ALACHUA COUNTY – All 16 students from Alachua County Public Schools who were previously recognized as semifinalists in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship program have now been named finalists, a distinction earned by fewer than 1% of the nation’s high school seniors.

The National Merit Scholarship program is among the most competitive academic recognition programs in the country. Approximately 1.5 million students nationwide took the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) as juniors during the last school year. Of those, about 16,000 students were named semifinalists based on their performance on the exam.

To advance to finalist standing, semifinalists were required to submit detailed applications outlining their academic achievements, honors and awards, leadership activities, teacher recommendations and a personal essay. The finalists now move forward in consideration for National Merit Scholarship awards.

The ACPS students named finalists represent five high schools across the district.

At Buchholz High School, finalists are Annika Caedington, Pranay Gadikota, Shailey Karri, Evan Rotchford and Keith Zheng.

Eastside High School finalists include Francheska Melendez, Irma Rahman, Juhyung Seong and Miles Smith.

Gainesville High School finalists are Rowan Archer, Lina Dos Santos, Madeleine Goodrich, Irma Impink and Elizabeth Rant.

Logan Rockwell of the Professional Academies Magnet at Loften High School also earned finalist recognition.

At Santa Fe High School, Robert Hu was named a finalist.

National Merit Finalists are selected based on a comprehensive review process that considers academic performance, the rigor of coursework, extracurricular involvement and leadership, in addition to standardized test results. Students must also maintain strong academic standing throughout their senior year.

The designation places these students among an elite group of high-achieving seniors nationwide. In the coming months, finalists will compete for National Merit Scholarships funded by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, corporate sponsors and colleges and universities.

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ALACHUA – Theatre Park officially opened Thursday morning, Feb. 12, 2026, with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the City of Alachua and the Alachua Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), marking the completion of the park’s long-awaited downtown reconstruction.

City commissioners, CRA representatives, and community partners gathered at 9 a.m. at the park site, located at 14900 Main Street, to celebrate the transformation of what was once an aging and flood-prone space into a redesigned centerpiece for public events and performances.

The ceremony served as the formal dedication of the renovated park, which city leaders describe as a key investment in the continued revitalization of historic downtown Alachua.

“This is a place where stories will be played and the community will gather,” organizers noted, echoing the theme of the park’s reopening.

Theatre Park has long held a central location along Main Street, but in recent years its deteriorating condition limited its use for public programming. The city’s reconstruction effort addressed drainage and structural concerns while preserving the park’s historic character.

The renovated space now features restored brickwork, new clay-fired pavers, enhanced lighting, Florida-friendly landscaping, and a permanent stage area designed to support performances, small concerts, theatre groups, and seasonal celebrations.

Funding for the improvements included substantial support from the Alachua CRA and outside grant assistance, including the $50,000 T-Mobile Hometown Grant awarded in 2025.

Residents first experienced the rebuilt park during the city’s Dec. 5 Christmas on Main celebration, when Theatre Park reopened to the public in a festive debut filled with lights, decorations and live entertainment.

Thursday’s ribbon cutting marked the park’s official opening and signaled its readiness to serve as a year-round gathering space for the community.

City officials said the new performance-oriented design will strengthen downtown’s ability to host events without relying on temporary infrastructure.

Located just steps from other downtown landmarks, Theatre Park is expected to play a central role in future community programming and economic activity along Main Street.

Local leaders expressed optimism that the renovated venue will support everything from cultural events to civic celebrations, further reinforcing downtown Alachua as a hub for residents and visitors alike.

With the ribbon officially cut, Theatre Park now begins its next chapter — not only as a restored public space, but as a renewed stage for community life in the heart of the city.

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GAINESVILLE – One year after an Alachua County jury awarded Sgt. Kevin Davis $15 million in his discrimination and retaliation civil lawsuit against the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO), settlement talks have failed and the case is now moving into the formal appeals process.

Sheriff Chad D. Scott has asked Florida’s First District Court of Appeal to resume briefing deadlines after court-ordered mediation ended in an impasse, with the Sheriff expected to challenge both the size of the verdict and key legal issues surrounding whether jurors were required to find the alleged wrongdoing stemmed from an official agency policy.

Because the court paused the appeal deadlines while the parties tried mediation, the Sheriff now wants the appellate court to confirm that his first brief is due March 27, 2026, about 45 days after mediation ended.

The appeal stems from a February 2025 jury verdict awarding Davis $15 million in non-economic damages in his discrimination and retaliation lawsuit against the Sheriff's Office. Circuit Judge Gloria Walker denied post-trial motions seeking a new trial but trimmed the back pay award, ruling the jury had mistakenly added compensation for future earnings, and reduced it from $115,724 to $16,457.

The size of the verdict remains central to the Sheriff's appellate challenge. The $15 million award was 130 times the original back pay amount submitted to the jury. After reducing the back pay award, it is more than 900 times larger than the $16,457 in back pay allowed by the court. Defense attorneys have argued the large gap shows the jury’s award was not supported by the financial evidence presented at trial.

At trial, Davis testified that he suffered emotional distress during a 19-week paid administrative suspension. But in post-trial filings, the Sheriff’s Office argued that no medical records, counseling documentation, psychological evaluations or expert testimony were presented to support any claims of mental health or physical harm. The agency has also maintained that Davis was never demoted, never lost pay and never had his rank reduced.

On appeal, the Sheriff is expected to argue that Davis was required by the federal Monell doctrine to show the alleged discrimination or retaliation stemmed from an official Sheriff’s Office policy or practice and that jurors were never asked to decide that specific issue on the verdict form. Davis has pursued similar retaliation claims in the past, including a lawsuit against former Sheriff Sadie Darnell that he later dismissed voluntarily.

The appeal may also revisit a separate criminal investigation that unfolded alongside Davis’ civil lawsuit. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) opened the probe at the request of Davis’ attorney, Bobi J. Frank, on the same day the discrimination and retaliation case was filed. Frank was also allegedly involved in the incidents reviewed by FDLE and represented several witnesses questioned during the investigation, including Brandon Kutner, who later testified in Davis’ civil trial.

Ultimately, the Third Judicial Circuit State Attorney declined prosecution, saying the allegations did not warrant prosecution and that the alleged incidents rested largely on the testimony of immunized witness and Frank’s client, Kutner, and found insufficient evidence implicating former Sheriff Clovis Watson or his administration.

Defense attorneys for ACSO have argued that repeated references to the FDLE investigation during Davis’ civil trial unfairly cast Sheriff’s Office leaders in a negative light, even though the investigation ended without charges.

With mediation unsuccessful, the focus now shifts to written briefing before the First District Court of Appeal. The Sheriff's initial brief, expected by March 27 if the court confirms the deadline, will outline the legal grounds for reversal or further reduction of the verdict.

For now, the record is set, settlement efforts have ended, and the $15 million judgment stands pending appellate review.

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HIGH SPRINGS – The High Springs City Commission opened its Feb. 12, 2026, meeting by recognizing two standout public servants — one from the classroom and one from city government.

Commissioners honored Alachua County Public Schools Teacher of the Year Barbara Brock, an eighth-grade science teacher at High Springs Community School. Commissioner Katherine Weitz presented Brock with a Certificate of Appreciation on behalf of the commission.

School Principal Jenni Roberson also spoke about Brock’s impact, highlighting what she has brought to her students and the school community.

The commission also recognized the city’s Employee of the Year, Public Works Director Jason Kytle, presenting him with a plaque commemorating the achievement.

Along with the celebrations, city leaders noted staffing challenges ahead. City Manager Jeremy Marshall said the city is seeking both a new finance director and a new public works director.

Marshall told commissioners the city has received applications for the finance director position but may need to re-advertise.

“Our auditors tell us that what we need in a Finance Director is a CPA-level person without the CPA-level salary,” Marshall said, adding that the city cannot afford that level of pay.

Fire Chief Joseph Peters also addressed commissioners with a request to amend the city’s Personnel Policy and Procedure Manual to adjust paid time off accrual for Fire Department personnel.

Peters explained that current PTO calculations are based on the standard 2,080-hour work year used for general employees, but that system does not match the schedule worked by firefighters.

“Fire personnel operate on a 2,912-hour annual schedule, which equates to approximately 1.4 times the hours worked by general employees each year,” Peters said.

The current system, he added, “has caused inconsistencies in how accrued leave translates into actual time off for those working a 2,912-hour schedule.”

Marshall said the change would also benefit the city financially.

“The change in this method will save the City some money,” Marshall said.

Commissioners unanimously approved the adjustment.

The remainder of the meeting focused largely on city engineering services. Commissioners approved three resolutions authorizing agreements with qualified engineering firms, all passing unanimously in roll-call votes:

• Resolution No. 2026-B, an agreement with Woodard & Curran Engineering
• Resolution No. 2026-C, an agreement with Kimley-Horn and Associates Inc.
• Resolution No. 2026-D, an agreement with CPH Consulting LLC

Marshall noted the city has worked previously with Mittauer and Associates, now operating as CPH Consulting, which is owned by Conklin, Porter & Holmes.

Before adjourning, commissioners asked Marshall to schedule a workshop ahead of their next regular meeting Feb. 26. The session will focus on certified recovery residences, which typically are structured sober-living homes that meet state-recognized standards and are designed to support individuals transitioning from addiction treatment back into the community.

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GAINESVILLE – As schools across the country observe National Career and Technical Education Month, Alachua County Public Schools is receiving national recognition through the election of one of its career education leaders to a prominent board position.

Jennifer Breman, a career and technical education program specialist with Alachua County Public Schools, has been elected to serve on the Board of Directors of the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), the nation’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing career and technical education.

Breman was chosen by ACTE’s national membership to serve as Counseling and Career Development Division vice president-elect. She will begin a one-year shadow term in July 2026, followed by a three-year term beginning in July 2027.

In the role, Breman will help guide national initiatives focused on career counseling, workforce readiness and student success, according to the district.

ACTE represents nearly 30,000 educators, administrators and workforce development professionals nationwide and works to promote education programs that prepare students for careers in a global economy.

Breman has worked with Alachua County Public Schools for five years in the district’s CTE office, supporting middle and high school programs, teachers and students. A former school counselor, she is known for a student-centered approach that emphasizes helping young people explore career pathways and postsecondary opportunities.

Throughout her career, Breman has worked closely with students to strengthen job-seeking skills through résumé development, mock interviews and soft-skills training. She also mentors students through the Take Stock in Children program and supports Career and Technical Student Organizations, assisting with competition preparation and serving as a judge at events at the local, state and national levels.

Before joining the district office, Breman taught in the Jobs for Graduates program, where she helped broaden students’ exposure to career options through field trips, guest speakers and employer engagement.

“Jennifer’s election to the ACTE Board reflects both her professional expertise and her deep commitment to student success,” said Shannon Ritter, director of career and technical education for Alachua County Public Schools. “She is an outstanding representative for Alachua County and for career and technical education in Florida.”

District officials said Breman’s appointment will bring local insight to national conversations on workforce development and career counseling, highlighting the growing role of career and technical education in preparing students for life beyond high school.

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HIGH SPRINGS – The High Springs Fire Department has launched a free Narcan distribution program aimed at expanding public access to the overdose-reversal medication naloxone as part of a broader community health and safety effort.

The initiative, developed in partnership with the Hanley Foundation, the Florida Department of Children and Families and the Florida Department of Health, includes the installation of Narcan distribution units at publicly accessible sites throughout the city.

Current cabinet locations include High Springs City Hall and the High Springs Fire Department, with additional sites expected as the program grows. The cabinets contain free Narcan nasal spray, available for emergency use or prevention.

Narcan, also known by its generic name naloxone, is a medication used to rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Public health agencies across Florida, including in Alachua County and surrounding North Central Florida communities, have increasingly promoted wider access to naloxone in recent years as part of ongoing opioid-response and overdose prevention strategies.

Fire departments, law enforcement agencies, nonprofit organizations and health providers throughout the region have expanded education and prevention efforts, recognizing that overdoses can occur in a variety of settings and may involve both illegal opioids and legally prescribed medications.

High Springs Fire Department Risk Reduction Coordinator Kyle Livingston emphasized that the city’s program is intended as a proactive safety measure.

“This resource is not a reaction to a problem,” Livingston said. “But rather, another preventative tool in the toolbox of community health and safety.”

Livingston said Narcan is often placed alongside automated external defibrillators because overdoses require immediate medical intervention.

“In many locations, Narcan is placed with AEDs because an overdose is a medical emergency, and every second matters,” he said. Placing the tools together, he added, empowers the public “to help before first responders arrive.”

The program is intended to provide quick access to naloxone in moments of need by placing it at strategic locations where community members can obtain it without cost.

Fire department officials said free Narcan distribution can support a range of situations beyond illicit drug use, including individuals managing chronic pain with opioid prescriptions, patients experiencing cognitive decline where accidental double-dosing may occur, and cases of accidental exposure to opioids.

Health experts have noted that naloxone has become a key component of overdose prevention strategies because it can be administered quickly and has no effect if opioids are not present, making it a widely recommended tool for emergency preparedness.

The Narcan outreach effort is part of the department’s broader Community Outreach mission and complements several other ongoing public safety initiatives.

Those programs include bystander thank-you cards that provide mental health resources, an American Red Cross smoke detector distribution program, child car seat safety checks, the CarFIT program for older drivers, bicycle helmet fittings, CPR instruction and Stop the Bleed classes.

Officials said the department hopes the Narcan cabinets will serve as another accessible community tool while strengthening partnerships already active across Alachua County’s public health and emergency response network.

Organizations or businesses interested in hosting a Narcan cabinet or receiving overdose response training are encouraged to contact Community Risk Reduction Coordinator Kyle Livingston at 386-454-6210 or klivingston@highsprings.gov for more information.

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

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

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

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

Criminal Division activity

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

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

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

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

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

Civil Division recoveries

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

In 2025, the Civil Division reported:

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

Appellate work

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

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

Looking ahead

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Art Contest Details

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

Essay Contest Details

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

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

Excellence in Education Award

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

How to Enter

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

Volunteer Florida

Native American Heritage Month Committee

1545 Raymond Diehl Road, Suite 250

Tallahassee, Florida 32308

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

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

Here is a guide to help you master the puff.

The Pre-Game Checklist

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

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

Perfecting the Technique

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

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

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

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

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

Pro-Tips for Better Results

Maintenance & Storage

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

Common Mistake to Avoid

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

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

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

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

1. Consistency is Your Most Powerful Tool

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. Side Effects Are Common — and Manageable

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

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

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

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

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

Prosper and be in health

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

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

1. Maintain a Comprehensive Medication List

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

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

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

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

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

3. Take Your Medication Exactly as Prescribed

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

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

4. Use a Single Pharmacy

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

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

5. Store and Dispose of Medication Safely

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

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

6. Never Share or Borrow Prescription Medication

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

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

Prosper and be in health.

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

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

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

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

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

Cheyanne Costilla, Executive Director

Florida Commission on Human Relations

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

The Initial Discovery of Vitamin K

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

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

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

Vitamin K1 (Phylloquinone)

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

Vitamin K2 (Menaquinones)

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

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

Summary of Key Differences and Modern Research

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

Prosper and be in health.

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

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~ The First Recorded Clinical Trial in 1747 ~

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

Early Observations

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

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

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

The Dawn of Vitamin Research:

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

Isolation and Identification:

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

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

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

Structural Determination and Synthesis:

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

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

Further Discoveries and Applications:

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

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

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

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

The history of vitamin C is a compelling story of scientific investigation driven by the need to combat a devastating disease. From empirical observations to isolation, structural determination, and synthesis, the journey to understanding and utilizing this essential nutrient has significantly impacted human health

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

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