GAINESVILLE, Fla. (Oct. 25, 2024) – The City of Gainesville Transportation Department today announced a number of changes to its Regional Transit System (RTS) bus services aimed at managing budget constraints linked to reductions in federal, state and local funding as well as abnormally high increases in operating costs over the past three years.

Although passenger counts are moving steadily back toward pre-pandemic levels, with Fiscal Year 2024 ridership increasing 7.3 percent compared to the previous year (5.5 million compared to 5.1 million), this is not enough to cover rising costs. As a result, RTS is among the public transit agencies nationwide seeking new revenue sources while streamlining to reduce costs.

• Holiday Service

RTS discontinued holiday service as of Oct. 1, 2024. The bus routes previously scheduled on Veterans Day, Black Friday and Christmas Eve will not run this year.

• Paratransit Service

For eligible riders who have a disability that prevents them from making some or all of their trips on the fixed-route buses, RTS offers a shared ride door-to-door service called Paratransit. Beginning Oct. 1, 2024, this service has been scaled back to locations within three-quarters of a mile from a fixed route.

• Fare Free

To ensure the program is working as intended, beginning on Jan. 1, 2025, riders who are 18 and younger and 65 and older will require a pass for Fare Free boarding. RTS will add an online application webpage to register for these passes before year’s end.

 RTS and UF Partnership

 The city and the University of Florida are continuing discussions to improve route efficiency for students while maintaining a public transit system that works for all riders.

 “We value our partners in the City of Gainesville and look forward to continuing to work with them on this vital issue,” said Brandi Renton, UF’s interim vice president for business affairs.

 As UF continues reassessing the most efficient use of student transportation fees, adjustments are planned for some routes that have been funded by the University.

 Route 25 to Gainesville Regional Airport

Route 25 will end with the start of spring service on Jan. 3, 2025. Given this route's low UF ridership, and to be good stewards of the student funds that finance this route, the University of Florida will reallocate those assets to other student transportation solutions.

 UF Route Changes

The following route changes are recommended by UF to improve efficiency and service to students and other campus riders. If agreed upon by both sides, the following route modifications would take effect with the start of RTS spring service on Jan. 3, 2025.

 Route 125 – UF Campus Connectors will operate this route.

• Route 122 – Returns to the original north/south orientation.
• Route 150 – UF assumes operation of this route.
• Route 1 – Route moved to enter/exit campus on Museum Road to stop at the Reitz Union before resuming the regular route.

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ALACHUA – The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is intensifying its efforts to locate and address the hundreds of vessels displaced across the state after the devastating impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

FWC, in a statement released Oct. 24, 2024, said that Florida, celebrated as "The Boating Capital of the World," faced severe challenges as high winds and storm surges from these hurricanes pushed boats ashore, damaged those docked in marinas, and even left some partially or completely submerged in state waters.

To manage the aftermath, FWC has deployed 17 additional officers alongside three derelict vessel (DV) specialists to the heavily affected southwest region of the state. Their mission is to identify and assess boats that have become derelict due to the hurricanes, ensuring safety on the waterways and protecting the environment from potential hazards.

"We understand the difficulties caused by the recent hurricanes," said Maj. Bill Holcomb, FWC's Boating and Waterways Section Leader. "Our officers and DV specialists are working diligently to identify displaced and damaged vessels statewide. We are dedicated to helping boat owners locate their vessels and ensuring the removal of any boats from state waters that threaten the environment, obstruct waterways, or were rendered derelict."

Removing displaced vessels can hasten the recovery and overall resilience of native marine plants and animals. To report a lost or sunken vessel, vessel owners can call the FWC Boating and Waterways Section at 850‐488‐5600. Operators will be available to help Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.   

Options for Vessel Owners

Vessel owners are being encouraged to hire professional salvage companies to recover their boats. This approach aims to minimize further environmental impact, accelerating the recovery of local marine life and ecosystems. However, the FWC recognizes that not all boat owners may have the resources to manage such operations.

In cases where vessels are beyond repair or owners cannot afford to facilitate the salvage, they can initiate a waiver process to relinquish ownership. This can be arranged by contacting the FWC Boating and Waterways Section at 850-488-5600, where representatives can assist with the process. Maj. Holcomb emphasizes the urgency of these actions, noting, "Owners of vessels that have become derelict have 45 days to either remove their vessel or bring it into a non-derelict condition."

Environmental Concerns and Public Safety

Displaced vessels pose multiple risks, including potential oil spills, obstruction of waterways, and damage to marine habitats. FWC’s priority is to manage these risks swiftly, removing boats that could contribute to environmental harm or hinder navigation. Anyone witnessing oil spills or hazardous material releases should contact the State Watch Office at 800-342-3557.

The recovery efforts underscore the importance of community involvement. Those with information about non-vessel debris in state waters are advised to reach out to the Florida Debris Hotline at 850-366-6007. Vessel owners whose boats have washed ashore should coordinate with local sheriff's offices for assistance.

For additional questions or resource materials regarding waterway debris or derelict vessels, call 850-366-6007 or visit FloridaDebrisCleanup.com.

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ALACHUA ‒ The Alachua Methodist Church’s beloved Pumpkin Patch is back for its 24^th year, marking the arrival of fall with a colorful array of pumpkins, gourds, and family-friendly activities. Located along U.S. Highway 441 on the west side of Alachua, the event has become a local tradition, drawing families who come to pick out the perfect pumpkin, capture memorable photos, and support the church’s mission work.

The church’s pumpkin patch is more than just a place to buy pumpkins; it’s a community gathering spot that delights visitors of all ages. This year’s harvest includes a variety of pumpkins and gourds in all shapes, sizes, and colors, offering something for everyone. In past years, the lineup has included not only the classic orange pumpkins but also unique varieties such as Swan Gourds, Gizmo Gourds, Winged Gourds, and Elf Houses. For those seeking a more unconventional look, be sure to check out pumpkins in shades of white, green, black, yellow, and even peach.

Each pumpkin is artfully arranged in displays that invite visitors to snap a photo or two, and the church has set up three dedicated photo spots, including one featuring a vintage tractor that has become a favorite backdrop for fall family portraits. Many families return year after year, using the photo area to document their growth and create cherished memories.

For younger visitors, the Pumpkin Patch offers open-air activity areas that cater to children’s enjoyment, making it a perfect weekend outing for families. Tractor rides and story times are scheduled for Saturdays and Sundays 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. New this year is the Clatter Corral, an assortment of hanging cooking and baking pots and pans, which has already been reported as one of children’s favorites where they are encouraged to make noise. Youngsters won’t want to miss the Kids Corral where they can play Frisbee golf, corn hole and pumpkin bowling.

Beyond the fun and festivity, the Pumpkin Patch serves a greater purpose. All proceeds from pumpkin sales go toward funding the Alachua Methodist Church’s mission work, supporting outreach efforts both locally and beyond. The event is a true community effort, with church members coming together to unload thousands of pumpkins, create eye-catching displays, and work shifts throughout October.

The scale of the event is impressive, with around 20,000 pumpkins sold each year, along with homemade pumpkin bread that has become a sought-after treat for visitors. Organizing the patch is a team effort, involving church volunteers of all ages who pitch in to ensure the patch runs smoothly.

Located at 15710 N.W. U.S. Highway 441 in Alachua, the Pumpkin Patch runs throughout the month of October. Pumpkin Patch Hours are Monday – Friday: 2 p.m. – 8 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.

With its festive displays and family-centered atmosphere, it’s a perfect destination to embrace the season and support a worthy cause. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect pumpkin or just looking to enjoy a bit of fall fun, the Alachua Methodist Church’s Pumpkin Patch is ready to welcome you.

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ALACHUA COUNTY – The 2024 General Election is rapidly approaching, and residents of Alachua County will have the chance to cast their ballots early, starting on Monday, Oct. 21, 2024. From Oct. 21 to Nov. 3, voters can take advantage of early voting at any of the county’s eight designated locations between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily. This option allows voters to avoid potential Election Day crowds and vote at a time that best suits their schedule.

Eight Early Voting Locations

• Supervisor of Elections Office: 515 N. Main Street, Gainesville, FL 32601
• Millhopper Branch Library: 3145 NW 43rd Street, Gainesville, FL 32606
• Tower Road Branch Library: 3020 SW 75th Street, Gainesville, FL 32608
• Hawthorne Community Center: 6700 SE 221st Street, Hawthorne, FL 32640
• Legacy Park Multipurpose Center: 15400 Peggy Rd, Alachua, FL 32615
• J. Wayne Reitz Union: 655 Reitz Union Drive, UF Campus, Gainesville, FL 32611
• Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center: 23100 W Newberry Rd, Newberry, FL 32669
• (New) Santa Fe College: S-029, 3000 NW 83rd Street, Gainesville, FL 32606

Key Details for Voters

• Early Voting Period: Oct. 21 – Nov. 3, 2024
• Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
• Eligibility: All registered voters in Alachua County can participate, regardless of party affiliation. Voters will be able to select candidates within their electoral districts and vote on state constitutional and county charter amendments.

Vote-by-Mail Drop-Off and

Secure Ballot Intake Stations

During early voting, voters can also deliver their completed vote-by-mail ballots to Secure Ballot Intake Stations located outside each early voting site. These stations will be available during voting hours and monitored by trained attendants to ensure security.

After early voting concludes, the Secure Ballot Intake Station will only be available at the Supervisor of Elections Office on Monday, Nov. 4 (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5 (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.).

Election Day for the 2024 General Election will take place on Nov. 5, 2024. Voters who wish to participate must have registered by Oct. 7, 2024.

Voters must present valid photo and signature identification at the polling sites. A full list of acceptable forms of ID can be found at VoteAlachua.gov or by calling the Supervisor of Elections Office at 352-374-5252.

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NEWBERRY – The Newberry City Commission took a noteworthy step toward the development of the Westone Planned Residential Community at their meeting on Oct. 14, 2024. In a session that covered several land use and development issues, commissioners voted to approve the establishment of the Westone Community Development District (CDD) on its first reading.

The vote came after a detailed question-and-answer session about how CDDs work, a topic that has garnered significant interest as the city sees increasing residential development. City staff were asked to research these questions further and provide additional information before the second reading on Oct. 28.

Much of the meeting’s discussion centered around the mechanics and implications of Community Development Districts. A CDD is a special-purpose taxing district established to manage and finance infrastructure required for community development, such as roads, parks, utilities, and other public services. A CDD allows developers to issue bonds to fund infrastructure projects, which are then repaid by the future homeowners through an additional assessment on their property taxes. This structure often allows for large developments to proceed without an upfront financial burden on developers, but it also means future residents bear the long-term costs.

For the Westone development, which covers approximately 258 acres at the intersection of Southwest 15^th Avenue and Southwest 266^th Street, the CDD will allow for long-term funding and management of the project’s infrastructure.

Commissioners voted 3-1 in favor of the CDD, with Commissioner Tim Marden dissenting after a lengthy discussion. Despite his opposition, the other commissioners expressed confidence that the CDD would provide an effective mechanism for managing the infrastructure of the planned community.

In addition to approving the CDD, the Commission addressed two re-adoption items related to the Westone development. These ordinances had been previously approved but were not properly recorded by the state of Florida, requiring them to be brought back for re-adoption.

The first ordinance was a Land Use Map Amendment, which involved changing the land use designation of the 258-acre property from Agriculture to Residential Low Density. This amendment is a critical step in paving the way for the Westone development to proceed as planned. The amendment was unanimously approved on its first reading and will move forward to a second reading on Oct. 28.

The second ordinance involved an amendment to the boundaries of the Urban Service Area (USA) and its accompanying Urban Service Area Sub Element, which are components of the City’s future land use map and development strategy. This change ensures that the Westone development can access necessary public services and infrastructure. Like the land use amendment, this ordinance was unanimously approved and will also return for a second reading on Oct. 28.

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ALA CHUA ‒ The North Florida Livestock Agents Group is hosting the 25^th Annual Livestock & Forages Field Day on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024, at the Santa Fe River Ranch, located at 29220 N.W. 122^nd Street, Alachua. The event will run from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and offers a unique opportunity for livestock producers, farmers, and ranchers to learn about the latest advancements in the livestock and forage industries.

The field day will feature hands-on equipment demonstrations, livestock showcases, and educational presentations from University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) specialists and county agents. The event is designed to help participants improve their management practices and enhance farm productivity.

Attendees will hear expert insights on several important topics, including:

• Cattle Management and Vaccination Protocols: Practical advice on keeping herds healthy and disease-free.
• Bull Selection and Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs): Guidelines on selecting the best bulls based on genetic traits to improve herd quality.
• Emerging Weed Problems: Identification and control strategies for new and increasingly problematic weed species in North Florida.
• Cool-Season Forages: Information on the best forage options for winter grazing and increasing feed efficiency.

In addition to these topics, attendees will have the chance to network with industry experts and fellow producers, exchange ideas, and see demonstrations of the latest agricultural equipment designed to enhance livestock management.

Pre-registration is open at Eventbrite for a fee of $20, plus a $3.18 service fee. This fee includes lunch and access to all field day activities. Participants who register on the day of the event will pay a fee of $40. No refunds will be issued for cancellations.

To view the tentative agenda or to register, visit https://www.eventbrite.com and go to the Eventbrite Livestock & Forage Field Day page.

For those interested in staying up-to-date with the latest trends and practices in livestock management, the 25^th Annual Livestock & Forages Field Day promises to be an informative event.

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• Half-off short-term licenses for Floridians from October 25, 2024, to January 3, 2025, for the annual and five-year multisport licenses for fishing and hunting; and
• A 50% discount on lifetime sportsman licenses for children up to 17 years of age. 
  • Age 4 or younger - $200 (normally $400)
  • Ages 5 to 12 - $350 (normally $700)
  • Ages 13 to 17 - $500 (normally $1,000)

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis said Tuesday that authorities have started criminal proceedings against the owner of the bull terrier found abandoned and tied to a pole on Interstate 75 ahead of Hurricane Milton’s landfall. The rescued dog was safe with a new foster family.

Newly filed court records explain the mystery about how the dog – which became a celebrity on social media after his rescue during the hurricane – ended up on the roadside in Tampa. 

Its owner was identified in court records as Giovanny Aldama Garcia, 23, of Ruskin, just south of Tampa, facing a felony charge of aggravated cruelty to animals. Aldama Garcia, a solar company employee, did not immediately return phone messages.

He was arrested Monday at his rented home in Ruskin and released early Tuesday on a $2,500 bond from the Hillsborough County Jail. Court records said Aldama Garcia showed up at the county animal shelter in Tampa to try to retrieve his dog one day after it was found abandoned along the interstate. 

“We said you'd be held accountable, and you will be held accountable,” DeSantis said.

Investigators said Aldama Garcia had owned the dog, which he called Jumbo, since it was a puppy and had been trying unsuccessfully to get rid of the dog for weeks. “He could not deal with the dog,” the arrest report said. 

The state attorney, Suzy Lopez, said Tuesday that Trooper had touched the hearts of people across Hillsborough County, and she aimed to protect the county’s most vulnerable citizens, including what she called “four-legged friends.”“The fact that somebody could tie a dog to a pole on the interstate as we were facing a Category 5 hurricane is absolutely impossible for me, as a dog owner and dog-lover [to] imagine,” Lopez said.Court records said Aldama Garcia’s mother, Mabel Garcia Gomez, 53, had stopped their car Wednesday on I-75 during their family’s evacuation to Georgia from heavy rain ahead of the raging hurricane, letting the dog out of the vehicle. Aldama Garcia said he last saw the dog in standing water and left it behind.

Meanwhile, the dog – renamed Trooper in honor of the Florida Highway Patrol officer who rescued him – was safely living with a foster family in the Tallahassee area, according to the county’s Humane Society office. It provided a photograph of what appeared to be a happy, panting dog with a rubber toy between its paws.

Trooper’s new foster family, who wasn’t identified, will have the first opportunity to adopt him if it is a good fit, the Humane Society said. The family was learning about Trooper’s preferences and helping him become comfortable and confident, it said.

Investigators said Aldama Garcia saw photos of the abandoned dog on social media and initially wanted it back, then changed his mind after learning the dog was with a foster family in Leon County. 

“After finding out the dog was being fostered, he surrendered the dog due to someone else giving the dog a better life,” the arrest report said.

The highway patrol said Aldama Garcia’s actions put the dog’s safety unnecessarily at risk. It described him as showing no emotion after learning the dog was still alive.

“Due to the circumstances, and the extreme danger and risk of death caused by the defendant to the dog, the defendant's actions caused excessive unnecessary infliction of pain and suffering to the dog,” court records said. “In addition, the defendant stated he never notified anyone that the dog was left behind on (the) interstate during a hurricane evacuation. The defendant continued driving to Georgia to a safe place.”

The highway patrol found the dog tied to a pole in standing water. The agency posted a video on social media showing the black-and-white dog tied in an area where flooding had water almost covering its legs.

“Do NOT do this to your pets please,” the patrol said.

The highway patrol arranged for the dog to be examined by a veterinarian, then transported it to Leon County, where the Humane Society said in his first few days there he was “incredibly stressed and still decompressing.”.
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This story was produced by Fresh Take Florida, a news service of the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications. The reporter can be reached at sandovalv@freshtakeflorida.com.

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TALLAHASSEE - The Triple Threat Throwdown played a pivotal role in another successful year to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Catch a Florida Memory program. And it culminated with a prestigious Fishing Kayak Bundle for one lucky angler! Brian Ferreira has been drawn as the Throwdown winner and received a Bonafide P127 fully outfitted with a fishing package from Mustad Fishing and a Safety Bundle from Russ Vorhis-State Farm Insurance.

Brian joined the Catch a Florida Memory program in March of 2020 and has become one of the most prolific anglers to date. During Season 2, Brian logged a record 87 different achievements from March 1 through Sept. 9, making this a well-deserved bonus for an epic season of fishing.

 “Catch a Florida Memory’s Triple Threat Throwdown is just one of the many ways Florida’s saltwater anglers continue to support marine fisheries conservation while creating unforgettable moments and passing on the love of fishing to future generations,” said FWC Commissioner Sonya Rood. “It was an honor to meet our 2024 winner, Brian, and thank him for participating in this exciting and innovative program.”

“The Triple Threat Throwdown remains an innovative and engaging initiative to further marine fisheries awareness and conservation efforts in the state of Florida. Building on the success of last year, we are thrilled by the continued participation and enthusiasm in Season 2,” said Jessica McCawley, Director of the FWC’s Division of Marine Fisheries Management. “We encourage everyone to enjoy the water, create lasting memories and contribute to the conservation of our fisheries ahead of Season 3 in 2025.”

Hoping to get in on the action? Don’t worry! Triple Threat Club status is awarded all year long to anglers who qualify in all three Catch a Florida Memory programs. This means the angler has caught a Saltwater Grand Slam, a Saltwater Reel Big Fish and has submitted at least 10 species from the Saltwater Life List. Triple Threat Club members receive exciting prizes, such as custom fishing apparel, seasonal prizes and entry into exclusive raffles including the Triple Threat Throwdown 2025, which will run from March 1 through Sept. 8. Keep a lookout for more details early next year!

Catch a Florida Memory’s saltwater angler recognition program rewards anglers for their fishing efforts while encouraging them to target a diversity of species. Anglers do not have to harvest their fish to be eligible for prizes and are encouraged to use proper fish handling techniques.

New to Catch a Florida Memory? Learn more and submit catches at CatchaFloridaMemory.com. Check out the latest catches and see your achievements highlighted by following the Catch a Florida Memory Facebook page, Facebook.com/CatchaFLMemory. View angler catches, stay up to date with the latest news and much more on Instagram and X by following @MyFWC and on Fishbrain by following FWC Saltwater Fishing.

If you have questions about the Catch a Florida Memory program, contact https://catchafloridamemory.com/" target="_blank">AnglerRecognition@MyFWC.com. Your purchase of fishing equipment, motorboat fuel and a fishing license supports aquatic education and outreach efforts. Learn more at MyFWC.com/SFR.

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GAINESVILLE – New details emerged Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, in the criminal case against a felon accused in between stints in prison of submitting false signatures on a petition supporting a 2022 Florida recreational marijuana initiative.

Colton Edward Brady, 34, of Fayetteville, Georgia, had been hired to collect signatures of registered voters for the petition by a Tallahassee-based political committee, Sensible Florida Inc. The effort – which would have legalized possession of up to one ounce of marijuana – was a precursor to the separate campaign that will put the question about recreational marijuana use on the ballot in November.

Brady has prior felony convictions over the past 14 years for marijuana possession, theft and burglary. As a felon who still owes unpaid court fines, Brady couldn’t add his own name to the effort because he isn’t allowed to vote under Florida law.

Brady, who was released on bond Friday, could not immediately be reached because numbers listed for him were disconnected or did not have voicemails set up. Michael Minardi, chairman of Sensible Florida, did not immediately return voicemail messages to discuss Brady’s employment.

The Florida Supreme Court blocked the 2022 initiative, so it never went to voters.

Brady worked on the marijuana campaign after he was released from state prison in October 2020 and before he was sent back to prison in June 2023 for violating parole after he was accused of stealing a Toyota Camry belonging to his mother, Dana Mabrey, 54, of Tallahassee, according to court records.

Mabrey, his mother, was also implicated in the petition fraud scheme, according to state records. Mabrey worked as a signature-gatherer and submitted names that didn’t check out, the records said. Mabrey, who could not immediately be reached because two phone numbers listed for her were disconnected, has not been arrested or charged with any crime.

Brady was released from prison again in June this year. Investigators in the petition fraud case interviewed him in May when he was still behind bars.

Brady told Florida investigators he was jealous of other petition-gatherers because he wasn’t collecting as many signatures supporting the marijuana initiative, despite approaching people across the Tallahassee area at grocery stores, retail stores and Florida State University’s campus, according to newly available court records in the case.

Brady said he learned during training for signature-gatherers how to use publicly available information to look up names and details of voters in Leon County, and fraudulently submitted their information on the marijuana petitions, the court records said.

In at least one case, he submitted in February 2022 the name of a voter – John Marcus Dodson, 37, of Tallahassee – who had died in September 2020. The county’s elections office noticed the disparity when it sought to confirm in November that all the signatures were those of authentic registered voters. His mother, Mabrey, also submitted Dodson’s name on a petition, the court records said.

At least three others confirmed they never signed the petitions that Brady submitted. “No way,” one of them, Marissa Jefferson, 40, of Tallahassee told investigators.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which announced Brady’s arrest Thursday, said Brady submitted 66 names and signatures in Leon County for the marijuana initiative, and 49 were rejected as invalid. Those were significantly higher rejection rates than the 3.5 percent of rejected signatures from other workers on the campaign, the state said.

Brady was arrested in Georgia on Sept. 5, 2024, and faces eight felony counts for petition fraud, including use of a dead person’s information, submitting false voter registration information and use of personal identification information and false swearing, according to court records. 

This year, state police have recently approached Florida voters at home to verify their signatures for Amendment 4, a similar initiative that would protect abortion rights if approved. Gov. Ron DeSantis defended police actions in a Lake City conference earlier this week.

“Our tolerance for voter fraud in the state of Florida is zero,” DeSantis said. “That's the only thing you can do is to have zero tolerance, and we want everybody to participate, but we can't be in a situation where people are trying to short-circuit the process by submitting invalid petitions.”

DeSantis also criticized the current marijuana amendment for not restricting using marijuana in public and allowing what he called “a weed cartel that is going to benefit a handful of incumbent companies.”

The law enforcement agency said it has charged 17 people with petition fraud of over 34,000 invalidated petitions.

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GAINESVILLE - University of Florida officials are celebrating its first “smart garden,” a 320-square-foot agricultural pod outfitted to grow fruits and vegetables hydroponically.

“It’s essentially a shipping container similar to one used to ship goods from Asia or Europe to the United States,” said James Boyer, Plant Science Research and Education Unit (PSREU) director of research administration.

Ying Zhang, UF/IFAS assistant professor of controlled environments, is leading a team of researchers studying indoor agriculture techniques by growing lettuce inside the pod. The team marked its first harvest earlier this month.

Boyer said he expects the garden to produce 500 heads of lettuce a week, and the food will be transported to Gainesville for use by the Hitchcock Field and Fork Pantry.

The Citra smart garden is funded through a collaboration with Clay Electric Cooperative, Seminole Electric Cooperative and EPRI, an independent, non-profit energy R&D organization. In 2022, Seminole Electric, EPRI and Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative funded a similar project at the UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center in Live Oak.

By outfitting the pods with efficient HVAC, lighting, water pump and dehumidification systems, the electric companies hope to better understand indoor agriculture’s impact on the electric grid.

“Indoor agriculture is a rapidly emerging industry across the U.S.,” said David Porter, EPRI’s vice president of electrification and sustainable energy strategy. “Within the indoor agriculture industry, we are seeing a rapid evolution of efficient and innovative designs, technologies and solutions that help deliver nutritional crops year-round.”

Although Seminole Electric currently owns the container, it will become UF property after two years.

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TALLAHASSEE – On July 11, 2024, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced enforcement actions against Just Brands, LLC and High Roller Private Label, LLC for selling and manufacturing hundreds of thousands of hemp products attractive to children in violation of s. 581.217(7), F.S. The enforcement actions include a five-year ban on the sale of any food products, including hemp products, in Florida for Just Brands, LLC; and a two-year ban on the manufacture of hemp gummies in Florida for High Roller Private Label, LLC.

“One of my top responsibilities as Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture is ensuring the safety of our food and protecting Florida’s consumers, especially our children. These historic enforcement actions mark a significant step in our ongoing efforts to protect kids over profits and rein in the hemp industry in Florida,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “Prior to the changes made to Florida law in 2023, Florida’s hemp industry was out of control and products were being sold without restrictions, including allowing sales to children with marketing and packaging specifically targeting them. While I believe Florida’s laws need to be strengthened, make no mistake, we will use every inch of our current authority to protect Florida’s children from these products and go after those who violate the law.”

On October 31, 2023, FDACS conducted a food inspection at a Just Brands, LLC facility and found violations, including the sale of hemp products attractive to children in violation of s. 581.217(7), F.S. As a result, FDACS issued Stop Sale Orders for 215,154 hemp products. During a reinspection on January 22, 2024, FDACS discovered that Just Brands, LLC had violated these orders by relocating the products, with shipments tracked to Chicago, Illinois. Subsequent inspections on January 29 and February 5, 2024, confirmed the removal of all 215,154 packages from the facility without permission by FDACS. Between December 6, 2023, and February 5, 2024, Just Brands moved, sold, or used all the packages subject to the Stop Sale Orders without the FDACS’s knowledge.

On April 2, 2024, FDACS conducted a food inspection at a High Roller Private Label, LLC facility and found over 186,000 packages of hemp products attractive to children in violation of s. 581.217(7), F.S. To prevent potential harm, FDACS issued stop-sale orders for 186,377 packages of hemp products and 644 packages containing synthetic cannabinoids, specifically "THC-O" and "HHCO."

Settlement Terms:

 Just Brands, LLC has agreed to the following terms:

• Permit Revocation: Just Brands will accept a five-year revocation of its Food Permit, prohibiting the company from owning or operating any food establishment in Florida requiring a permit from FDACS, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, or the Department of Health.
• Payment of Enforcement Costs: Just Brands will reimburse FDACS a total of $60,500.00 for attorney's fees and enforcement costs.
• Dismissal of Pending Actions: Just Brands will file appropriate documents to dismiss the proceedings pending before the Southern District of Florida in Case Number 23-cv-62081.

High Roller Private Label, LLC has agreed to the following terms:

• Restriction on Manufacture of Hemp Gummies: High Roller will cease the manufacture, distribution, and sale of gummy hemp extract products in Florida for two years.
• Payment of Enforcement Costs: High Roller will reimburse FDACS $5,000.00 for attorney's fees and enforcement costs incurred during the dispute.

During the 2023 legislative session, Commissioner Wilton Simpson worked with the Florida Legislature to reform Florida’s hemp laws to better protect consumers and children. SB 1676 added age requirements for the purchase of hemp products intended for human consumption, protected Florida’s minors by prohibiting the sale of hemp products that are attractive to children, protects consumers by mandating that products sold in Florida be packaged in a safe container, and holds hemp products that are intended for human consumption to the same health and safety standards as other food products.

To enforce the law, the department conducted the largest ever inspection sweep of businesses selling products that contain hemp extracts in July and August of 2023. The statewide inspection sweeps specifically targeted the sale of hemp products that are attractive to children, which is prohibited by Florida law. The sweep included inspections of more than 700 businesses in all 67 Florida counties and uncovered over 83,000 packages of hemp products, including euphoric, high-potency THC products, attractive to children. Since July 1, 2023, the department has uncovered over 668,000 packages of hemp products attractive to children.

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Our small town of High Springs is beloved because its elected leaders have done more things right than wrong over time. Just like with big families, there is rarely unanimous agreement on how issues should be addressed. Issues are not simple, and leaders that let you believe the choices are not hard are fooling you. What usually tells the truth is time.

In the past year, High Springs has received no new grant funding, returned over a million dollars in grants, lost leaders in every major department other than police, while retaining an under qualified finance director. Our mayor and other first-term commissioners have blamed former staff and former elected officials for a range of problems and suddenly the city is portrayed as poor.

For the first time in years, our city is being sued. Current leadership has accepted no responsibility and created a budget, that in the coming year, will repeat many of the mistakes previous commissions had been working for years to fix.

The stage is now set for our community to lose our exceptional Fire Department.  Current commissioners have lowered expectations for what a small-town department can offer.  They have hired leadership with little experience and the slow recovery from the recent storms are an example of what we have lost.

Do you see a pattern?

Luckily, we have two citizens who are willing to step up, accept responsibility, make decisions and guide our growing town to its future.

They have experience in public service; they have training in emergency management, large budgets, and leadership. Sue Weller has felt compelled to return to office because of the intentional mistruths spoken by our mayor.

Ross Ambrose

High Springs Resident

To fellow High Springs voters:

I have been a resident of High Springs since 1979 with a unique multi view experience of our City's political climate and government.

Back in the 1980s, I worked as a paralegal for the then High Springs City Attorney. Decades later, my husband served on the High Springs Commission and later became City Attorney for High Springs before the City's current legal counsel. I have spent the past 28 years working for a local developer and real estate investor managing both residential apartments and professional commercial properties in the City of High Springs.

Over the decades, I have witnessed Commissions that have operated as a cohesive body following the Charter, working with the City Manager, and conducting City business with thoughtful, well versed and trained leadership. Unfortunately, I have also witnessed Commissions that have been riddled with partisanship, discourse, and lack of training trying to manage staff at City Hall and make decisions outside of the Commission as a whole.

Unfortunately, we are again experiencing this type of local government climate. Our City is in crisis. The turnover rate from the number of employees leaving the City has resulted in great inefficiency in services to our citizens, not to mention the lack of transparency within our government causing many citizens to be uninformed at best or ill-informed at worst.

We need proven, experienced non-partisan leadership, and that is why I am endorsing Sue Weller for Seat #5 for the High Springs City Commission. As many voters know, Sue served on the Commission from 2010 through 2016.

What voters may not know is that Sue has stayed continually engaged in the governance of High Springs. She has served on multiple boards as well as faithfully followed the City Commission meetings live or online. Her depth of knowledge around our Charter and our history regarding planned responsible growth are pluses in a time when there are many gaps in our City's continuity in leadership.

Sue's professionalism and ability to stay neutral while listening to our citizens is refreshing and supportive of the direction we want to take our City.

A vote for Sue Weller provides an opportunity to begin to restore and rebuild the City's reputation and service to our residents; supports a healthy cohesive working environment for City staff; and strongly sends the message that we believe our commissioners should be willing to attend Florida League of Cities training programs for new commissioners as well as continuing education classes for current commissioners.

I personally am grateful that Sue Weller is willing to serve our community again; especially at a time when we so need proven leadership. I love High Springs and I know that we, as voting citizens, can help our City course correct and return to service and civility. Please join me in making sure this opportunity to have Sue Weller back on the Commission is not missed.

Alvalyn Lancaster

High Springs, Florida 32643

Tim Marden, Alachua County Republican Chairman, seeks to divide us and spew hatred whenever and wherever he can. He recently sent out a letter concerning the upcoming City Commission election in High Springs. Such elections are non-partisan, i.e., the candidates do not list their political affiliations and a candidate’s party affiliation is not listed on the ballot.

Marden tries to create an issue about Precinct 60 voting place being moved from the 1^st Methodist Church to the newly named and remodeled Douglas Community Center. He incorrectly states that Ross Ambrose “quietly initiated” such polling change “earlier this year.”

Mr. Ambrose originally brought this proposed change about four years ago. Polling places are supposed to be in the precinct that they represent. The church is not in Precinct 60. The Douglas Community Center is. Ms. Barton [Alachua County Supervisor of Elections], after the recent renovation of the Center, determined that it is now “a suitable location” in Precinct 60, and moved the polling place to the Center.

Marden questions the “last minute” change, but the renovation was finished only about a month ago and the request to move the polling place from the church originated about four years ago. But don’t let facts get in the way if Marden wants to spew hatred.

He writes that Barton has made two changes that directly affect the votes of Republicans. What about those voters (Republican and Democratic, alike) who live in Precinct 60 and have to drive to the church? No, Marden doesn’t’ care about that. In Marden’s mind Barton’s decision is solely to hinder Republican voters.

Lastly, Marden states that voters in Precinct 60 have to be told of the polling change. I don’t know the date that his letter went out, but voters in Precinct 60 have already received such a notice in the mail.

Marden follows up his imagined tirade with directions to vote for Katherine “against” Sue Weller and Judith Jensen against Kim Barton. Such wording only shows that Marden spews hatred, has no knowledge of the facts (or totally avoids them) and wants to spread his hatred to others. As for Sue Weller’s stand on the issues …. Her campaign sign says it all, “No politics, Just issues.”

Thomas R. Weller

High Springs, FL 32643

We wish to express our gratitude to:

Jeremy Marshall, City Manager of High Springs, and his staff for their continued support of the citizens of High Springs during Hurricane Helene.  Public Works, in particular, was out in full force clearing roads and grinder pumps in addition to many other issues.  

Commissioners were out in force to provide assistance to High Springs residents.

Police Chief Shepherd and his officers and staff for their assistance.  We know that they were out in this storm protecting our community.  

Fire Chief Peters and his firefighters and staff for their efforts in keeping our community safe.

Friends and neighbors were out in force with their tractors and other equipment to clear roads for incoming power trucks.  Also checking on each other to see if assistance was needed.  

Everyone was too busy working to post their efforts on social media.  They did what they did because it was the right thing to do.  

We have had a rough time during the past few years and have come a long way in the past year to bring our City into a better place in leadership and financially.  I have personally talked to city staff about morale and it is at its highest.

There is a small group of people who are intent on bringing the City back into their control.  If you do not follow their lead, they will do whatever is necessary to remove you from office or position in city hall.

It is imperative that you vote!  Vote early or request a mail-in ballot! Vote to re-elect Katherine Weitz, our current mayor.  Vote to elect Julie Rawls Tapia-ruano.  Citizens of High Springs are at the forefront of their mission, which includes supporting the City of High Springs.  We need diversity on the five-member board.  Having two police officers on the board would compromise diversity.

Bob & Linda Jones

High Springs, Florida

Thank you, Alachua County Commissioner Mary Helen Wheeler for stepping in to fill the leadership void in High Springs during the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

Others whose concerns for our citizens and whose efforts produced results were Scott and Lynn Jamison and former Assistant City Manager Bruce Gillingham, who was working from Tallahassee.

Their collective efforts produced the massive response Sunday from the energy and tree companies.

Disorganized chaos is what happens when a person from New York without any prior city manager experience is hired to run a Florida city.

What is seriously lacking now in High Springs is institutional knowledge, established peer contacts, a clear and effective emergency management plan and timely information being imparted to residents.

Where were the shelters, the portable bathrooms, the charging stations, the city workers clearing streets? Some of this eventually happened but only in response to complaints.

Thankfully we have a way to remedy this demonstrated lack of planning, preparation and action in just over a month through the November elections.

Sue Weller has the necessary institutional knowledge, well developed peer contacts all over the United States and the experience as a prior commissioner, mayor, labor relations officer and she is a current FEMA reservist. 

Chad Howell is a veteran who has served our country in the Marine Corps and in combat roles during his two deployments in Iraq. He is a current first responder.

Voting both of these individuals into office on Nov. 5 will ensure High Springs will be much better prepared for the next emergency.

Linda Rice Chapman, Esq.

High Springs, Florida

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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