and use of personal identification information and false swearing, according to court records. 

This year, state police have recently approached Florida voters at home to verify their signatures for Amendment 4, a similar initiative that would protect abortion rights if approved. Gov. Ron DeSantis defended police actions in a Lake City conference earlier this week.

“Our tolerance for voter fraud in the state of Florida is zero,” DeSantis said. “That's the only thing you can do is to have zero tolerance, and we want everybody to participate, but we can't be in a situation where people are trying to short-circuit the process by submitting invalid petitions.”

DeSantis also criticized the current marijuana amendment for not restricting using marijuana in public and allowing what he called “a weed cartel that is going to benefit a handful of incumbent companies.”

The law enforcement agency said it has charged 17 people with petition fraud of over 34,000 invalidated petitions.

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Our small town of High Springs is beloved because its elected leaders have done more things right than wrong over time. Just like with big families, there is rarely unanimous agreement on how issues should be addressed. Issues are not simple, and leaders that let you believe the choices are not hard are fooling you. What usually tells the truth is time.

In the past year, High Springs has received no new grant funding, returned over a million dollars in grants, lost leaders in every major department other than police, while retaining an under qualified finance director. Our mayor and other first-term commissioners have blamed former staff and former elected officials for a range of problems and suddenly the city is portrayed as poor.

For the first time in years, our city is being sued. Current leadership has accepted no responsibility and created a budget, that in the coming year, will repeat many of the mistakes previous commissions had been working for years to fix.

The stage is now set for our community to lose our exceptional Fire Department.  Current commissioners have lowered expectations for what a small-town department can offer.  They have hired leadership with little experience and the slow recovery from the recent storms are an example of what we have lost.

Do you see a pattern?

Luckily, we have two citizens who are willing to step up, accept responsibility, make decisions and guide our growing town to its future.

They have experience in public service; they have training in emergency management, large budgets, and leadership. Sue Weller has felt compelled to return to office because of the intentional mistruths spoken by our mayor.

Ross Ambrose

High Springs Resident

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To fellow High Springs voters:

I have been a resident of High Springs since 1979 with a unique multi view experience of our City's political climate and government.

Back in the 1980s, I worked as a paralegal for the then High Springs City Attorney. Decades later, my husband served on the High Springs Commission and later became City Attorney for High Springs before the City's current legal counsel. I have spent the past 28 years working for a local developer and real estate investor managing both residential apartments and professional commercial properties in the City of High Springs.

Over the decades, I have witnessed Commissions that have operated as a cohesive body following the Charter, working with the City Manager, and conducting City business with thoughtful, well versed and trained leadership. Unfortunately, I have also witnessed Commissions that have been riddled with partisanship, discourse, and lack of training trying to manage staff at City Hall and make decisions outside of the Commission as a whole.

Unfortunately, we are again experiencing this type of local government climate. Our City is in crisis. The turnover rate from the number of employees leaving the City has resulted in great inefficiency in services to our citizens, not to mention the lack of transparency within our government causing many citizens to be uninformed at best or ill-informed at worst.

We need proven, experienced non-partisan leadership, and that is why I am endorsing Sue Weller for Seat #5 for the High Springs City Commission. As many voters know, Sue served on the Commission from 2010 through 2016.

What voters may not know is that Sue has stayed continually engaged in the governance of High Springs. She has served on multiple boards as well as faithfully followed the City Commission meetings live or online. Her depth of knowledge around our Charter and our history regarding planned responsible growth are pluses in a time when there are many gaps in our City's continuity in leadership.

Sue's professionalism and ability to stay neutral while listening to our citizens is refreshing and supportive of the direction we want to take our City.

A vote for Sue Weller provides an opportunity to begin to restore and rebuild the City's reputation and service to our residents; supports a healthy cohesive working environment for City staff; and strongly sends the message that we believe our commissioners should be willing to attend Florida League of Cities training programs for new commissioners as well as continuing education classes for current commissioners.

I personally am grateful that Sue Weller is willing to serve our community again; especially at a time when we so need proven leadership. I love High Springs and I know that we, as voting citizens, can help our City course correct and return to service and civility. Please join me in making sure this opportunity to have Sue Weller back on the Commission is not missed.

Alvalyn Lancaster

High Springs, Florida 32643

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Tim Marden, Alachua County Republican Chairman, seeks to divide us and spew hatred whenever and wherever he can. He recently sent out a letter concerning the upcoming City Commission election in High Springs. Such elections are non-partisan, i.e., the candidates do not list their political affiliations and a candidate’s party affiliation is not listed on the ballot.

Marden tries to create an issue about Precinct 60 voting place being moved from the 1st Methodist Church to the newly named and remodeled Douglas Community Center. He incorrectly states that Ross Ambrose “quietly initiated” such polling change “earlier this year.”

Mr. Ambrose originally brought this proposed change about four years ago. Polling places are supposed to be in the precinct that they represent. The church is not in Precinct 60. The Douglas Community Center is. Ms. Barton [Alachua County Supervisor of Elections], after the recent renovation of the Center, determined that it is now “a suitable location” in Precinct 60, and moved the polling place to the Center.

Marden questions the “last minute” change, but the renovation was finished only about a month ago and the request to move the polling place from the church originated about four years ago. But don’t let facts get in the way if Marden wants to spew hatred.

He writes that Barton has made two changes that directly affect the votes of Republicans. What about those voters (Republican and Democratic, alike) who live in Precinct 60 and have to drive to the church? No, Marden doesn’t’ care about that. In Marden’s mind Barton’s decision is solely to hinder Republican voters.

Lastly, Marden states that voters in Precinct 60 have to be told of the polling change. I don’t know the date that his letter went out, but voters in Precinct 60 have already received such a notice in the mail.

Marden follows up his imagined tirade with directions to vote for Katherine “against” Sue Weller and Judith Jensen against Kim Barton. Such wording only shows that Marden spews hatred, has no knowledge of the facts (or totally avoids them) and wants to spread his hatred to others. As for Sue Weller’s stand on the issues …. Her campaign sign says it all, “No politics, Just issues.”

Thomas R. Weller

High Springs, FL 32643

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We wish to express our gratitude to:

Jeremy Marshall, City Manager of High Springs, and his staff for their continued support of the citizens of High Springs during Hurricane Helene.  Public Works, in particular, was out in full force clearing roads and grinder pumps in addition to many other issues.  

Commissioners were out in force to provide assistance to High Springs residents.

Police Chief Shepherd and his officers and staff for their assistance.  We know that they were out in this storm protecting our community.  

Fire Chief Peters and his firefighters and staff for their efforts in keeping our community safe.

Friends and neighbors were out in force with their tractors and other equipment to clear roads for incoming power trucks.  Also checking on each other to see if assistance was needed.  

Everyone was too busy working to post their efforts on social media.  They did what they did because it was the right thing to do.  

We have had a rough time during the past few years and have come a long way in the past year to bring our City into a better place in leadership and financially.  I have personally talked to city staff about morale and it is at its highest.

There is a small group of people who are intent on bringing the City back into their control.  If you do not follow their lead, they will do whatever is necessary to remove you from office or position in city hall.

It is imperative that you vote!  Vote early or request a mail-in ballot! Vote to re-elect Katherine Weitz, our current mayor.  Vote to elect Julie Rawls Tapia-ruano.  Citizens of High Springs are at the forefront of their mission, which includes supporting the City of High Springs.  We need diversity on the five-member board.  Having two police officers on the board would compromise diversity.

Bob & Linda Jones

High Springs, Florida

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Thank you, Alachua County Commissioner Mary Helen Wheeler for stepping in to fill the leadership void in High Springs during the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

Others whose concerns for our citizens and whose efforts produced results were Scott and Lynn Jamison and former Assistant City Manager Bruce Gillingham, who was working from Tallahassee.

Their collective efforts produced the massive response Sunday from the energy and tree companies.

Disorganized chaos is what happens when a person from New York without any prior city manager experience is hired to run a Florida city.

What is seriously lacking now in High Springs is institutional knowledge, established peer contacts, a clear and effective emergency management plan and timely information being imparted to residents.

Where were the shelters, the portable bathrooms, the charging stations, the city workers clearing streets? Some of this eventually happened but only in response to complaints.

Thankfully we have a way to remedy this demonstrated lack of planning, preparation and action in just over a month through the November elections.

Sue Weller has the necessary institutional knowledge, well developed peer contacts all over the United States and the experience as a prior commissioner, mayor, labor relations officer and she is a current FEMA reservist. 

Chad Howell is a veteran who has served our country in the Marine Corps and in combat roles during his two deployments in Iraq. He is a current first responder.

Voting both of these individuals into office on Nov. 5 will ensure High Springs will be much better prepared for the next emergency.

Linda Rice Chapman, Esq.

High Springs, Florida

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Medication reconciliation is a term used in healthcare that describes the process of comparing a patient’s medication orders in a healthcare institution (hospital or nursing home) to what the patient has been prescribed and taking at home.

The purpose of this short column is to point out that many times patients are admitted to an institution, sometimes in an emergency, and it is difficult to determine what medications have been taken at home. Often when asked about their medicWilliam-Garst-HS.jpgations the response is “I take a blood pressure drug, a blood thinner, something for cholesterol, and something occasionally for arthritis pain.”

Just those four categories of medications probably describe several dozen, if not more, potential medications. What is needed is an exact listing of the medications with their dose (strength), how often they are taken, and when they are taken.

 

The perfect list of medications would be an official one from the patient’s primary care physician or provider. However, often what is presented at the institution is a handwritten list with the barest of information.

I am suggesting in this short column that a person, each time they see their primary care physician, request a current list of their medications with doses and instructions, to be printed for them or even emailed to them for reference in case of an emergency.

This list would also be helpful to take to their pharmacist for comparison to what the pharmacy has on file in their computer profile. In this way, the pharmacist could request a prescription to be there at the pharmacy before it is needed, if there have been changes to the drug, dose, or how often the medication is taken. In addition, the pharmacist may want to notify the primary care physician of other medications that have been prescribed that are not on the primary care physician's record.

This brings up another important aspect: sometimes other physicians (specialists or emergency department physicians) have prescribed medication for a patient and the primary care physician is unaware and would need to know this addition, even if temporary, for a complete listing of medications.

It is vital that medication regimens be accurate as patients transition between healthcare environments as a matter of safety and proper medication administration. Keep the list handy or scan it into your computer for ready reference.

I hope this column was informative; 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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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~ 2021-22 high school graduation rate improved to 87.3%, 0.4% higher than 2018-19 ~

TALLAHASSEE, Jan. 13, 2023 – Today, the Florida Department of Education announced that Florida’s 2021-22 high school graduation rate was 87.3%, an increase of 0.4 percentage points over the 2018-19 pre-pandemic school year. All subgroups of students, including Black students, Hispanic students, students from economically disadvantaged families, and students with disabilities, all increased their graduation rates from the 2018-19 school year. Comparing 2018-2019 to 2021-2022 represents a true “apples to apples” comparison, as the 2018-19 school year was the last year prior to 2021-22 that Florida’s statewide, standardized assessment requirements for graduation were in place without exemption waivers.

“These graduation results are the culmination of the hard work and dedication of Florida’s teachers, students, parents and school leaders, along with Governor Ron DeSantis’ decision to keep schools open for in-person instruction,” said Florida Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. “While many around the nation were lowering expectations and keeping at-risk students at a distance from their teachers and needed educational supports, Florida was empowering parents to make this decision and moreover Florida’s teachers stepped up to the plate and delivered for students who had learning gaps to overcome.”

Florida is also continuing to see improvement in student achievement in the current 2022-23 school year, as the state implements the nation’s first full transition to a progress monitoring system of accountability. The Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) progress monitoring system consists of three student check-ins occurring at the beginning, middle and end of the school year, with each event measuring the full year of academic learning expectations. Preliminary results from the first administration (PM1) to the second (PM2) as of early January 2023 already show significant improvement in the number of students performing on grade level based on full-year content expectations and increases are expected to grow throughout the remainder of the school year:

  • In Grades 3-8 Mathematics, 31% of students are performing on grade level and above compared to only 14% at the beginning of the school year.
  • In VPK-Grade 2 Reading, 36% of students are meeting or exceeding grade-level expectations compared to only 20% at the start of the school year.

Progress monitoring places the focus where it should be – on students’ growth and how teachers, parents and school leaders can support their growth. While this school year is a “hold harmless” transition year to progress monitoring, the fact that students’ scores are already elevating is an indication that educators are leveraging more timely and actionable student learning data.

“Florida’s graduation rate is a direct result of the determination of our students and the parents, school counselors, teachers and district leaders who worked hard to ensure the 2022 Senior Class was ready for their next opportunities in life,” said State Board of Education Member Monesia Brown.

“While other states across the nation saw decreases in numerous academic achievement measures, Florida students continue on a strong, upward trajectory, with achievement gaps closing here in the graduation rates and also the previously released NAEP assessments. This is a reflection of Florida’s top-notch educators and the Governor’s unrelenting steadfast leadership,” said State Board of Education Member Grazie Christie.

Student Performance Highlights

  • Black/African American students’ graduation rate increased by 0.5 percentage points compared to 2018-19, rising from 81.5 percent in 2018-19 to 82 percent in 2021-22.
  • Students with disabilities increased their graduation rate by 2.9 percentage points compared to 2018-19, rising from 80.6 percent in 2018-19 to 83.5 percent in 2021-22.
  • The graduation rate for students from economically disadvantaged families improved by 0.2 percentage points compared to 2018-19, rising from 82.9 percent in 2018-19 to 83.1 percent in 2021-22.
  • Hispanic students’ graduation rate remained the same compared to 2018-19, with a rate of 85.9 percent.

For more on Florida’s FAST progress monitoring system, visit: https://www.fldoe.org/accountability/assessments/k-12-student-assessment/best/.

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