GAINESVILLE — Students and families will have the chance to explore higher education opportunities when Santa Fe College hosts a regional College Fair on Wednesday, Sept. 17, at the Blount Center in downtown Gainesville.

More than 50 colleges, universities and trade schools are expected to take part in the event, which runs from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Admission and parking are free.

Several major in-state universities will participate, including the University of Florida, the University of North Florida, the University of South Florida, Florida A&M University, Florida International University and New College of Florida. Santa Fe College officials said most of the school’s guaranteed transfer partners will be represented.

The fair will also include out-of-state institutions such as the University of Georgia, the University of Alabama and Southern Methodist University.

Attendees can meet with representatives from participating schools and learn more about financial aid, admissions and other aspects of the college application process.

Santa Fe College will also provide information on its own programs, with representatives available from areas including Honors, Achieve, Business, Health Sciences, International and Public Service (IPS), Construction and more.

The Blount Center is located at 530 W. University Ave. Additional details and registration information are available online at College Fair 2025.

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

The Florida Department of Health in Alachua County (DOH- Alachua) is issuing a rabies alert in Alachua County in response to a confirmed case of rabies in a stray cat that was found in an area south of Hawthorne, off Southeast U.S. Hwy 301 in Alachua County, on Aug. 28, 2025. DOH-Alachua is monitoring rabies among wild animals in the area. All residents and visitors should be aware that rabies is currently present in the wild animal population.

People and domestic animals should always avoid physical contact with wild animals (e.g., raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats, coyotes), which carry a higher risk of human exposure and a need for rabies post-exposure treatment. If you are exposed to rabies, receiving appropriate treatment after exposure will protect you from the risk of rabies.

This rabies alert is for 60 days and includes the following boundaries in Alachua County:

• Northern boundary: Southeast 12 Avenue
• Southern boundary: Southeast 24 Avenue
• Eastern boundary: County Road 219A
• Western boundary: Southeast U.S. Hwy 301

Take the following precautions to prevent rabies exposure:

• Immunize your pets and livestock based on your veterinarian’s recommended schedule.
• Keep pets under direct supervision and on a leash, and keep livestock secured on your property. If an animal bites your pet or livestock, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact Alachua County Animal Control at 352-264-6870.
• Avoid contact with wild or stray animals. Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract them with outdoor pet food, open garbage cans, or other sources of food. If you have been bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal, seek medical attention, and report the injury to DOH- Alachua by calling 352-225-4167.
• Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home; instead, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
• Call your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood. Contact Alachua County Animal Control at 352-264-6870.
• Prevent wildlife, including bats, from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, schools, and other similar areas where they might come in contact with people and pets.

For more information on rabies, please visit FloridaHealth.gov/Rabies or contact DOH-Alachua at 452-334-7900.

ALACHUA ‒ Crews used a towering crane last week to hoist massive steel beams into place at Theatre Park, marking one of the most significant steps yet in the park’s ongoing transformation. The large steel structure, which now spans the entire width of the park, has been welded into position and will serve as the framework for the new stage area.

The installation signals that the long-awaited renovation of the downtown landmark is entering a visible new phase. For residents and visitors walking along Main Street, the structure is a striking sign of progress toward revitalizing one of Alachua’s most photographed gathering spaces.

Theatre Park, located at 14900 Main Street, has a storied history. Once the site of a drycleaner and later a movie house, the property was converted into an open-air park decades ago. Its historic brick walls and archways have long made it a popular backdrop for community events and casual photos.

But years of overgrowth, a failing arbor, and flooding concerns left the park in poor condition. In 2011, structural instability prompted the City of Alachua to close the park for several months while contractors reinforced the east wall, constructed new columns, and removed the upper portions of the front and side walls to reduce wind load. The emergency work, which cost more than $40,000, was paid for by the Downtown Redevelopment Trust Board, the City’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) at the time.

In May 2024, the Community Redevelopment Agency Advisory Board reviewed design proposals from Monarch Design Group. Concepts included new entryway façades, interior seating, brick pavers, lighting, and a stage. The board ultimately favored a black wrought-iron aesthetic, clay-fired brick accents, Florida-friendly landscaping, and a modest stage with handicap access.

By March 2025, momentum grew when the City secured a $50,000 T-Mobile Hometown Grant — one of just 25 awarded nationwide. CRA Coordinator Susan King had been applying for the grant for three years. The award provided a critical boost to the project, supplementing the CRA’s limited budget of $150,000.

Interim City Manager and Professional Engineer Rodolfo Valladares has emphasized from the outset that the project would have to address deep structural challenges first. Water intrusion, vine overgrowth, and failing infrastructure required “ground up” solutions, making a multiphase renovation unavoidable.

With the steel stage structure now in place, those solutions are taking tangible shape. The framework not only provides the backbone for live performances but also ensures the park can be used more safely and consistently for community events.

Future phases are expected to add lighting, seating, landscaping, and other amenities to make the park a more welcoming space for lunch breaks, study sessions, and cultural gatherings.

What once seemed a distant vision is steadily becoming reality. And for longtime Alachua residents, seeing the steel beams rise above the historic brick walls is proof that Theatre Park’s best days may still lie ahead. The addition of the stage will serve as a convenient and quaint location for a variety of events, including live bands.

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Alachua’s proposal is posted at levitt.org/vote

ALACHUA – Downtown Alachua could host a free outdoor concert series as soon as 2026 if a local proposal advances in a national public voting competition backed by the Levitt Foundation.

Josh’s Place, a hometown nonprofit, is partnering with the Alachua Business League (ABL) and the City of Alachua to compete for a Levitt Music Series grant of up to $120,000 over three years. The grant program supports free, family-friendly concerts designed to activate underused public spaces and draw residents and visitors into city centers.

Under the proposal, the Levitt AMP Alachua Music Series would stage up to 10 free shows each year with a diverse lineup of professional musicians. Organizers say the series is tailored to Alachua’s historic Main Street—where the city has invested in streetscape improvements and where independent shops, restaurants and festivals already anchor the downtown economy. Free, predictable programming, they add, could help businesses by extending foot traffic into evening hours and across multiple weekends.

The path to funding runs through public participation. The Levitt Foundation will winnow applicants to 50 finalists based on an online and text-to-vote phase that opens Sept. 5 at 1 p.m. Eastern and closes Sept. 15 at 11 p.m. Eastern. Alachua’s proposal is posted at levitt.org/vote; voters can also text ALACHUA to 877-409-5525. After public voting ends, the foundation will review the 50 finalists and announce the grant recipients Nov. 18.

The Levitt Music Series model targets small and mid-sized communities with populations under 250,000. Grants are awarded to U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits and are structured as multi-year matching funds of up to $40,000 per year for three years for communities to produce their own series. In addition to the concerts themselves, the program encourages partnerships that reflect local identity and broaden access to the arts.

If selected, the Alachua series would join similar Levitt-funded efforts nationwide that spotlight local culture while creating repeat reasons to visit downtown districts. Organizers say the format — free admission, predictable schedules, and professional talent — lowers barriers for families and encourages cross-generational audiences to gather in civic spaces.

The proposal also emphasizes inclusivity and safety, with partners planning outreach to youth and families and coordination with city services. As with other Levitt series, concerts would be paired with local vendors and nonprofits, giving small businesses and community groups visibility at well-attended events.

Residents can help move the project forward by voting once online or via text during the September window and by sharing the information through neighborhood groups, schools, faith communities and social networks. Supporters point to the cumulative effect of consistent, free programming: more nights out downtown, broader arts exposure for young people, and steady patronage for storefronts that have helped sustain Main Street’s revival.

The series bid brings together three local partners with complementary roles:

• Josh’s Place, a 501(c)(3) community outreach organization founded in 2021, would serve as the lead applicant and producer, building on its mission to create inclusive spaces and connect residents—especially youth—through programs and events. Josh’s Place honors the memory of Josh Harris, a 20-year-old electrician known for his kindness and strong work ethic. His story inspired the creation of a space for others feeling lost or alone to find hope and support.
• Alachua Business League (ABL), known for organizing the city’s Main Street Festivals, would manage planning, on-site operations, vendor coordination and promotion, and support talent selection and hospitality. ABL’s network of downtown merchants is expected to help amplify the voting drive and, if funded, sustain the series through sponsorships and in-kind support.
• The City of Alachua Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) would coordinate logistics in the downtown redevelopment district, help with site preparation and approvals, and provide the required local cash match, aligning the series with the CRA’s goals to spur economic activity and enliven public spaces.

The Levitt Foundation is expected to announce the 2026–2028 grant recipients Nov. 18 after reviewing the 50 publicly selected finalists.

For details on the proposal and voting, visit levitt.org/vote or text ALACHUA to 877-409-5525

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ALACHUA ‒ A 31-year-old Alachua man has been arrested in connection with an ongoing sexual battery investigation involving a juvenile victim, according to the Alachua Police Department (APD).

Investigators said the case stems from incidents that began in 2023, shortly after the victim and her father moved to Alachua. Detectives reported that Kenneth Bruce Scott Jr. befriended the victim, who was 11 years old at the time, and developed a relationship of trust with both her and her family.

Over time, Scott allegedly assumed custodial responsibility for the child during occasions when her father was away for work. Police said that between 2023 and 2025, Scott used his position of authority to commit repeated acts of sexual abuse. The reported incidents occurred at his residence, during overnight stays and on family outings.

In June 2025, after the victim and her father relocated, the child disclosed the abuse. Her father immediately contacted law enforcement, leading to a criminal investigation and a forensic interview scheduled at the Child Advocacy Center in Gainesville.

On July 11, during that interview, the victim provided detailed statements confirming repeated sexual abuse by Scott, according to detectives. Based on the interview and corroborating evidence, police identified Scott as the suspect and obtained charges.

Scott has been formally charged under Florida Statute 794.011(8)(b): engaging in sexual battery upon or with a child 12 years of age or older, but younger than 18 years of age, by a person in familial or custodial authority.

APD said it worked in collaboration with the Child Advocacy Center and other child protection partners to ensure the victim’s safety and provide support services.

APD Chief Jesse Sandusky said, “This case underscores the importance of vigilance and reporting, and we are grateful the victim had the courage to speak up. We will continue to work tirelessly to protect the youth of this community and hold offenders accountable.”

Authorities said the case remains active. No further details are being released to protect the victim’s privacy.

Anyone with information related to this case or similar incidents involving Scott is asked to contact the Alachua Police Department at 386-462-1396 or Crime Stoppers at 352-372-7867.

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JONESVILLE – An 18-year-old Newberry man was arrested late Friday after deputies reported finding a loaded handgun and marijuana in his backpack during a traffic stop.

According to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, the stop occurred around 10:07 p.m. on Aug. 22, 2025, near the intersection of Northwest 136^th Boulevard and Northwest 132^nd Circle. A deputy said he pulled over a blue four-door sedan after observing it traveling at a high speed without working rear lights.

As the deputy approached, he reported smelling marijuana coming from the vehicle. Passenger Caden Freeney allegedly admitted to smoking earlier that evening, though none of the occupants had a medical marijuana card.

A search of the car led to the discovery of a backpack on the floorboard behind the driver’s seat. Inside, deputies reported finding a loaded Glock 21 handgun and approximately 12.4 grams of marijuana. Small amounts of marijuana were also located on the seat where Freeney had been sitting. Another passenger reportedly told deputies that Freeney had the backpack when he entered the car.

After being read his Miranda rights, Freeney allegedly stated that his money was inside the backpack.

Freeney was charged with carrying a concealed firearm without a permit and possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana. Authorities noted he is currently on juvenile probation for grand theft of a motor vehicle and resisting an officer without violence.

Judge Gloria Walker set his bail at $20,000.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lagway Leads the Offense

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

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

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

Baugh and Freshmen Spark Ground Game

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

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

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

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

Defense Sets the Tone

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

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

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

Smack Delivers Long Bomb

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

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

Program Milestones

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Academic Roles and Leadership

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

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

Research and Innovation

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

Education and Recognition

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

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

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.

 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.

The history of the B vitamins is a fascinating journey that spans several decades and involves the work of numerous scientists. Initially thought 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 19^th 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 garstcph@gmail.com.

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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:

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.

5. 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 garstcph@gmail.com.

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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 medications 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 garstcph@gmail.com.

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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 drug 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
ynewsletter@gmail.com.

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