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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

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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

Leaders from Siemens, San Felasco Tech City, the City of Alachua and Chamber of Commerce gathered June 18, 2025, for a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the grand opening of Siemens' new 30,000-square-foot facility in Alachua / Photo special to Alachua County Today

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ALACHUA COUNTY – Early education programs in Alachua County Public Schools (ACPS) have earned some of the highest marks in Florida, with schools in Alachua, Newberry, and Archer among those recognized for excellence, according to information released by Alachua County Public Schools.

The district reported that 78% of its Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) programs received an “Excellent” rating in new evaluations by the Florida Department of Education (FDOE). That compares with just 33% of the nearly 6,100 VPK programs statewide. Ratings are based on both student performance and classroom observations.

“This is the first year the state has used a formal performance metric to evaluate VPK programs,” said district VPK coordinator Trisha Rodriguez in a statement provided by ACPS. “Something that really sets us apart is the quality of our staff, who are highly educated and trained in early childhood education. They are very dedicated to this field and are always looking for new ways to prepare children for kindergarten and beyond.”

Seven district-based VPK programs earned the top rating of “Excellent,” including those at Newberry Elementary School, Archer Elementary School, and Irby Elementary School in Alachua, as well as Chiles, Talbot, Wiles, and the Duval Early Learning Academy.

The programs at Norton and Terwilliger Elementary Schools were rated “Above Expectations,” the second-highest ranking.

Four of the county’s top 10 VPK programs overall were based in district schools, including Chiles (#2), Talbot (#3), Wiles (#6), and Newberry (#8).

In the classroom observation category, Newberry Elementary ranked #1 in Alachua County, with Archer Elementary (#10) and Irby Elementary (#9) also making the top 10. Newberry’s program also ranked 11th out of all 6,095 providers statewide in that category, ACPS noted.

Across the county’s 68 public and private VPK providers, 31% earned an “Excellent” rating. Most providers in Alachua County are privately run. District programs, however, consistently scored among the best in the county, with schools in Alachua, Newberry, and Archer standing out.

Rodriguez said the results highlight the strength of school-based VPK programs. “The best way to prepare students for school is to place them in the school setting,” she said. “These results show that a high level of learning is happening in our school-based VPK programs.”

Providers that fail to meet the state’s standards risk losing VPK funding, making the new metrics especially significant. Alachua County’s results place its district programs well ahead of the statewide average, underscoring the role early education plays in preparing students for long-term success.

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NEWBERRY ‒ A Newberry woman who also served as an assistant track coach has been charged with child abuse and other offenses after police say she instigated a fight among students during a high school track meet earlier this year.

Melissa Danielle Nattiel, 42, was charged with two counts of child abuse, three counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and disorderly conduct following an incident on March 3 at Newberry High School, according to court records.

A police report states that Nattiel was present at the meet in her role as both a parent and assistant coach for Newberry’s track and field team. Officers said a fight had broken out involving her son, members of the Newberry team, and two students from another school. By the time Nattiel arrived, officers reported that tensions had subsided.

Instead of calming the situation, Nattiel “reignited the confrontation and escalated the situation by encouraging the two victims to fight her son,” an officer wrote.

She allegedly approached the two students aggressively, telling them, “You are going to fight my son,” and instructed her son to “go punch that kid,” according to the report. Witnesses told police that Nattiel shoved both victims, and one of them pushed her back in self-defense.

The confrontation quickly escalated, with students from Newberry, Gainesville and Eastside High schools reportedly joining the brawl.

After reviewing the incident, prosecutors filed formal charges against Nattiel on July 1. A warrant for her arrest was issued on July 11, and she was taken into custody on Aug. 2. She was later released on $40,000 bail.

Court records indicate that Nattiel has no prior criminal convictions. The case remains pending.

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ALACHUA – The A.L. Mebane Alumni Association gathered at the Hathcock Community Center to plan a special event honoring the enduring legacy of the historic all-Black school and its former students.

The celebration, set for Friday, Sept. 5, at Santa Fe High School’s football field, will highlight the contributions of A.L. Mebane alumni while connecting their stories to today’s students and the wider community.

Organizers said the event will give a nod to the strong tradition of Friday night football in North Central Florida. It will also serve as a bridge between generations, ensuring the experiences of A.L. Mebane graduates are remembered and shared with current students.

The planning session drew alumni, many of whom still live and remain active in the community. Attendees said the effort reflects the bonds built during the era of segregation and the desire to weave that history into Santa Fe’s traditions.

Similar reunions have been held across the country, as graduates of historically Black schools gather to preserve their shared experiences and ensure they are passed on to future generations.

Organizers view the event as both a moment of remembrance and an opportunity for inspiration. By celebrating the resilience, achievements and impact of A.L. Mebane alumni, they hope to spark pride among Santa Fe students and the broader community.

The A.L. Mebane planning committee is working in partnership with the Santa Fe High School Boosters to create what they describe as a meaningful, memorable celebration. The program will highlight not only the alumni’s lasting mark on the community, but also their influence on high school athletics and education in the region.

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ALACHUA COUNTY – A 27-year-old Ocala woman remains in critical condition and a 60-year-old Hawthorne woman is recovering from serious injuries after a violent two-vehicle crash on Friday morning along State Road 20 in the Grove Park area, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The crash occurred at approximately 7:45 a.m. on July 18 near Southeast 159th Street, a stretch of highway that runs through rural eastern Alachua County and often sees moderate morning traffic as drivers commute between communities like Hawthorne and Gainesville.

According to the preliminary investigation by FHP, the Ocala woman was driving an SUV eastbound on State Road 20, also known as Hawthorne Road, when her vehicle unexpectedly left the roadway. Troopers reported the SUV traveled onto the southern grassy shoulder before beginning to rotate uncontrollably.

The vehicle then crossed both eastbound lanes, entered the center grass median, overturned, and entered the westbound travel lanes. At that point, it collided with a westbound sedan being driven by the Hawthorne woman.

The driver of the SUV had been ejected during the rollover and was found with life-threatening injuries. She was transported by ambulance to a nearby trauma center. Her condition remains critical, according to officials.

The driver of the sedan sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries. She was also transported to the hospital and was later listed in stable condition, according to troopers.

Due to the extent of the damage to both vehicles, troopers have not yet determined whether seatbelts were in use by either of the drivers at the time of the collision. The use or non-use of seat restraints often plays a key role in determining the cause and severity of injuries in such incidents.

The investigation is ongoing, and additional details, including potential contributing factors such as speed, distraction, or mechanical failure, have not yet been released. Authorities did not report any adverse weather conditions at the time of the crash.

FHP stated that this report is based on preliminary findings and subject to updates as more evidence is analyzed. No charges have been filed as of press time, and both drivers' names are being withheld pending notification of family and the outcome of the investigation.

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NEWBERRY – The Newberry Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board reviewed ongoing and proposed initiatives for downtown at its Aug. 11, 2025, meeting, including a new mural, the first application for a commercial façade grant, and potential programs to support business marketing and residential improvements.

Work began Aug. 4 on a mural for the west wall of the city-owned building at 25439 W. Newberry Road. Artist Jesus Martinez was selected after a public call for submissions. The mural is partially funded by a $2,000 matching Art Tag Grant, supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, Visit Gainesville, and sales of “State of the Arts” license plates. The project also includes landscaping, a bench, and sidewalk improvements to encourage visitors to stop downtown.

In other business, the board approved the first application under its new Commercial Façade Grant Program. Pabst Personal Care, PLLC, the owner of 25050 W. Newberry Road, received approval for improvements including seal-coating and painting the parking lot, repairing handrails, pressure washing, exterior painting, updated signage, and landscaping.

The work is estimated at $12,125, with the CRA covering up to 75 percent of the final cost, capped at $9,093.95. Board members unanimously supported the application.

Members also discussed creating a Business Marketing Grant Program to help downtown merchants with advertising, branding, digital campaigns, and promotional events. The proposal, modeled in part after Boynton Beach’s program, could reimburse businesses for marketing efforts and align with Newberry’s Downtown 5-Year Action Plan.

Organizers suggested collaboration with the Newberry Main Street Organization, Visit Newberry, and the Chamber of Commerce to promote downtown through consistent messaging and small-scale events. No decisions were made, but staff will continue exploring the idea.

The board also reviewed the possibility of launching a Residential Paint Program in fiscal year 2026. Similar programs in other Florida cities provide free or discounted paint, vouchers, or contracted labor to assist homeowners with exterior improvements, historic preservation, and blight prevention.

Board members were shown examples of local homes in need of repair and asked to consider options that might best serve the CRA district. No final action was taken.

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COLUMBIA COUNTY – A 73-year-old High Springs man was struck and killed early Wednesday morning, Aug. 13, 2025, after being hit by two vehicles while walking along U.S. Highway 41, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).

Troopers reported the crash occurred at approximately 5:14 a.m., just north of Adams Street in southern Columbia County. Investigators said the man was walking in the northbound lane when he was hit by a sedan driven by a 58-year-old woman from Fort White.

The impact threw the pedestrian into the southbound lane, where he was struck again by a van driven by a 72-year-old man from Lake City. Emergency responders pronounced the man dead at the scene.

Troopers said it was still unclear why the man was walking in the roadway at that hour, or whether lighting or road conditions may have been a factor. The FHP has not released the name of the pedestrian, in keeping with state privacy laws that shield identifying information in traffic fatalities.

U.S. 41 in that area is a two-lane divided highway with limited lighting. The crash closed portions of U.S. 41 for several hours Wednesday morning as investigators documented the scene. The case remains under investigation, and FHP has not indicated whether any charges are anticipated.

Pedestrian deaths remain a concern in Florida, which consistently ranks among the states with the highest rates of pedestrian fatalities nationwide, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Safety advocates often point to rural highways such as U.S. 41, where narrow shoulders and limited lighting increase risks for walkers.

The FHP is asking drivers to remain alert, especially during early morning and nighttime hours, and reminding pedestrians to use sidewalks or shoulders whenever possible.

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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 following is a press release provided by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. It has been published here as received, without additional reporting or editing by Alachua County Today staff.

Grants Part of More Than $3.5 Million Awarded to Youth Literacy Programs Across the Country

GOODLETTSVILLE, TENNESSEE  – Aug. 14, 2025 – Today, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation (DGLF) announced the award of more than $190,000 in youth literacy grants to Florida non-profit organizations, libraries and schools. The funds are part of more than $3.5 million recently awarded across the country for recipients to use the funds for professional development opportunities and/or to purchase books, technology, equipment or materials to help extend a brighter future for K-12 students.

“As the need for accessible educational materials and resources for our country’s youth continues, we are proud to provide vital support to local literacy programs,” shared Denine Torr, executive director of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. “The Dollar General Literacy Foundation believes the investment in the education of a young student is an investment in a brighter future. We are grateful to the local schools, libraries and non-profit organizations that are serving students and helping them thrive.”

Florida recipients are below, and a comprehensive list of grant recipients may be found online at www.dgliteracy.org. The Florida grants are expected to positively impact the lives of more than 24,500 individuals in the state.

Applications for the 2026 Dollar General Literacy Foundation grant cycle supporting youth, family, summer and adult literacy programs will be available at www.dgliteracy.org in January 2026. These grants aim to support schools, libraries, and non-profit organizations within a 15-mile radius of a Dollar General store or distribution center in implementing new literacy initiatives or expanding existing ones. Grant applications may be found online at http://www.dgliteracy.org.

To shine an additional light on literacy, the Foundation recently launched its sixth annual The Yellow Glasses Project. Now through International Literacy Day on September 8 (or while supplies last), DG customers can purchase yellow sunglasses for $2 each at participating DG stores across the country to benefit the DGLF.

Florida recipients include:

City
Organization Name
  Grant Amount
Apopka Piedmont Lakes Middle School  $             4,000
Boca Raton ROOTS AND WINGS INC  $             5,000
Davenport Restoration Apostolic Truth Ministries  $             5,000
Destin Destin Library  $             4,000
Fort Lauderdale Jack and Jill Children's Center Inc  $             5,000
Fort Walton Beach Children in Crisis, Inc.  $             4,000
Gainesville PEAK Literacy  $             3,710
Gainesville Children Beyond Our Borders, Inc.  $             4,880
Hobe Sound Boys & Girls Club of Martin County, Inc.  $             5,000
Hollywood The Quest Center  $             4,000
Immokalee Guadalupe Center, Inc.  $             5,000
Inverness Citrus County Education Foundation  $             4,000
Jacksonville Icon Preparatory School Jacksonville  $             4,000
Kissimmee Partin Settlement Elementary  $             3,000
Lake City Westside Elementary School  $             4,000
Lakeland United Way of Central Florida, Inc.  $             4,000
Melbourne Space Coast Discovery  $             5,000
Miami Hope for Miami  $             4,865
Miami Uplift Literacy, Inc  $             5,000
Naples New Horizons of Southwest Florida, Inc.  $             5,000
Naples Grace Place for Children and Families, Inc.  $             5,000
Odessa Chapter One NFP  $          50,000
Orlando Pineloch Elementary  $             3,000
Orlando Pinewood Elementary  $             3,000
Orlando Lake Gem Elementary  $             3,500
Panama City Bay Haven Charter Academy  $             5,000
Pembroke Park Koinonia Community Development Inc (KCDI) - Mimi's Learning Center K-12  $             4,000
Pensacola C.A. Weis Elementary School  $             3,000
Saint Augustine St. Johns County Education Foundation d/b/a INK! Investing in Kids  $             5,000
Saint Cloud Saint Cloud Elementary School  $             3,000
Saint Petersburg Family Center on Deafness, Inc.  $             4,955
Tampa Hillsborough Education Foundation  $             5,000
West Palm Beach St. Ann Catholic School  $             4,500
Winter Park Conductive Education Center of Orlando, Inc.  $             4,000
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TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis has appointed Kristine Van Vorst of Gainesville to serve as a judge on the Eighth Judicial Circuit Court, filling a vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Moseley.


JudgeVanVorstThe Eighth Judicial Circuit serves Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Gilchrist, Levy and Union counties. The court handles a wide range of cases, including major criminal trials, civil disputes exceeding $50,000, family law matters, probate, juvenile cases, and appeals from county courts.

Van Vorst has served as an Alachua County Court judge since 2017, presiding over misdemeanor criminal cases, county civil matters, traffic infractions, and small claims disputes. Prior to her election to the county bench, she worked as a general magistrate for the Eighth Judicial Circuit, where she handled cases referred by circuit judges, including family law and child support enforcement proceedings.

A double graduate of the University of Florida, Van Vorst earned both her bachelor’s degree and juris doctor from the school. Her legal career in Gainesville spans more than two decades, with experience in both the public and private sectors before joining the judiciary.

The governor’s office did not announce an official start date, but Van Vorst’s appointment will become effective upon completion of the judicial transition process. The Florida Constitution grants the governor authority to fill judicial vacancies through appointment, with appointees subject to standing for election in the next general cycle that occurs more than one year after their appointment.

Van Vorst’s elevation to the circuit bench will leave a vacancy in the Alachua County Court, which will be filled through the same appointment process.

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BRISTOL, Fla. – On Aug. 3, 2025, at approximately 4:00 p.m., the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) was alerted to a kidnapping suspect traveling along U.S. 319 in Wakulla County. The suspect, identified as 23-year-old Maurtez Rashaad Edwards of Macon, Georgia, was wanted for the aggravated kidnapping of his 2-month-old child.

Z FHP Edwards
At 4:35 p.m., FHP Trooper Norris and deputies from the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) responded to a new alert indicating that Edwards’ vehicle was heading westbound on State Roads 20 and 267 in Leon County, approaching Liberty County. When officers attempted a traffic stop, the suspect refused to pull over and accelerated, initiating a dangerous high-speed pursuit.

Trooper Norris led the chase and attempted a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver when conditions allowed. Edwards evaded the maneuver, reversed direction, and began traveling east on SR 20. Despite two additional PIT attempts, he continued driving erratically—brake-checking pursuing officers and varying his speed—posing an increasing risk to public safety.

As the pursuit entered Gadsden County, it became evident that Edwards was actively kidnapping the infant, showing reckless disregard for the child’s safety while reaching speeds of up to 92 miles per hour.

With coordinated efforts by FHP, LCSO, and the Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO), Trooper Myers joined the pursuit and successfully executed a final PIT maneuver. When Edwards exited the vehicle and attempted to flee, LCSO deputies moved in. He then retrieved an AR-15 rifle hidden inside the vehicle and placed the barrel under his chin. Deputies engaged and safely disarmed him after a brief struggle.

Edwards subsequently abandoned the infant and fled on foot into a wooded area. He was quickly apprehended by Trooper Sanders and LCSO deputies.

Trooper Norris located the abducted infant, safely secured in a car seat carrier, with no visible injuries. Family members were notified and met the child at a hospital in Gadsden County, where he was reunited with his mother and grandmother.

“Our mission is to serve and protect the people of Florida, and this successful operation highlights what’s possible when state and local agencies work together,” said Dave Kerner, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. “I commend everyone involved for their professionalism and commitment to public safety.”

“This incident highlights how important it is for the motoring public to stay alert to their surroundings and assist law enforcement,” said Colonel Gary Howze of the Florida Highway Patrol. “It demonstrates how Florida law enforcement agencies work together as force multipliers in our commitment to helping those in harm’s way, pursuing justice, and holding criminals accountable.”

“This was outstanding cooperation between multiple agencies,” said Liberty County Sheriff Dusty Arnold. “I can’t say enough about the Florida Highway Patrol and the deputies and dispatchers here at the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office for their hard work.”

Maurtez Rashaad Edwards was booked into the Liberty County Jail and faces the following charges:

  • Fleeing/Eluding with Disregard for Safety of Persons or Property (F.S. 316.1935.3a)
  • Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer (F.S. 784.07.2c)
  • Aggravated Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer (F.S. 784.07.2d)
  • Cruelty Toward a Child Without Great Bodily Harm (F.S. 827.03.2c)
  • Kidnapping of a Minor Confined Under Age 13 Without Parental Consent (F.S. 787.01.1b)
  • Use or Display of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (F.S. 790.07.2)

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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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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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“I say to you today, my friends, though, even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up, live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.’” These words are as moving today as when first spoken by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the passionate and influential civil rights leader who stood as a “pillar of hope and a model of grace” in his fight towards equality for all.

On January 17, we will reflect on the life and legacy of Dr. King, who, with his brave supporters, stood in strong opposition to racial discrimination, as well as the wrongful and unequal treatment of people who differed in national origin and religious beliefs.

The State of Florida continues to carry Dr. King’s legacy forward, committed to ending discrimination and ensuring all within our state have fair and equal access to employment and housing - because every person deserves to live the American Dream. The Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR) was established in 1969 to enforce the Florida Civil Rights Act and address discrimination through education, outreach, and partnership. Annually, the FCHR recognizes and honors Floridians who advance civil rights throughout the state in the Florida Civil Rights Hall of Fame.

As we take this time to honor Dr. King, let us consider how we can improve our own communities. Everyone should have the opportunity to live the American Dream. Dr. King paved the way for our society to embrace equality, and it is our job as Americans and Floridians to ensure the civil rights of all people.

Angela Primiano, Vice-Chair

Florida Commission on Human Relations

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World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is on June 15. On this day, and throughout the month, communities, seniors, caregivers, governments, organizations, and the private sector unite to prevent the mistreatment of and violence against older people.

Social Security imposter scams are widespread across the United States. Scammers use sophisticated tactics to deceive you into providing sensitive information or money. They target everyone – even the elderly – and their tactics continue to evolve.

Most recently, Social Security’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG) has received reports of phone scammers creating fake versions of the identification badges most Federal employees use to gain access to Federal buildings. The scammers may text or email photos of the fake badges to convince potential victims of their legitimacy. These badges use government symbols, words, and even names and photos of real people, which are available on government websites or through internet searches.

If you receive a suspicious letter, text, email, or call, hang up or do not respond. You should know how to identify when it’s really Social Security. We will NEVER:

  • Text or email images of an employee’s official government identification.
  • Suspend your Social Security number.
  • Threaten you with arrest or other legal action unless you immediately pay a fine or fee.
  • Require payment by retail gift card, wire transfer, internet currency, or cash by mail.
  • Promise a benefit increase or other assistance in exchange for payment.
  • Send official letters or reports containing your personal information via email.

We only send text messages if you have opted in to receive texts from us and only in limited situations, including the following:

  • When you have subscribed to receive updates and notifications by text.
  • As part of our enhanced security when accessing your personal my Social Security account.

If you owe money to us, we will mail you a letter with payment options and appeal rights.

We encourage you to report suspected Social Security imposter scams — and other Social Security fraud — to the OIG website at oig.ssa.gov. You may read our previous Social Security fraud advisories at oig.ssa.gov/newsroom/news-release. Please share this information with your friends and family to help spread awareness about Social Security imposter scams.

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The first drug developed to treat alcohol use disorder (AUD), the modern term for alcoholism, was disulfiram (Antabuse). Today disulfiram is still used, but as a second line William Garst HSdrug behind acamprosate (Campral) and naltrexone (Revia, Vivitrol). Disulfiram works by blocking the enzymatic breakdown of alcohol and allowing a metabolite to build up in the blood, producing very unpleasant effects. People taking disulfiram will be deterred from ingesting alcohol because they know they will become very ill. The drug is used as an aid to help alcoholics overcome their cravings and addiction.

Disulfiram (a compound that contains sulfur) was first synthesized in 1881 as an industrial chemical, and in the early 1900s was introduced in the manufacturing of rubber. Adding sulfur in rubber manufacturing produces varying degrees of hardness in the final rubber compound.

During the late 1930s sulfur compounds, including disulfiram, were being investigated because of the antimicrobial effects of drugs containing sulfur, and the search was intense. Two scientists at the Danish firm of Medicinalco, Erik Jacobson and Jens Hald, began investigating disulfiram for treatment of intestinal parasites. This company had a group of employees called the “Death Battalion” who would experiment on themselves.

During this phase of testing the drug on themselves, they discovered they became ill after ingesting alcohol. This discovery was made in 1945, but a few years later disulfiram was considered to be used in the treatment of alcoholism as an aversive-reaction drug therapy. Jacobson and Hald’s work was finally published in 1948 and disulfiram was approved by the FDA in 1951.

The discovery of disulfiram led to a renewed interest in the metabolism of alcohol in the body. It was known alcohol was metabolized in the liver and broken down to acetaldehyde then to acetic acid and carbon dioxide by unknown enzymes. In 1950 it was discovered that disulfiram blocked the action of the enzyme that converts acetaldehyde, thus causing an accumulation of acetaldehyde in the bloodstream, which is the cause of the unpleasant effects.

Effects that occur when disulfiram is taken with alcohol include flushing, sweating, nausea and vomiting, chest pain, shortness of breath, and lightheadedness. One should not take disulfiram within 12 hours of alcohol ingestion or 14 days from the last dose of the drug. In addition, products that contain alcohol such as aftershave, cologne, perfume, antiperspirant, and mouthwash can produce unpleasant reactions for people taking Antabuse. Other products to avoid are paint thinners, solvents, and stains, along with dyes, resins and waxes, because even small amounts of alcohol absorbed through the skin can produce the effects.

Other drugs can produce adverse reactions, commonly called the “antabuse-like reaction.” The most notable of these drugs are metronidazole (Flagyl, an antibiotic), griseofulvin (an antifungal), and some cephalosporin antibiotics. If a drug is known to have this side effect, it should be pointed out to the patient by the prescriber and the pharmacist. Always read the drug information given to you when starting a new medication that tells you about side effects that may occur and how to avoid them.

Substance abuse of any kind is not good, but alcohol abuse has been especially devastating to society, families, and individuals because of the convenient availability, relative inexpensiveness, and its association with festivities. In addition, the abuse of alcohol leads to lack of inhibitions and unpredictable behaviors, which are many times violent and destructive. When people take disulfiram, they are acknowledging their problem, and they know that very unpleasant reactions will occur if alcohol is consumed, thus it helps to deter the first drink.

The history of disulfiram is still being written. Currently, it is being studied to treat certain cancers, parasitic infections, HIV, and Covid-19.

Stay informed and stay healthy.

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William Garst is a consultant pharmacist who resides in Alachua, Florida. He received his B.S. in Pharmacy from Auburn University in 1975. He earned a master’s degree in Public Health in 1988 from the University of South Florida and a Master’s in Pharmacy from UF in 2001. In 2007, he received his Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Colorado. Dr. Garst is a member of many national, state, and local professional associations. He serves on the Alachua County Health Care Advisory Board and stays active as a relief pharmacist. In 2016, he retired from the VA. Dr. Garst enjoys golf, reading (especially history), and family. He writes a blog called The Pharmacy Newsletter (https://thepharmacynewsletter.com/). William Garst can be contacted at communitypharmac
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BRISTOL, Fla. – On Aug. 3, 2025, at approximately 4:00 p.m., the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) was alerted to a kidnapping suspect traveling along U.S. 319 in Wakulla County. The suspect, identified as 23-year-old Maurtez Rashaad Edwards of Macon, Georgia, was wanted for the aggravated kidnapping of his 2-month-old child.

Z FHP Edwards
At 4:35 p.m., FHP Trooper Norris and deputies from the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) responded to a new alert indicating that Edwards’ vehicle was heading westbound on State Roads 20 and 267 in Leon County, approaching Liberty County. When officers attempted a traffic stop, the suspect refused to pull over and accelerated, initiating a dangerous high-speed pursuit.

Trooper Norris led the chase and attempted a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver when conditions allowed. Edwards evaded the maneuver, reversed direction, and began traveling east on SR 20. Despite two additional PIT attempts, he continued driving erratically—brake-checking pursuing officers and varying his speed—posing an increasing risk to public safety.

As the pursuit entered Gadsden County, it became evident that Edwards was actively kidnapping the infant, showing reckless disregard for the child’s safety while reaching speeds of up to 92 miles per hour.

With coordinated efforts by FHP, LCSO, and the Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO), Trooper Myers joined the pursuit and successfully executed a final PIT maneuver. When Edwards exited the vehicle and attempted to flee, LCSO deputies moved in. He then retrieved an AR-15 rifle hidden inside the vehicle and placed the barrel under his chin. Deputies engaged and safely disarmed him after a brief struggle.

Edwards subsequently abandoned the infant and fled on foot into a wooded area. He was quickly apprehended by Trooper Sanders and LCSO deputies.

Trooper Norris located the abducted infant, safely secured in a car seat carrier, with no visible injuries. Family members were notified and met the child at a hospital in Gadsden County, where he was reunited with his mother and grandmother.

“Our mission is to serve and protect the people of Florida, and this successful operation highlights what’s possible when state and local agencies work together,” said Dave Kerner, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. “I commend everyone involved for their professionalism and commitment to public safety.”

“This incident highlights how important it is for the motoring public to stay alert to their surroundings and assist law enforcement,” said Colonel Gary Howze of the Florida Highway Patrol. “It demonstrates how Florida law enforcement agencies work together as force multipliers in our commitment to helping those in harm’s way, pursuing justice, and holding criminals accountable.”

“This was outstanding cooperation between multiple agencies,” said Liberty County Sheriff Dusty Arnold. “I can’t say enough about the Florida Highway Patrol and the deputies and dispatchers here at the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office for their hard work.”

Maurtez Rashaad Edwards was booked into the Liberty County Jail and faces the following charges:

  • Fleeing/Eluding with Disregard for Safety of Persons or Property (F.S. 316.1935.3a)
  • Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer (F.S. 784.07.2c)
  • Aggravated Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer (F.S. 784.07.2d)
  • Cruelty Toward a Child Without Great Bodily Harm (F.S. 827.03.2c)
  • Kidnapping of a Minor Confined Under Age 13 Without Parental Consent (F.S. 787.01.1b)
  • Use or Display of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (F.S. 790.07.2)

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