GAINESVILLE, Fla. - City of Gainesville officials anticipate severe weather conditions, including temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, during the evening hours of Monday, Jan. 26-Saturday, Jan. 31. The anticipated temperatures will lead to the activation of the city's Cold Night Shelter (CNS) Program, and it is expected to remain in effect until overnight low temperatures rise above 45 F. The CNS program normally runs from Nov. 1 through March 31.

St. Francis House and GRACE Marketplace at the Empowerment Center will provide Cold Night Shelter services to people in need of shelter as long as overnight temperatures remain below 45 F. The CNS program providers serve additional persons in need of shelter so that families and individuals desiring shelter will have a warm place to stay. St. Francis House provides temporary shelter that is appropriate for families, women and children. GRACE Marketplace primarily serves individual adults.

 Please note, the dates have been extended through Saturday, Jan. 31.

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NEWBERRY — Enrollment for the inaugural 2026 school year at Newberry Community School will open Feb. 1, school officials announced this week, marking a major milestone as the new elementary school prepares to welcome its first students.

Families with elementary students currently enrolled at Newberry Elementary School will be guaranteed a seat at Newberry Community School for the upcoming school year. However, parents must formally accept their child’s placement during the enrollment period to secure enrollment.

As preparations continue for the school’s first year, Principal Lacy Roberts said staffing efforts are already underway. Teaching positions are being filled by experienced educators and high-achieving education professionals focused on academic excellence, student growth and strong community values.

In addition to student enrollment, Newberry Community School is seeking volunteers and engaged parents to support its inaugural year. Opportunities are available for those interested in assisting in classrooms, helping with school events and participating in community-building initiatives.

Families interested in enrolling a child can visit the school’s website, ncsedu.org, beginning Feb. 1. Parents and community members who wish to volunteer are encouraged to contact Roberts or visit the Little Red Schoolhouse in Newberry for more information.

The Newberry Community School office is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Questions can be directed to the school office at 352-474-2040.

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NEWBERRY – Newberry officials marked a major milestone in the city’s growth Monday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony officially opening the city’s new City Hall, a long-anticipated project designed to centralize municipal services and better serve residents.

The ribbon cutting was held Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, formally ushering in the opening of the two-story, 11,000-square-foot facility in downtown Newberry. The event followed a public open house held during the city’s Fall Festival in November, which gave residents an early opportunity to tour the building ahead of its official debut.

Construction on the new City Hall began in September 2024 and has progressed steadily, culminating in a modern municipal facility that brings multiple city departments together under one roof for the first time in decades.

Previously, residents seeking city services often had to visit multiple locations. Community Development and the Building Department operated out of the historic Little Red Schoolhouse, while other departments were housed in Annex 2 or the former City Hall building. City officials have said the new facility was designed to streamline operations, improve accessibility and provide a more efficient experience for residents, developers and business owners.

The building’s first floor is dedicated to high-traffic, customer-facing departments, including Finance, Community Development, Customer Service and the Building Department. The second floor contains 18 offices and three collaborative work areas for city staff. An elevator serves both levels, though most public-facing services are intentionally located on the ground floor for ease of access.

A key feature of the building is the 1,246-square-foot City Commission Chamber, designed to accommodate larger audiences for public meetings. The chamber includes an accordion wall that allows the space to expand for large gatherings or contract for smaller meetings, along with updated technology to support presentations and public engagement. While the building does not include private offices for the mayor or commissioners, meeting rooms are available for private discussions when needed.

City planners emphasized that the building’s architectural design complements the surrounding downtown area while offering modern functionality. Officials have described the project as a long-term investment that supports Newberry’s continued growth and evolving service needs.

The project team included Scorpio Construction of Gainesville and Monarch Design Group, with city staff closely involved throughout the planning and construction process. With the new City Hall now open, the city plans to renovate the former 3,300-square-foot City Hall building. Once completed, the two structures will be connected by a covered loggia, creating a paved outdoor space intended for community events, farmers markets and festivals.

Future improvements are also planned for the adjacent Little Red Schoolhouse Museum, which is expected to undergo upgrades during a later phase of the project.

With the ribbon cut and doors officially open, Newberry residents can now access a centralized City Hall designed to serve the community for generations to come.

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ALACHUA – One of America’s most recognizable novelty vehicles rolled into downtown Alachua on Saturday morning, drawing crowds, cameras and plenty of smiles as the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile made a stop at Market on Main.

The 27-foot-long hot dog on wheels appeared at the weekly farmers market on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, as part of a two-day visit to the Gainesville area. Shoppers and visitors gathered around the bright orange-and-yellow vehicle throughout the morning, posing for photos, chatting with the crew and picking up the iconic Wiener Whistles that have become a hallmark of Wienermobile appearances.

Parked along the edge of the bustling market, the Wienermobile added a national pop-culture attraction to the community event, which regularly features local farmers, artisans and food vendors. Families paused their shopping to take in the sight, while longtime fans of the brand shared stories and memories connected to the traveling vehicle.

Driven by Isaac — known by the nickname “At The Grill Isaac” — the Wienermobile’s appearance aligned with its mission of spreading cheer and engaging with communities during regional stops. “My name is At The Grill Isaac, and I’m the driver of the iconic Oscar Mayer Wienermobile,” the announcement stated ahead of the visit. “I’m thrilled to share that we’ll be rolling into the Gainesville’s area for some special events.”

The Alachua stop followed a Friday appearance in Gainesville, where the Wienermobile was displayed at the Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention. Together, the two stops brought the long-running Oscar Mayer promotion to North Central Florida, offering residents a rare opportunity to see the vehicle up close without leaving the area.

Market on Main, held weekly in downtown Alachua, proved to be a fitting backdrop for the visit, blending small-town atmosphere with a nationally recognized symbol of Americana. For many attendees, the unexpected arrival of the Wienermobile added an extra layer of fun and nostalgia to an already lively Saturday morning.

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HIGH SPRINGS – Residents will have an opportunity to celebrate Florida’s Arbor Day later this month with a community tree planting event and free tree distribution hosted by the City of High Springs Tree Advisory Board in partnership with several local and county organizations.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, from 10 a.m. to noon at the High Springs Civic Center, located at 19107 N.W. 240^th Street. It is being organized in collaboration with the Alachua County Environmental Protection Department, High Springs Parks & R.E.C., and Santa Fe Tree Farm.

Participants may receive a complimentary tree, while supplies last, and will have the opportunity to hear brief presentations from guest speakers with expertise in environmental stewardship, tree care, and local conservation efforts. Light refreshments will also be provided.

“Trees add value to a community through shade, improved air quality, and reduction in runoff,” said Tree Advisory Board Chair Joanne Tremblay.

Although Florida’s Arbor Day is officially observed on the third Friday of January, organizers noted that Florida’s climate makes the cooler winter months the most favorable time for planting trees. Planting during this season allows root systems to establish before the heat of summer, improving long-term survival and growth.

City officials encourage residents to attend the event to learn more about the environmental and community benefits of trees, as well as proper planting and maintenance practices.

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HIGH SPRINGS – City of High Springs officials continue to work through questions surrounding a nearly $1 million invoice tied to a municipal sewer improvement project, as concerns grow about internal procedures, recordkeeping, and financial controls.

The issue first surfaced publicly in early December 2025, when Commissioner Tristan Grunder asked City Manager Jeremy Marshall what steps were being taken to prevent unexpected bills from surfacing in the future. Marshall responded that staff had begun reviewing thousands of emails and project records to ensure no additional invoices remained undiscovered.

“Before I can fix it, I have to make sure there’s nothing else out there,” Marshall said during the December meeting. The invoice at issue was dated Sept. 10, 2025, roughly three months before the commission and public became aware of it.

At that time, Marshall stated he believed the breakdown may have occurred in the purchase order process. Finance Director Diane Wilson, however, initially said the invoice was tied not to a procedural error but to confusion over the funding source. Wilson told commissioners a previous city manager advised staff the project was fully covered by grant funds, which later proved incorrect. Wilson noted the situation created a cash-flow shortfall rather than a purchasing error.

When the Commission reconvened Jan. 8, 2026, the explanation shifted. Marshall said the City’s Springbrook financial software may have closed out the purchase order prematurely. According to Marshall, when a purchase order includes multiple items listed on a single line, the system closes the PO when a partial payment is entered, incorrectly indicating that all project costs have been paid.

Multiple former City officials contacted by Alachua County Today disputed that interpretation, saying the software had long been sufficient for the City’s needs. City purchasing records reviewed by Alachua County Today show that several purchase order numbers were issued for project-related equipment and services.

Tensions rose during the January discussion, with Commissioner Tristan Grunder expressing strong dissatisfaction with how the matter has been handled.

“I’m concerned there are things out there we still do not know,” Grunder said. He stated the situation was “unacceptable,” questioning accountability and describing staff responses as “excuses.” He also highlighted the impact of the costs on City reserves and resident trust. A heated exchange followed between Grunder and Wilson.

Wilson responded by noting that the project was initiated before she joined the City and stated her department was “just paying the bills.” However, the job description for her office assigns responsibility for all accounting records, including grant and contract administration. High Springs has also experienced repeated delays in completing its annual audits, and Wilson acknowledged the invoice was missed because it was not included in the financial data reviewed in the most recent filings.

The sewer project traces back to a January 2023 vote in which the commission unanimously approved funding. Staff at that time advised that costs would be covered through a mix of grant dollars, American Rescue Plan Act funds, impact fees, and contingency money. A progress report filed with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in April 2024 indicated the project was moving forward, but by mid-April all staff with direct knowledge of the undertaking had left City employment.

Emails obtained through public records requests show that outside project monitors continued to track progress. On May 23, 2024, project consultant Mittauer & Associates reported to the finance department that the project remained within budget and had a surplus of more than $64,000. The correspondence also indicated that impact fees and contingency funds may be needed if additional grants did not materialize, and that the City “should have previously expended $1,566,678” toward construction.

Marshall says additional invoices are still expected as the contractor works through punch-list items, and the final total remains unknown.

Questions also arose during the January meeting after Wilson said she had removed payroll functions from the Springbrook software because the City does not have the cloud-based version. Former officials contacted by Alachua County Today expressed surprise, saying the system had previously met the City’s needs.

In recent months, residents have seen higher utility rates, a fire assessment increase, and a millage rate adjustment — all prior to the discovery of the invoice. Since news of the bill became public, some residents have begun calling for a forensic audit, stating they have lost confidence in the City’s handling of financial matters.

The Commission is expected to continue discussion as staff reviews remaining project expenses and determines what steps may be needed to address internal processes.

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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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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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As a concerned citizen of Florida, I am writing to express my deep alarm over the recent decision to eliminate all vaccine mandates in our state. Vaccines have long been one of the most effective and life-saving public health tools we have. Rolling back these protections threatens to reverse decades of progress against diseases like measles, mumps, and polio — illnesses that vaccines had nearly eliminated.

This decision will not affect all Floridians equally. Black and Brown communities, already facing disproportionate rates of chronic illness, limited access to care, and systemic health inequities, will bear the heaviest burden. Without the safeguard of mandates, these communities are at greater risk of disease outbreaks and preventable deaths.

I am also concerned about the issue of trust. Our nation’s history of medical neglect and mistreatment of Black and Brown populations has left a deep scar of mistrust in the healthcare system. Abrupt policy changes such as this risk eroding fragile progress in building confidence and could reinforce skepticism toward public health guidance.

Beyond the health risks, there are serious financial and economic consequences. Preventable outbreaks lead to increased healthcare costs, hospitalizations, and strain on already overburdened medical systems. Families who cannot afford time off work or unexpected medical bills will be disproportionately harmed. Local businesses and schools may also face disruptions if vaccine-preventable diseases reemerge, causing lost productivity and economic instability. In short, what may appear to be a rollback of regulation could instead create higher costs for families, communities, and the state as a whole.

While individuals should have the right to make informed decisions — including the ability to opt out under certain circumstances — public health policy must balance personal choice with the protection of children, immunocompromised individuals, and entire communities. Without mandates or robust equity-driven alternatives, our most vulnerable neighbors will be left unprotected.

Faith and cultural values are also central to many families’ health decisions. Public health efforts should engage and respect these perspectives. But removing mandates outright, without strong outreach, education, and access initiatives, will send us backward — leaving communities exposed to diseases that science has already taught us how to prevent.

I urge you to reconsider this decision. If mandates are to be removed, Florida must implement strong, equity-focused measures to ensure that every Floridian — regardless of race, income, or faith — is protected. Public health policy must be guided not only by science and fairness but also by a recognition of the enormous economic and financial strain that preventable outbreaks place on families and our state.

Roberta C. Lopez

Archer, Florida