ALACHUA – Community partnerships and volunteer support helped make the 2025 Shop with a Cop event a memorable experience for dozens of local children, according to the Alachua Police Department.

The annual holiday program brought officers together with local students for a day centered on connection, generosity and positive interaction. Police officials credited sponsors, volunteers and community partners for helping create an event that focused on strengthening relationships between law enforcement and young people.

“This year’s Shop with a Cop event was a tremendous success,” the department stated, noting that the generosity, time and support of community partners played a key role in making the day special for participating families.

Fifty students from local schools were selected to take part in the program, which included a shopping trip to Walmart. Each child received $100 to spend on items of their choice. While many participants selected toys, clothing or school supplies, several children chose to use their funds to purchase gifts for family members, organizers said.

Adding to the excitement, officers provided a police escort to and from the store, turning the shopping trip into a festive experience that many children described as unforgettable. The escort, along with the opportunity to shop alongside officers, helped create an atmosphere of celebration and trust.

Before the shopping trip, children were treated to pizza generously donated by New York Pizza Plus. Police officials said the meal helped kick off the day on a joyful note and gave participants a chance to relax and interact with officers in an informal setting.

Programs such as Shop with a Cop are designed to foster positive relationships between law enforcement and youth while addressing practical needs during the holiday season. By pairing officers with children in a supportive environment, the initiative aims to promote understanding, mentorship and a sense of community.

Police officials expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the event, emphasizing that the impact extends beyond a single day.

“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed to this event and helped make a lasting impact on the children and families in our community,” the department said.

Organizers said the success of this year’s event underscores the importance of collaboration among law enforcement, businesses and volunteers, and they hope to continue the tradition in years to come.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed to this event and helped make a lasting impact on the children and families in our community.

#     #     #

email editor@

alachuatoday.com

ALACHUA – The City of Alachua played host to a high-energy celebration of creativity, teamwork and problem-solving last weekend as the FIRST LEGO League North Florida Regional Championship brought more than 700 participants to the Hal Brady Recreation Complex and Legacy Multipurpose Center.

The multi-day competition transformed the recreation facilities into a hub of activity, with teams of children and young teens collaborating on robotics challenges and project presentations while families, coaches and volunteers filled the venue with encouragement and excitement. Organizers described the atmosphere as vibrant and upbeat, with participants fully engaged throughout the event.

City of Alachua Recreation & Culture staff members, along with volunteers from the SwampBots robotics community, played a central role in the championship’s success. Their coordinated efforts ensured smooth transitions between events, maintained competition schedules and provided support to teams navigating the demanding regional contest.

The championship weekend began Friday evening with a welcome social event in downtown Alachua, giving teams a chance to unwind before the competition began in earnest. Participants gathered along Main Street at The Vault Ice Cream Shop, where each competitor received a complimentary treat. The informal gathering allowed students, mentors and families from different communities to connect and share in the excitement of the weekend ahead.

Adding to the festive tone, participants took part in snow play activities during the social hours at Skinner Field – Allen Hitchcock Baseball Field. The unexpected winter-themed fun created a memorable experience for visiting teams and offered a lighthearted kickoff to the regional championship.

Teams traveled from across Central and North Central Florida to compete, reflecting the growing popularity of youth robotics programs throughout the region. The FIRST LEGO League challenges students to design, build and program robots using LEGO technology while also completing research projects that emphasize innovation, teamwork and real-world problem solving.

Throughout the weekend, competition spaces buzzed with activity as teams tested robots, adjusted strategies and cheered for one another’s successes. Parents and spectators observed from the sidelines as students demonstrated not only technical skills but also collaboration and sportsmanship — hallmarks of the program’s educational mission.

City officials and organizers noted that hosting a regional championship of this scale underscores Alachua’s capacity to accommodate large youth-focused events and reinforces the city’s commitment to recreation, education and community engagement.

By the end of the weekend, participants left with more than trophies and scores. Many departed with new friendships, renewed enthusiasm for science and technology, and memories of a community that welcomed them with creativity and hospitality.

#     #     #

email editor@

alachuatoday.com

ALACHUA – After more than five decades of supporting local growers and connecting the community with fresh, locally produced food, the Alachua County Farmers Market is beginning a new chapter at a new home.

The market, the oldest continuously operating farmers market in the area, has relocated to San Felasco Tech City, located at 13900 Tech City Circle in Alachua, just a few miles north of its former site along U.S. 441. Organizers say the move positions the long-standing market for continued growth while maintaining its core mission of supporting local agriculture and small businesses.

To welcome the community into the new location, the market will host a series of free culinary tastings and organic gardening workshops beginning in January and continuing through February 2026. The programming is designed to highlight the variety of vendors who make up the market while offering educational opportunities for both longtime patrons and first-time visitors.

Throughout January, market vendors including jam makers, beekeepers, pickle producers, sprouts growers and bakers will offer a rotating selection of complimentary snack tastings. Vendors will also share culinary tips and ideas for incorporating locally produced foods into healthy, everyday meals. The tastings are intended to give shoppers a chance to sample products while learning new ways to use them at home.

In addition to the tastings, vendors will raffle off free packages of their products during the month of January. Market organizers said the giveaways are meant to encourage residents to add the new San Felasco location to their regular Saturday morning routine.

Beginning in February, the focus will shift to gardening education as North Central Florida enters its spring growing season. Market growers will lead organic gardening workshops covering a range of topics, including growing vegetables, herbs, ornamentals and butterfly gardens in small spaces such as patios and backyards. Sessions will also address practical subjects such as composting, organic pest control and container gardening, with instruction provided by experienced local growers.

All produce, meats, eggs, dairy products, seafood, plants and honey sold at the Alachua County Farmers Market are locally grown. Organizers emphasize that buying local food not only ensures freshness and quality, but also benefits the broader community by keeping food dollars circulating among area farmers and businesses.

Market hours will remain unchanged following the move. The Alachua County Farmers Market will continue to operate every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to noon. The market is also pet-friendly, welcoming shoppers to bring well-behaved animals as part of the community atmosphere.

With more than 50 years of history behind it, the market’s relocation signals both continuity and renewal. Organizers say the new site offers an opportunity to build on a long tradition of community engagement while introducing new educational and culinary experiences for future generations of shoppers.

#     #     #

email editor@

alachuatoday.com

TALLAHASSEE – More than $55 million in unclaimed property was returned to Floridians in November, including nearly $585,000 paid to residents in the Gainesville area, according to figures released Dec. 12, 2025, by State of Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia.

The funds were distributed through the Florida Department of Financial Services’ Division of Unclaimed Property, which safeguards financial assets that have been lost, forgotten or left inactive by their owners. State officials say the program continues to return millions of dollars each month to individuals, families and businesses across Florida.

“With over $55 million returned to Floridians in the month of November, I think Santa will be very busy this holiday season,” Ingoglia said. “I encourage Floridians across the state to check for their unclaimed property at FLTreasureHunt.Gov and see if they might have some extra Christmas cheer waiting for them.”

Unclaimed property includes a wide range of financial assets that may be unfamiliar to owners. Common examples include dormant bank accounts, unclaimed insurance proceeds, stocks, dividends, uncashed checks, security deposits, credit balances and refunds. In some cases, tangible items such as watches, jewelry, coins, currency, stamps and historical artifacts from abandoned safe-deposit boxes are also turned over to the state.

Under Florida law, businesses and government agencies are required to hold unclaimed assets for a set period — typically five years — while attempting to locate the owner. If those efforts are unsuccessful, the property is reported to the Division of Unclaimed Property, which holds the assets until a rightful claim is made.

State officials estimate that more than $2 billion in unclaimed property remains available to be claimed statewide. Residents are encouraged to periodically search the state’s unclaimed property database, particularly if they have moved, changed jobs, closed financial accounts or lived in multiple parts of Florida.

November’s returns highlight the broad geographic reach of the program. In addition to Gainesville, significant amounts were returned in Orlando, Tampa-St. Petersburg and Miami, each totaling more than $10 million. Smaller but still substantial amounts were returned in regions including Pensacola, Tallahassee and Fort Myers-Naples.

Officials emphasize that searching the database is free and can be done online. Claims may be submitted by individuals, businesses or heirs seeking property belonging to deceased relatives. Those who have lived or worked in different areas of Florida are encouraged to check each region where they may have previously resided.

A regional breakdown of unclaimed property returned in November 2025 shows:

• Pensacola - $1.8 million
• Panama City - $993,000
• Tallahassee - $2.4 million
• Jacksonville - $4 million
• Gainesville - $585,000
• Orlando - $10.8 million
• Tampa/St. Petersburg - $12.2 million
• Fort Myers/Naples - $3.1 million
• West Palm Beach - $9.2 million
• Miami - $10.4 million

More information and access to Florida’s unclaimed property search is available through the state’s official website at https://fltreasurehunt.gov/.

#     #     #

Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com

ALACHUA COUNTY – The Alachua County Arts Council is preparing for its fifth annual Artists Conference, scheduled for Friday, April 24, 2026, and is now seeking presenters and sponsors to help shape the event.

The annual conference brings together artists, educators, nonprofit leaders and arts advocates from across the county to share ideas, build professional skills and strengthen connections within the local arts community. Organizers say the conference has grown steadily since its launch, becoming a key gathering for those involved in visual, performing and literary arts.

As planning for the 2026 event begins, the conference committee is accepting applications from individuals and organizations interested in presenting breakout sessions. Proposed sessions should appeal to members of the arts community and may cover a wide range of topics, including creative practice, arts education, marketing, funding, collaboration and professional development.

Presentations are expected to run between 30 and 60 minutes, including time for questions and discussion, allowing attendees to engage directly with presenters and explore ideas in greater depth. Organizers encourage submissions that are informative, interactive and relevant to artists working at all stages of their careers.

In addition to presenters, the Arts Council is also seeking sponsors to support the conference. Sponsorships help offset event costs while providing visibility for businesses and organizations that support the arts. Sponsors play a role in ensuring the conference remains accessible to the local arts community.

Application materials for both presenters and sponsors are available on the Alachua County Arts Council’s website under the “Artists Conference” section. Interested individuals and organizations must complete and submit the appropriate form by Friday, Jan. 16, 2026.

The Artists Conference aligns with the Arts Council’s broader mission to strengthen arts engagement throughout the county. According to the council, its mission is to “improve the quality of life of Alachua County residents by increasing exposure to the arts, expanding opportunities for creative expression by local artists, and increasing community resources for the arts.”

The conference provides a platform to advance that mission by fostering collaboration, encouraging innovation and offering practical tools for artists and arts organizations. Past conferences have featured workshops, panel discussions and networking opportunities designed to support both emerging and established artists.

Additional details about the conference agenda, schedule and location are expected to be announced closer to the event date.

For more information about presenting, sponsorship opportunities or the Artists Conference, contact Assistant County Manager and Chief of Staff Gina Peebles at 352-538-8265 or gpeebles@alachuacounty.us.

#     #     #

Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com

GAINESVILLE – A Newberry man was arrested after Gainesville Police say he drove his car into a real estate office near one of the city’s busiest corridors and showed signs of impairment during a post-crash investigation.

The crash happened shortly after midnight on Nov. 25, 2025, when officers were dispatched at about 12:17 a.m. to a report of a vehicle into a building at 5310 NW 8^th Avenue, just west of the intersection of West Newberry Road and NW 8^th Avenue. According to a Gainesville Police Department (GPD) report, arriving officers found that 28-year-old Shu Zhi Zhu had been behind the wheel of the vehicle that struck the office of The Mills Group of Keller Williams.

The crash caused visible damage to the building, though authorities did not report any injuries to occupants or bystanders. Officers said Zhu displayed several indicators of impairment while speaking with them at the scene. According to the arrest report, Zhu had difficulty maintaining his balance and was slurring his words as he interacted with officers.

Zhu reportedly told police he had not consumed any alcohol before driving. However, the responding officer wrote that Zhu performed poorly on standard field sobriety exercises conducted on scene. Based on those observations, police arrested him on suspicion of driving under the influence.

After his arrest, Zhu was read his Miranda rights. According to the police report, he stated that he did not understand his rights and then refused to listen when officers attempted to re-explain them.

Zhu was taken to GPD Headquarters for further processing, where officers requested that he provide a lawful breath sample. The report states that he did not respond to repeated requests, and he was subsequently charged with refusal to submit to a breath test. Police also cited him for careless driving in connection with the crash.

Court records show that Zhu has no prior criminal history. Following his first appearance, Judge Meshon Rawls ordered that he be released on his own recognizance. As a condition of release, Zhu is required to wear a transdermal alcohol monitor, a device designed to detect alcohol consumption through the skin.

No injuries were reported, and the extent of structural damage to the real estate office has not yet been released by the business or city officials.

#     #     #

Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com

• 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.  

#     #     #

email editor@

alachuatoday.com

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.

#     #     #

Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com

Oct. 19, 2025 — “On behalf of the Board of Trustees and the University, we express our full support for Athletic Director Scott Stricklin and his decision to make a change in the leadership of our football program.

Today’s news underscores our collective, continuing, and uncompromising commitment to a Gators football program that inspires pride across the University community and competes annually for national championships.

We will continue to provide the athletic department with every resource necessary to deliver on that promise.”

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

Statement from Athletic Director Scott Stricklin:

Today I met with Coach Napier and informed him that a change in leadership of our football program would best serve the interests of the University of Florida.

On behalf of Gator Nation, I want to sincerely thank Billy and his family for their tireless commitment to the Florida Gators. Billy built a tremendous culture of accountability and growth among the young men he led each day. His organized and detailed approach had a meaningful impact across all levels of our program.

As Coach Napier has often said, this is a results-driven business, and while his influence was positive, it ultimately did not translate into the level of success we expect on the field.

I have named Billy Gonzales as the interim head coach. Coach Gonzales has been a valued member of our program for many years, including being a part of multiple championship teams. He is a Gator through and through. His deep understanding of our culture, our student-athletes, and what it means to represent the University of Florida makes him well-suited to lead our team.

Making this decision during the open date provides our team valuable time to regroup, refocus, and prepare for the challenges ahead. The timing also allows us to conduct a thoughtful, thorough, and well-informed search for our next head coach. We remain fully committed to utilizing every resource available to identify the right leader to guide Gators Football into the future.

I will conduct the search with a high degree of confidentiality to protect the privacy of those involved. The search will focus on the hiring of an elite football coach who will embody the standard we have at the University of Florida, and we will continue to provide all of the necessary resources for that coach, his staff and the players to be successful.

Any time you conduct a head coaching search, especially for a high-profile sport like football or men's basketball, you learn something. The lessons from past experiences will guide us through the work ahead.

Across the University of Florida, there is an unwavering and uncompromising commitment to being the best in everything we do. This includes our athletic department, as evidenced by the fact UF is the only school in the country to win three national championships in both football and men's basketball.

The standards and expectations for Gators football are to win championships-not simply to compete. We exist to win, and will not settle for less.  UF has never been more invested in the success of this football program - elite facilities, robust NIL opportunities and comprehensive support for our student athletes and staff - than we are today.

The University of Florida is a destination - a place where people come to achieve excellence.  With our resources, passionate fan base, and unwavering commitment, we are determined to return Gators football to championship form.  I understand and accept the responsibility to deliver a football program that reflects the greatness of this university and I thank Gator Nation for their continued support as we begin this next chapter together.

Scott Burns
Director of Football Communications
University of Florida Athletic Association
C: (812) 322-5285
FloridaGators.com<http://www.floridagators.com/>

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.

*     *     *

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.

#     #     #

Email editor@

alachuatoday.com

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.

*     *     *

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.

#     #     #

Email editor@

alachuatoday.com

~ 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

*     *     *

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.

#     #     #

Email editor@

alachuatoday.com

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

The history of the B vitamins is a fascinating journey that spans several decades and involves the work of numerous scientists. Initially thought to be a single nutrient, it was later discovered to be a complex group of essential water-soluble vitamins with distinct functions. Here's a brief overview of their discovery:

The Beriberi Connection

The story begins in the late 19^th Century with the investigation of beriberi, a debilitating disease prevalent in regions where polished white rice was a dietary staple.

• 1889: Dutch physician Christiaan Eijkman, working in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia), observed that chickens fed polished white rice developed beriberi-like symptoms, which were reversed when they were fed unpolished brown rice. This suggested a nutritional deficiency.
• 1906: English biochemist Frederick Gowland Hopkins proposed the existence of "accessory food factors" beyond fats, proteins, and carbohydrates that were essential for growth and health.

The “Vitamine” Concept

• 1911: Polish biochemist Casimir Funk, working in London, isolated a substance from rice polishings that could cure beriberi in pigeons. He proposed that this and other similar substances were vital amines, coining the term “vitamine.” Although not all vitamins are amines, the name stuck (later dropping the “e”).

Distinguishing Multiple Factors

• 1913: American biochemist Elmer McCollum distinguished between “fat-soluble factor A” and “water-soluble factor B,” recognizing that there was more than one essential nutrient in the water-soluble category.

Isolation and Identification of Individual B Vitamins:

The subsequent decades saw the isolation and characterization of the individual B vitamins:

• Vitamin B1 (Thiamin): Isolated in crystalline form in 1926 by Dutch chemists Barend Jansen and Willem Donath. It was the first B vitamin to be identified and was found to be the anti-beriberi factor.
• Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): First observed as a yellow-green fluorescent pigment in milk in 1872, it was characterized and named riboflavin in the early 1930s.
• Vitamin B3 (Niacin): Its deficiency was linked to pellagra in 1915 by Joseph Goldberger. The chemical structure was determined in 1937 by Conrad Elvehjem.
• Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid): Discovered in 1933 by Roger J. Williams while researching essential nutrients for yeast.
• Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): Identified in 1934 by Paul Gyorgy.
• Vitamin B7 (Biotin): Research spanned the early 1900s, with contributions from Margaret Averil Boas (1927) and Paul Gyorgy (who named it Vitamin H in 1939), among others.
• Vitamin B9 (Folate/Folic Acid): Identified in 1933 by Lucy Wills for its role in preventing a type of anemia during pregnancy.
• Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin): Its deficiency was linked to pernicious anemia. It was isolated in 1947 by Karl Folkers and his team.

The “B Complex”

As each water-soluble vitamin with a distinct function was discovered, they were grouped together as the “vitamin B complex.” This term reflects their shared water solubility and their common occurrence in many of the same foods, as well as their often-interconnected roles in metabolic processes.

Nobel Prizes

The importance of B vitamin research is highlighted by the Nobel Prizes awarded to scientists involved in their discovery and understanding:

• 1929: Christiaan Eijkman and Sir Frederick Gowland Hopkins were jointly awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their work on the discovery of vitamins. Eijkman's work focused on the link between diet and beriberi (leading to the identification of Vitamin B1), while Hopkins was recognized for his broader contributions to the understanding of essential nutrients.
• 1934: George Whipple, George Minot, and William Murphy received the Nobel Prize for their work on the treatment of pernicious anemia using liver extracts, which eventually led to the isolation of Vitamin B12.
• 1964: Dorothy Hodgkin was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for her work on determining the structures of important biochemical substances, including Vitamin B12.

Modern Understanding

Today, we have a detailed understanding of the chemical structures, functions, dietary sources, and deficiency symptoms of each of the B vitamins. They are known to play crucial roles as coenzymes in numerous metabolic pathways, affecting energy production, nerve function, red blood cell formation, DNA synthesis, and many other vital processes.

It's worth noting that several other substances were once considered part of the B complex and assigned B numbers (like B4, B8, B10, B11), but these were later found to be either synthesized by the body or not essential and were thus removed from the official list of B vitamins

*     *     *

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.

#     #     #

Email editor@

alachuatoday.com