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The vibrant “Greetings from Newberry, Florida” mural, completed by artist Jesus Martinez, now brightens the west wall of a city-owned building, serving as both public art and a new downtown landmark. / Photo special to Alachua County Today

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THEN — August 2008: Students line up at the bus loop at Mebane Middle School in Alachua on the first day of the 2008-09 school year. The warm afternoon sun and chatter of friends marked the end of the first day — a scene that remains familiar more than a decade later. / Alachua County Today file photo

Officer Payne of the Alachua Police Department hands out backpacks to local students as families choose supplies for the new school year/Photo Special to Alachua County Today

Main Street Momentum — Alachua’s historic downtown may soon welcome breweries and wine bars if the City Commission follows through on its plan to ease alcohol sales restrictions near churches. A proposed ordinance could help revitalize the area by allowing more diverse business types / Today Staff Photographer

A kayaker dips a paddle into the crystal-clear waters of Ichetucknee Springs, where the river winds through lush, shaded forests in North Central Florida. The spring-fed water stays a refreshing 72 degrees year-round, offering a scenic escape from summer heat / Today Staff Photographer

Mi Apa Latin Café’s new Alachua location is open and offers more space, parking, and a drive-thru at 14829 N.W. 157th Lane, just off U.S. Highway 441.\ Today Staff Photographer

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Alachua County Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2811 Quartermaster Avery Owen, left, serves up a hamburger to 1st Lt. Clint Whaley of the 257th Transportation Battalion, 399th Movement Control Team. Whaley’s unit will soon deploy to help provide logistical support in the Middle East.\ Photo by MICHAEL P. MAUER special to Alachua County Today

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ Residents and businesses in High Springs will see changes to their utility bills after the City Commission voted Monday, Sept. 8, 2025, to adopt updated water and sewer rates as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 budget.

The new rates, approved unanimously by commissioners, keep monthly water service charges steady for most customers but raise sewer base charges significantly and increase costs associated with hydrant meters and new water connections.

Sewer Rates See Largest Jump

The most significant adjustments affect sewer service. Residential customers will see the base monthly charge—including up to 5,000 gallons—rise from $44.05 to $68.30. Commercial and multi-family customers will see their charge increase from $57.29 to $81.54.

Despite the base rate increases, the usage fee for water over 5,000 gallons remains unchanged at $7.96 per 1,000 gallons.

Water Rates Remain Stable for Daily Users

For households and businesses, the structure of tiered water usage charges will remain the same in FY26. The monthly customer charge stays at $15.55, and the four-tier usage schedule—ranging from $3.12 per 1,000 gallons for the first 3,000 gallons to $4.15 per 1,000 gallons for usage above 15,000 gallons—will not change.

Hydrant Meter Costs Increase

Contractors and others who rely on temporary hydrant meters will face steep increases. The city will begin charging $125 for installation and removal, a service that was previously free. Deposits will jump from $100 to $500, and the monthly base charge will rise from $15.55 to $40.00. The per-gallon usage rate for hydrant meter water will also increase, from $3.25 to $3.80 per 1,000 gallons.

Impact Fees Adjusted

New connection fees were also restructured. Water connection impact fees will double from $250 to $500, while sewer connection fees will be reduced sharply, from $2,120 to $240.

The city’s disconnect/reconnect fee for nonpayment or tampering remains at $50.

Next Steps

The new rates will take effect with the start of the 2026 fiscal year on Oct. 1, 2025. Commissioners said the adjustments reflect the rising costs of maintaining water and sewer systems while ensuring long-term stability for the city’s utilities.

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GAINESVILLE ‒ A High Springs man has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to distributing child sexual abuse material, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida announced this week.

Jon Walter Crawford, 36, received the sentence following a joint investigation by the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations. Homeland Security Investigations determined that Crawford possessed over one thousand files of videos and images depicting the sexual abuse of children.

The case began when the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office received a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Deputies identified Crawford and confirmed his involvement in both possession and distribution. Federal agents later determined the full extent of the material in his possession.

Alachua County Sheriff Chad D. Scott commended the work of investigators, noting that the persistence of his detectives and their collaboration with federal partners were critical to the outcome of the case. He said the investigation reflects the agency’s commitment to protecting children and sending a clear message that those who seek to exploit minors will be found and prosecuted. “Let this serve as a clear message: anyone who seeks to exploit or harm children will be found, held accountable and delivered into the arms of justice. The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office will continue to use every available resource to ensure these predators are stopped and that our community’s children are safe,” said Scott.

Officials stressed that the conviction was the result of strong cooperation between local and federal agencies. Homeland Security Investigations emphasized that individuals who collect such material contribute to ongoing abuse.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason R. Coody prosecuted the case.

The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney John P. Heekin, who said protecting children from exploitation is among his office’s highest priorities.

Crawford’s prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat child exploitation and abuse. The program brings together federal, state and local agencies to track down and prosecute offenders while also working to identify and rescue victims

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Colorful flowers and balloons in Santa Fe High’s colors of red, black and gray decorate the chain-link fence outside the school’s athletic fields on Sept. 7, 2025. Students and friends also used red cups to spell out the letters “Long Live JPJ” in tribute to senior Jonathan “JP” Prior, 17, who was killed in a motorcycle crash in Union County. / Alachua County Today Staff Photographer

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ALACHUA – A Santa Fe High School senior was killed Friday night in a motorcycle crash in Union County, sending shockwaves through the community and sparking an outpouring of grief from classmates, family and friends.

Florida Highway Patrol officials said Jonathan “JP” Prior, 17, was riding southbound on State Road 121 when he rear-ended an SUV near Southwest 76th Way on Sept. 5, 2025. The impact threw him from his motorcycle, and he did not survive his injuries. The crash remains under investigation.

Prior was a senior at Santa Fe High School and also worked as a lifeguard at Camp Kulaqua, where colleagues described him as dependable and kind.

Over the weekend, hundreds of students, teachers, relatives and neighbors gathered at Santa Fe High School for a memorial. The gathering turned into a living tribute filled with tears, laughter and stories that highlighted the teenager’s warmth and humor. Classmates said the size of the turnout reflected how deeply he had touched those around him.

In response to the tragedy, Camp Kulaqua lifeguards launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist the Prior family. The fundraiser quickly drew community support, becoming a focal point for those seeking to help during the family’s time of loss.

Santa Fe High administrators said grief counselors are available to support students as they cope with the sudden death of a peer.

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HIGH SPRINGS – High Springs City Commissioners worked through a packed agenda Monday, Sept. 8, 2025, approving a series of measures ranging from setting the tentative property tax rate and adopting a budget to supporting local events and community projects.

Millage Rate and Budget

In the first of two required hearings, commissioners unanimously approved Resolution 2025-K, setting the city’s tentative millage rate at 6.99 mills for Fiscal Year 2025-26. The increase from 6.74 mills follows months of budget workshops. The final vote on the rate is scheduled for Sept. 22.

On first reading of Ordinance 2025-05, the commission also adopted the proposed General Fund budget of $8.08 million for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1. The budget was shaped through public workshops held in May, June and July.

Utility Rates

Commissioners adopted Resolution 2025-M adjusting utility fees. The changes include higher costs for temporary hydrant meters, revised sewer base rates, updated impact fees and a reconfirmation of the $50 water disconnect/reconnect fee. Notices of the rate changes were sent to customers on July 31.

Priest Theatre Roof Project

The commission awarded a contract to Hoffman Construction, Inc. for repairs to the historic Priest Theatre. The bid of $550,828 includes roof replacement and structural work, with an additional $18,280 to replace the parapet wood apron on the front elevation. Officials said the project should be completed before hurricane season intensifies.

Operation Douglass Warriors

Veloria Kelley and Donald Ham of Douglass Historical School Society, Inc. requested the City’s support and approval of a project honoring the City’s veterans and celebrating the legacy of the now defunct Douglass School by creating a permanent memorial for those qualified veterans who attended Douglass.

“We have dubbed this project ‘Operation Douglass Warriors (ODW),’ and it will celebrate veterans who have served both during peacetime and wartime,” said Kelley. The event will also preserve and celebrate the rich history of Douglass School, which provided educational opportunities for African Americans in High Springs from 1930 until its closure in 1970 due to integration.”

Commissioners unanimously backed the Operation Douglass Warriors project and agreed to waive event costs for a dedication ceremony scheduled Nov. 15.

Special Events and Alcohol Ordinance

Marine Corps League submitted an application for a Special Event known as Hot Rodding for Heroes Car Show to be held from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. The permit lists a live DJ and indicates the event will take place on a public road near the High Springs Brewery.

The application requests street barricades and asks the City to permit visitors to carry beer in plastic cups into the show area.

Following a brief discussion, Commissioners unanimously approved the event and agreed to suspend the alcohol ordinance for this event.

Fire Services Agreements

Commissioners extended the city’s interlocal agreement with Alachua County Fire Rescue for fire suppression and emergency services through Sept. 30, 2026. They also voted to abandon a previously discussed letter regarding the county’s Fire Services Funding Agreement.

Winn-Dixie Support

In another action, commissioners reaffirmed support for the local Winn-Dixie grocery store and formally opposed any proposed conversion of the site to an Aldi. A letter will be sent to the grocery chain expressing the city’s position.

Grants and Engineering Services

City Manager Jeremy Marshall presented details of a $700,000 Community Development Block Grant for flood and drainage improvements. Commissioners approved issuing a request for qualifications for engineering services to carry out the work. The city will contribute $50,000 in matching funds.

KCT Agreement

Finally, commissioners approved Resolution 2025-0, authorizing a consulting services agreement with KCT Consulting Services for engineering and other professional services required to accomplish geotechnical, structural, stormwater, roadway, traffic, resiliency, water, wastewater, reclaimed water, landscape and park design, buildings and other Public Works/Public Utilities related projects within the City’s service area.

The measure passed 4-1, with Commissioner Katherine Weitz casting the sole dissenting vote.

The next city commission meeting is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 22, 2025.

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NEWBERRY – The Newberry City Commission met Aug. 25, 2025, to consider a wide range of ordinances and land use amendments beyond fire fees and the Avalon Woods development. Commissioners moved quickly through multiple agenda items, most of which passed without dissent.

Commercial Zoning Approvals

Commissioners approved several rezonings and land use amendments. Hawley Family Holdings LLC, 9.7 acres at 23125 West Newberry Road, was approved for a small-scale amendment from Agriculture to Commercial. A related rezoning to Commercial Intensive was also approved on first reading. Also, IMS 2707 LLC, a 25-acre tract, was advanced on first reading for a change from Agriculture to Commercial, with a companion rezoning to Commercial Automotive. Staff noted opposition from the Planning and Zoning Board to the proposed car lot use. And Pat Post Property, a 111-acre annexed parcel, was approved for a large-scale amendment from Agriculture to Residential. Rezoning to City Agriculture was also approved on first reading, with authorization to transmit the plan to state officials for review.

Large-Scale Land Use Amendment

A legislative hearing considered a request from NV5 Global, Inc., representing Charlie L. and Juanita H. Futch. The proposal sought to reclassify 159 acres on Southwest 15th Avenue from Mixed Use to Residential Low Density, with up to 500 units planned in a development called CountryWay II. Commissioners approved the change unanimously. A companion rezoning application will return to the Planning and Zoning Board and commission in the coming weeks.

In other business, the commission unanimously adopted Ordinance 2025-67, approving the city’s inclusion in the Municipal Service Benefit Unit (MSBU) for solid waste costs. The annual residential rate of $25.27 remains unchanged from last year. The ordinance also allows for multi-year consent, provided increases do not exceed 10 percent in a single year.

On second reading, commissioners unanimously adopted Ordinance No. 2025-15, formally establishing a Mayor’s Youth Council. The program aims to provide student members with leadership opportunities and a platform for civic engagement. Later in the meeting, the commission appointed Anna McGehee and Elana Wilson to the board, with one vacancy still open.

The next Newberry City Commission meeting will be held Sept. 8, 2025.

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The Cleather H. Hathcock, Sr. Community Center in Alachua shows its age as city leaders plan for a replacement. / Alachua County Today Staff Photographer

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~Bigger spaces, expanded programs, and a road upgrade on the table~

ALACHUA ‒ The Cleather H. Hathcock, Sr. Community Center has long been a hub for gatherings and events, but the aging building has struggled to keep up with the community’s needs. Burdened by constant maintenance problems and limited space, the facility has reached a stage where city leaders agree renovation alone will not suffice.

Commission Reviews Next-Generation Plans

City of Alachua Commissioners got their most detailed look yet at what the next-generation Cleather H. Hathcock, Sr. Community Center could be, and the early verdict was enthusiastic. Architect Barnett Chenault, President of Monarch Design Group, delivered a brisk but wide-ranging progress report that translated weeks of staff interviews and a well-attended community workshop into space needs, site constraints, access fixes, and first-pass building layouts.

City Manager Rodolfo Valladares framed the process as a deliberate solicitation of commission, staff, and community engagement that will repeat until a full report returns to the board on Oct. 27.

Community Input Guides Priorities

Chenault said more than 1,600 notices went out for the public workshop at the Hal Brady Recreation Complex, where residents moved through visual boards and dot-voted their priorities. Indoors, the most consistent ask was for larger, flexible rooms capable of handling the city’s growing Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration and other community events, alongside vocational training space and computer labs.

The workshop feedback also emphasized intergenerational programming that uses daytime for seniors and evenings for youth to stretch the building’s capacity without forcing programs to compete. Outside, residents favored a shaded stage or amphitheater and outdoor fitness areas, with interest in rentable community space for festivals and gatherings.

Practical Upgrades: Parking, Access, ADA

Practical upgrades kept pace with the wish list: more parking, ADA-compliant paths, better landscaping, and attention to stormwater and erosion that have dogged the site. While most people currently arrive by car, Chenault noted a meaningful number walk to the center — another reason to fix sidewalks and improve frontage along Northwest 140th Street.

Before design comes math, and the design team laid out the non-negotiables that will shape the footprint: parking ratios, stormwater area, buffers and setbacks, and a minimum open-space requirement. Using an easy benchmark, Chenault said a 10,000-square-foot program drives roughly 33 parking spaces — and because each stall consumes around 300 square feet once aisles are included, parking alone carves a tall slice out of the site.

Those realities, he said, make access improvements a smart early investment no matter which building plan the Commission prefers. Chief among them: paving Northwest 159th Lane to city standards, keeping existing access points until a final design is set, adding sidewalk links, and increasing the number of ADA spaces. Valladares was unequivocal about the street work: if the city is going to invest in a “beautiful building,” the roads leading to it should be finished to match.

Early Design Options Presented

To translate community input into rooms and square footage, Monarch built a preliminary “space matrix” —a budget of sorts — totaling roughly 10,000 interior square feet: around 6,000 for community/program rooms, 1,300 for administration, and 1,200 for the invisible but essential functions like HVAC, IT, janitorial, and AV.

With that as a guide, Chenault showed two early massing options. A one-story version comes in around 8,400 square feet, organized around a north-south corridor connecting multi-purpose rooms, a catering/warming kitchen, support spaces, and covered porch.

A two-story version pushes offices and vocational rooms upstairs, adding circulation needs (stairs and an elevator) and nudging the total to about 9,200 square feet, but freeing ground area and making future expansion more feasible. Outdoor elements — such as a stage, community garden space, stormwater features, and service enclosures — would be planned in tandem but sit outside those interior totals.

Debate Over One-Story vs. Two-Story Layout

The Commission quickly coalesced around new construction rather than renovating the relocated, aging building on site, which has been described as compromised by termites and in constant need of upkeep. On height, however, the commission was not yet settled, though a two-story approach is being seriously considered.

Calls for a History Room and More Storage

Vice Mayor Shirley Green Brown said she liked parts of both a one- and two-story approach and insisted that the project include a dedicated City history room. Chenault said the history theme surfaced repeatedly in public input and will be woven into the plan.

Commissioner Jennifer Ringersen leaned toward a one-story building to simplify access for seniors and avoid elevator costs, but pressed for more small-group rooms and far more storage — lessons hard-won in other civic projects. She also urged isolating a computer lab away from big-room activities so tutoring isn’t drowned out by bingo or events.

Commissioner Dayna Williams favored a two-story path to bank future growth, reasoning that as Alachua grows the city will want the flexibility to expand programs and administration without starting over. She floated the idea of exploring Community Development Block Grant dollars for related street upgrades. Mayor Walter Welch also voiced support for going vertical.

Recreation and Outdoor Amenities

The board dipped briefly into recreation specifics when Green Brown asked about pickleball. While not highlighted on every workshop board, staff confirmed it appeared among the outdoor-fitness suggestions alongside foursquare and kickball. Chenault said the next round of public engagement will test interest in specific sports more directly. He also clarified that improved paved parking could be paired with some managed overflow on unimproved areas to retain the practical capacity residents are used to during large events.

Balancing Scope, Budget, and Vision

Valladares closed the discussions by cautioning that scope and budget must now be balanced against the community’s “dream big” brief, but said the process is doing exactly what it should: turning a long list of ideas into a buildable, fundable plan the public can recognize as its own.

Next Steps in the Design Process

Monarch will return with refined scenarios that prioritize new construction, present trade-offs between one and two stories with most program rooms on the first floor either way, reserve space for a history gallery, and package baseline site improvements — especially the paving of Northwest 159th Lane — into the recommended path forward. Applause followed as the city manager promised a better iteration next time and, ultimately, a center the whole city and the community can be proud of.

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 The following is a press release provided by the Governor's Office. It has been published here as received, without additional reporting or editing by Alachua County Today staff.
 
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announces three judicial appointments
 
Randall Daugustinis, of St. Augustine, to serve as Judge on the Seventh Judicial Circuit Court
 
Daugustinis has served as an Assistant State Attorney for the Fourth Judicial Circuit since 2020. Previously, she served as an Assistant State Attorney in the Tenth Judicial Circuit. She earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Tampa and her juris doctor from Florida Coastal School of Law. Daugustinis fills the judicial vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Warren.
 
Benjamin Rich, of St. Augustine, to serve as Judge on the St. Johns County Court
 
Rich has served as an Assistant State Attorney for the Seventh Judicial Circuit since 2010. Previously, he worked as an Attorney for McCune Law P.A. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida and his juris doctor from Florida Coastal School of Law. Rich fills the judicial vacancy created by the elevation of Judge Blocker.
 
Derek Lewis, of Key West, to serve as Judge on the Monroe County Court
 
Lewis has worked as the Managing Attorney for Derek A. Lewis P.A. since 2021. Previously, he served as an Assistant State Attorney in the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida and his juris doctor from Nova Southeastern University. Lewis fills the judicial vacancy created by the elevation of Judge Morgan.
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The following is a press release provided by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. It has been published here as received, without additional reporting or editing by Alachua County Today staff.

unnamedTALLAHASSEE Sept. 4, 2025 - Today, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announced a temporary closure of recreational bay scallop harvest in the Gulf County Zone. This region includes all state waters from the Mexico Beach Canal in Bay County to the westernmost point of St. Vincent Island in Franklin County, including St. Joseph Bay.

The FWC is tasked with proactively testing and acting to keep Floridians safe. This precautionary measure is due to the detection of toxin-producing algae Pseudo-nitzschia and Pyrodinium bahamense. The Gulf County Zone could reopen for scallop harvesting once tests show levels have decreased to safe limits.

In the Gulf County Zone, scallop harvesting is currently suspended. However, the area is still open for other recreational activities including fishing, boating and swimming.

For more information and updates, visit MyFWC.com/Scallops. Additional details on Pyrodinium can be found in the FWC Pyrodinium bahamense factsheet.

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GAINESVILLE - The Florida Gators kicked off the 2025 season in emphatic fashion, overwhelming Long Island University 55-0 on Saturday night at Steve Spurrier-Florida Field.

The 15th-ranked Gators extended their winning streak to five games, tied for the longest active run in college football, and earned their first shutout in 46 games. It was Florida’s largest shutout victory since 2019 and their first season-opening shutout since 2001.

Florida’s defense set a program record by allowing only two first downs and held LIU to 86 total yards, the fewest by a Gator opponent since 2016. The Sharks never reached the red zone and managed just 1-of-13 on third-down conversions.

Lagway Leads the Offense

Quarterback DJ Lagway delivered one of the best outings of his young career, completing 15 of 18 passes for 120 yards and three touchdowns. He has now thrown at least one scoring pass in six straight games and owns 15 career touchdown passes. His 194.3 passer rating was the second highest of his career and the fourth-best under head coach Billy Napier.

Lagway’s scoring throws went to Eugene Wilson III, who caught his eighth career touchdown; Hayden Hansen, who extended his streak of consecutive starts to 23; and transfer receiver J. Michael Sturdivant, who hauled in his first touchdown as a Gator to put Florida up 38-0 before halftime.

Freshman quarterback Trammell Jones Jr. took over in the second half, completing 12 of 18 passes for 131 yards and two touchdowns in his collegiate debut. He became the first Florida true freshman quarterback to play since Lagway did the same in 2024. His scoring strikes went to tight end Tony Livingston and freshman wideout TJ Abrams, who finished with career highs of two catches for 53 yards.

Baugh and Freshmen Spark Ground Game

Running back Jadan Baugh anchored the rushing attack with nine carries for 104 yards and a 4-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. It was his second 100-yard game, and he has now scored nine total touchdowns in his last eight games.

True freshman Vernell Brown III made history as the third Florida freshman receiver to start a season opener, joining Percy Harvin (2006) and Antonio Callaway (2015). Brown, a Gainesville native, caught three passes for 79 yards, including a 41-yard strike from Lagway. His total set a school record for most receiving yards by a Florida freshman in their debut.

Other newcomers also made immediate impacts. Freshmen Naeshaun Montgomery, Muizz Tounkara, and Duke Clark all recorded their first career touches. Tight end Amir Jackson added a 10-yard reception.

As a team, Florida rushed for 282 yards, surpassing the 200-yard mark for the third straight game. The Gators posted 447 total yards and 38 points in the first half alone — the most in any half under Napier.

Defense Sets the Tone

Florida’s defense wasted no time, scoring the game’s opening points when sophomore safety Bryce Thornton scooped up a fumble forced by linebacker Jaden Robinson and ran it back for a touchdown. Thornton later added a second recovery, becoming the first Gator with two fumble recoveries in a game since 2021.

Linebacker Myles Graham and edge rusher Kamran James each led the defense with five tackles, while Robinson matched his career high with two tackles for loss. Florida’s front seven combined for nine tackles for loss and two sacks.

The Gators have now held opponents under 20 points in five straight games, allowing just 52 points during that span. Over the last five contests, Florida’s defense has produced 45 tackles for loss, 19 sacks, and nine forced fumbles.

Smack Delivers Long Bomb

Kicker Trey Smack connected from 56 yards in the second quarter, tying for the second-longest field goal in program history and setting a personal best. He also made a 41-yarder but missed from 39, 40, and 57 yards. Smack remained perfect on extra points, hitting all seven attempts to extend his career streak to 80.

Punter Tommy Doman had only one kick on the night, a 47-yarder pinned inside the 20.

Program Milestones

With the win, Florida improved to 88-31 all-time in season openers and 72-9 at home. The Gators have sold out 13 straight games dating back to 2023, with 89,451 fans in attendance Saturday.

Napier earned his 60th career victory, placing him among the top 10 active head coaches in wins since 2018. Florida also extended its NCAA-record scoring streak to 462 consecutive games, a run dating back to 1988.

Florida (1-0) continues its nonconference slate next week before beginning SEC play.

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

GAINESVILLE AUGUST 26, 2025 - The University of Florida Board of Trustees today voted unanimously to appoint Dr. Donald W. Landry as interim president of the University of Florida.

Dr. Landry, chair emeritus of Columbia University’s Department of Medicine, is an internationally renowned physician-scientist, president of the American Academy of Sciences and Letters, and a recipient of the Presidential Citizens Medal, the nation’s second-highest civilian honor.

Landry’s term begins Sept. 1, 2025. His appointment must be confirmed by Florida’s Board of Governors, which is expected to consider the matter at its next meeting Sept. 10-11.

“Dr. Landry is a highly accomplished scientist whose work is recognized around the world,” said Mori Hosseini, chair of the UF Board of Trustees. “He has shown exceptional leadership in academia and beyond, building programs with innovation, energy and integrity. I am confident that Dr. Landry will bring those same talents to the University of Florida in service to the students, faculty and people of the great state of Florida.”

Dr. Landry said, “It is an extraordinary honor to serve the University of Florida at such an important moment in its history. UF has made remarkable strides over the past 10 years and is now recognized as one of the top public universities in the country, and I look forward to working with its remarkable faculty, staff and students to continue building on that momentum.”

Academic Roles and Leadership

Landry is the Hamilton Southworth Professor at the New York Presbyterian/Columbia Medical Center and director of the Center for Human Longevity at Columbia. He also is past Physician-in-Chief of New York Presbyterian/Columbia Medical Center. He founded and directed the Division of Experimental Therapeutics and is the past chief of the Division of Nephrology.

Under his leadership as chair of Columbia’s Department of Medicine, philanthropy grew fourfold, NIH funding tripled, and the department rose to No. 3 in the national NIH rankings. Faculty numbers doubled and clinical revenues reached record highs, establishing Columbia’s Department of Medicine as a national destination for research, teaching, and patient care.

Research and Innovation

Dr. Landry’s research contributions span artificial enzyme approaches to cocaine addiction and overdose, small molecule drug development across neuro, cardiac and oncologic targets and the discovery of the syndrome of vasopressin deficiency in vasodilatory shock states. He has published over 150 articles and holds 50 U.S. patents. He was a member of the President’s Council on Bioethics in 2008-09 and was elected to the National Academy of Inventors in 2015.

Education and Recognition

Landry is both a Ph.D. and an M.D. He completed his doctorate in organic chemistry under Nobel laureate R.B. Woodward at Harvard University in 1979 and earned his medical degree from Columbia in 1983. After completing his residency in internal medicine at the Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, he returned to Columbia for training as a National Institutes of Health physician-scientist from 1985 to 1990.

In 2008, Landry received the Presidential Citizens Medal from President George W. Bush for “diverse and pioneering research and his efforts to improve the well-being of his fellow man." The medal was established in 1969 to recognize U.S. citizens who have performed exemplary deeds of service for the nation.

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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.

 August 22, 2025

PANAMA CITY, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the results of a first-of-its kind law enforcement operation targeting illegal immigration—Panhandle Immigration Enforcement Operation. This operation led by the Florida Highway Patrol in coordination with federal partners at ICE, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Border Patrol, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is part of a comprehensive, multi-agency immigration enforcement detail targeting illegal aliens with criminal records, fugitives, and repeat immigration violators.

“This week, a first-of-its-kind immigration enforcement operation started in Florida’s Panhandle, led by the Florida Highway Patrol in coordination with federal partners," said Governor Ron DeSantis. ”The Panhandle Immigration Enforcement Operation has apprehended hundreds of illegal aliens—including fugitives with criminal records and repeat unlawful border crossers. Florida continues to deliver on the mandate to secure our interior and protect our citizens from the threat of illegal immigration.”

Panhandle Immigration Enforcement Operation early highlights include:

  • 45 FHP troopers and 20 federal personnel carrying out enforcement across Escambia, Santa Rosa, Walton, Okaloosa, Holmes, Bay, Washington, and Jackson counties.
  • Nearly 200 illegal aliens apprehended.
  • 37 illegal aliens arrested who previously received final orders of removal and failed to appear in court.
  • Eight illegal aliens apprehended who had been deported and illegally reentered the United States—one of which had been deported four times. These individuals will be federally charged.

“The FHP Immigration Enforcement Unit has demonstrated unprecedented success in apprehending illegal aliens,” said Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Executive Director Dave Kerner. “Working hand in hand with our federal partners, we are creating an enforcement model that can truly impact the illegal immigration crisis.”

Florida state troopers encountered illegal aliens who have fled, resisted arrest, and physically assaulted officers—underscoring the heightened danger posed by criminal illegal aliens. Florida continues to face escalating attempts by criminal illegal aliens to infiltrate our communities, posing a direct and growing threat to the safety of our citizens and visitors.

This operation sends a clear and uncompromising message: Florida will not tolerate lawlessness within its borders. We will continue to deploy every available resource to identify, apprehend, and remove those who seek to exploit our state and endanger our people.

Governor DeSantis also announced that Florida has launched weekly deportation flights out of Tallahassee, in partnership with ICE and the U.S. Coast Guard. Last week, the first deportation flight departed Tallahassee with 20 illegal aliens on board.

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 The following is a press release provided by the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). It has been published here as received, without additional reporting or editing by Alachua County Today staff.

Aug. 14, 2025 — Consumers value Acerola, also called the Barbados cherry, for its health benefits, and it thrives in the Caribbean, Mexico, Brazil and other parts of Central and South America.

University of Florida researchers are working with a Brazilian colleague to see if they can advance the genetic understanding of this nutritious fruit and grow it in the Sunshine State.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that only 1 in 10 American adults meets the recommended fruit and vegetable intake, making the availability of more nutritious fruits helpful. Some people grow Barbados cherry trees in their yards in Florida – and eat the nutritious fruit.

The cherries are rich sources of vitamin C, carotenoids, anthocyanins and phenolic compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, they can provide over 1,800% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C in just one cup.

To help bring consumers all that nutrition, scientists with the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) are evaluating the genetic diversity of acerola and adapting cultivation practices to local conditions.

“These nutritional benefits have elevated acerola to superfood status, making it marketable for fresh consumption, desserts, supplements or juice” said Felipe Ferrao, who’s leading the project for UF/IFAS. “They can contain up to 100 times more vitamin C than oranges, making them a powerful candidate for enhancing and supplementing our diet.”

As part of this effort, scientists are trying to grow acerola in three major field trials around Florida: at the UF/IFAS Plant Science Research and Education Center in Citra, at a farm in Pierson and at the UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center (TREC) in Homestead.

Through these trials, researchers are trying to find out if different types of acerola perform well under varying climates, soil types and management systems. Their research will lay the groundwork for future production across the state.

"Our central goal is to determine the best regions and practices for growing acerola, while understanding how climate conditions influence fruit quality and nutritional value,” Ferrao said.

Beyond its nutritional benefits, acerola also has the potential to help mitigate the ongoing crisis in citrus production and become an alternative crop for local producers.

“As citrus and avocado growers struggle, it’s critical that UF/IFAS help farmers grow more emerging crops,” said Ferrao a UF/IFAS assistant research scientist in horticultural sciences. He used the juice industry as an example. “With approximately 90% of oranges grown in Florida used for making orange juice, growers could take advantage of the existing citrus juice infrastructure, make acerola juice that is delicious, refreshing and nutritious.”

Among others, Ferrao is working with Patricio Muñoz and Ali Sarkhosh -- associate professors of horticultural sciences at the main UF campus in Gainesville -- and Jonathan Crane, a professor and tropical fruit Extension specialist and Jugpreet Singh, an assistant professor of tropical fruit breeding and genetics – both at TREC.

This research also includes a partnership with Flavio França, a researcher and acerola specialist from the Embrapa Semiarido, in Brazil.

"While Brazil is the top producer of acerola, the University of Florida has an important role,” Franca said, citing the ‘Florida Sweet’ acerola, which was grown at TREC in the 1950s.

The research group believes that the integration of better management, genomic tools and breeding techniques can accelerate the identification of acerola plants that meet the current demand of fruits with unique flavor attributes, higher yield and high nutritional values.

“We envision acerola could as a viable crop for agricultural future, contributing to economic growth and food security,” Ferrao said.

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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 William Garst HSplagued 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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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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

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The history of the B vitamins is a fascinating journey that spans several decades and involves the work of numerous scientists. Initially William Garst HSthought to be a single nutrient, it was later discovered to be a complex group of essential water-soluble vitamins with distinct functions. Here's a brief overview of their discovery:

The Beriberi Connection

The story begins in the late 19th Century with the investigation of beriberi, a debilitating disease prevalent in regions where polished white rice was a dietary staple.

  • 1889: Dutch physician Christiaan Eijkman, working in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia), observed that chickens fed polished white rice developed beriberi-like symptoms, which were reversed when they were fed unpolished brown rice. This suggested a nutritional deficiency.
  • 1906: English biochemist Frederick Gowland Hopkins proposed the existence of "accessory food factors" beyond fats, proteins, and carbohydrates that were essential for growth and health.

The “Vitamine” Concept

  • 1911: Polish biochemist Casimir Funk, working in London, isolated a substance from rice polishings that could cure beriberi in pigeons. He proposed that this and other similar substances were vital amines, coining the term “vitamine.” Although not all vitamins are amines, the name stuck (later dropping the “e”).

Distinguishing Multiple Factors

  • 1913: American biochemist Elmer McCollum distinguished between “fat-soluble factor A” and “water-soluble factor B,” recognizing that there was more than one essential nutrient in the water-soluble category.

Isolation and Identification of Individual B Vitamins:

The subsequent decades saw the isolation and characterization of the individual B vitamins:

  • Vitamin B1 (Thiamin): Isolated in crystalline form in 1926 by Dutch chemists Barend Jansen and Willem Donath. It was the first B vitamin to be identified and was found to be the anti-beriberi factor.
  • Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): First observed as a yellow-green fluorescent pigment in milk in 1872, it was characterized and named riboflavin in the early 1930s.
  • Vitamin B3 (Niacin): Its deficiency was linked to pellagra in 1915 by Joseph Goldberger. The chemical structure was determined in 1937 by Conrad Elvehjem.
  • Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid): Discovered in 1933 by Roger J. Williams while researching essential nutrients for yeast.
  • Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): Identified in 1934 by Paul Gyorgy.
  • Vitamin B7 (Biotin): Research spanned the early 1900s, with contributions from Margaret Averil Boas (1927) and Paul Gyorgy (who named it Vitamin H in 1939), among others.
  • Vitamin B9 (Folate/Folic Acid): Identified in 1933 by Lucy Wills for its role in preventing a type of anemia during pregnancy.
  • Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin): Its deficiency was linked to pernicious anemia. It was isolated in 1947 by Karl Folkers and his team.

The “B Complex”

As each water-soluble vitamin with a distinct function was discovered, they were grouped together as the “vitamin B complex.” This term reflects their shared water solubility and their common occurrence in many of the same foods, as well as their often-interconnected roles in metabolic processes.

Nobel Prizes

The importance of B vitamin research is highlighted by the Nobel Prizes awarded to scientists involved in their discovery and understanding:

  • 1929: Christiaan Eijkman and Sir Frederick Gowland Hopkins were jointly awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their work on the discovery of vitamins. Eijkman's work focused on the link between diet and beriberi (leading to the identification of Vitamin B1), while Hopkins was recognized for his broader contributions to the understanding of essential nutrients.
  • 1934: George Whipple, George Minot, and William Murphy received the Nobel Prize for their work on the treatment of pernicious anemia using liver extracts, which eventually led to the isolation of Vitamin B12.
  • 1964: Dorothy Hodgkin was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for her work on determining the structures of important biochemical substances, including Vitamin B12.

Modern Understanding

Today, we have a detailed understanding of the chemical structures, functions, dietary sources, and deficiency symptoms of each of the B vitamins. They are known to play crucial roles as coenzymes in numerous metabolic pathways, affecting energy production, nerve function, red blood cell formation, DNA synthesis, and many other vital processes.

It's worth noting that several other substances were once considered part of the B complex and assigned B numbers (like B4, B8, B10, B11), but these were later found to be either synthesized by the body or not essential and were thus removed from the official list of B vitamins

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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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Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays many crucial roles in the body. Here are some of its key benefits:

William Garst HS
Vision

  • Essential for night vision: Vitamin A is a component of rhodopsin, a protein in the eyes that allows us to see in low-light conditions. Deficiency can lead to night blindness. Supports overall eye health: It helps maintain the cornea (the outer layer of the eye) and conjunctiva (the membrane covering the surface of the eye).
  • May reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts: Some studies suggest that adequate vitamin A intake, often through carotenoids like beta-carotene, may lower the risk of these age-related eye conditions.
  • Treats dry eyes and inflammation: Vitamin A can help moisten the eyes and reduce inflammation.

Immune Function

  • Supports immune cell development: Vitamin A is crucial for the development and function of various immune cells, including neutrophils and macrophages, which fight off infections.
  • Maintains the mucosal barrier: It helps maintain the health of the mucous membranes in the nose, sinuses, mouth, and gut, which act as a barrier against pathogens.
  • May reduce the severity of certain infections: In deficient children, vitamin A supplementation can reduce the severity of measles and diarrhea.

Skin Health

  • Promotes cell growth and turnover: Vitamin A is involved in the growth and repair of skin cells.
  • May help treat acne: Topical retinoids (a form of vitamin A) are commonly used to treat acne by promoting skin cell turnover and reducing oil production
  • .Reduces signs of aging: Topical retinoids can help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation by stimulating collagen production and promoting skin cell turnover.
  • Supports wound healing: Vitamin A plays a role in collagen production and reduces inflammation, which are important for wound healing.
  • May help treat other skin conditions: Prescription retinoids are used to treat conditions like psoriasis and warts.

Growth and Development

  • Essential for cell growth and differentiation: Vitamin A is needed for the proper development and specialization of cells throughout the body.
  • Important for fetal development: It plays a critical role in the growth and development of the fetus during pregnancy.
  • Supports bone health: Vitamin A contributes to bone growth and maintenance.
  1. Reproduction:
  • Essential for both male and female reproductive health: It is involved in sperm and egg development.
  • Important for placental health: Vitamin A is crucial for the health and function of the placenta during pregnancy.

Antioxidant Activity

  • Carotenoids act as antioxidants: Beta-carotene and other carotenoids, which can be converted to vitamin A in the body, are potent antioxidants that can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Important Considerations:

  • Deficiency: Vitamin A deficiency can lead to various health problems, including night blindness, increased risk of infections, and skin issues.
  • Toxicity: Excessive intake of vitamin A can be harmful, leading to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, and even liver damage. Pregnant women should be particularly careful not to exceed the recommended upper limit due to the risk of birth defects.
  • Food Sources: It's generally best to obtain vitamin A through a balanced diet rich in sources like liver, fish, dairy products, eggs, and orange and yellow fruits and vegetables (which contain beta-carotene).

It's always best to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate amount of vitamin A for your individual needs

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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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We want to thank the Alachua County Today community for strongly supporting the Alachua Main Street Harvest Festival this past Sunday.

There were over 200 vendors with all types of products and a record crowd that was amazing from start to finish.  The vendors do a fantastic job of coming early and setting up for a big day and they were rewarded. 

Our 37th Alachua Main Street festival was a resounding success!

Marilyn Vanover

Alachua Business League

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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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TALALAHASSEE - The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Division of Law Enforcement along with other law enforcement partners participated in Operation Dry Water’s heightened enforcement weekend July 4-6. With the Fourth of July falling on a Thursday this year the heightened patrol efforts extended through Sunday, July 7.

ODW is a year-round national effort to educate recreational boaters about the dangers of Boating Under the Influence of alcohol or drugs and their mission is to reduce the number of alcohol- and drug0related incidents and fatalities on the water.

The Northeast Region of the FWC DLE consists of 12 counties including St. Johns County on the north end, down to Indian River County on the east coast, and west over to Sumter County. The region’s officers and staff were proactive in getting boating safety messaging out to the public prior to the holiday and they continued educating the public while remaining on the lookout for reckless or impaired operators during the popular Fourth of July boating weekend.

Between July 4-7, FWC officers in the Northeast Region cited 157 vessel operators for boating safety violations, issued 778 boating safety warnings and removed 11 vessel operators from the water for BUI. The highest Blood Alcohol Content reported was .11. In Florida, it is illegal to operate a vessel with a BAC of .08 or higher, the same as in a vehicle. Operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal on all bodies of water and the use of both legal and illegal drugs impairs judgement and reaction time, whichcan lead to serious injuries and consequences. Statewide, over 50 vessel operators were removed from the waterways of Florida for BUI during the heightened enforcement and holiday weekend.

“Our message over the Operation Dry Water weekend was the same as it is all year long,” said Maj. Jay Russel, Northeast Regional Commander. “Never boat under the influence. The Fourth of July holiday has been known for increased boating activity as well as increased alcohol consumption, every hour our officers spent on the water was aimed at educating and safeguarding everyone out enjoying our waterways. We know the potential our presence has to save lives and we take that very seriously.”

The FWC reminds all boaters to enjoy time with friends and family but do so safely and don’t forget to designate a sober operator before departing from the dock. More information about boating and boating regulations in Florida can be found by visiting MyFWC.com/Boating and boaters can learn more about boating under the influence and the Operation Dry Water campaign by visiting OperationDryWater.org.

To report dangerous boating activity the public can submit anonymous tips by texting 847411 (Tip411) with keyword “FWC” followed by the location and any information about the violation or call 888-404-FWCC (3922). Additionally, there is an easy-to-use downloadable iPhone or Android app: “FWC Wildlife Alert.”

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