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Photo by SUZETTE COOK/special to Alachua County Today

GAINESVILLE – The sounds of nature and the feel of leaves and pine needles under your feet are a bonus for runners who take part in the University of Florida School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences (FFGS­­­) annual Flatwoods 5K event.

Hundreds of participants will take off just after sunrise on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, on a trail around the Austin Cary Forest (ACF), a 2,632-acre teaching and research forest northeast of Gainesville.

The forest is not usually open to the public. It serves as a space for FFGS faculty, staff, and students to put into practice the theories and principles of its academic subjects such as silviculture, forest ecology and conservation, timber management, genetics, and prescribed burning.

Race proceeds support forestry education and outreach to help sustain Florida's natural heritage. FFGS Professor of Ecotourism Taylor Stein is the event organizer. His research efforts focus on exploring the benefits of nature-based recreation and tourism and how to best integrate the recreation use of conservation lands into natural resource decision-making and planning.

“You will not find a more scenic race than the Flatwoods 5K,” Stein said. “The Austin Cary Forest is not open for general use, so this is the rare chance people get to experience one of the prettiest forests in the state.”

Scott Sager, FFGS assistant director of undergrad programs, facilities, and forester at ACF agrees. "It's a low-key, fun event in a beautiful setting,” he said. “You run past open pine forests and cypress domes, and around the deepest lake in Florida."

Sager said he has enjoyed running in the race for the past five years. The event is open to the public and is family friendly.

The 5K starts at 8 a.m. and finishes by 11 a.m. The event is chip timed by Start2Finish Race Management. The course is accurately measured (but not USATF certified), with mile markers. There is a water station at the halfway point and post-race refreshments. Strollers are welcome, but please note the road is unpaved.

Registration and race t-shirt. Registration is $20. Runners 12 years and under race for free. Register at https://runsignup.com/Flatwoods5K

Early packet pickup will be Oct. 25 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Cypress and Grove Brewing Co. (1001 N.W. 4^th Street, Gainesville, FL 32601). Participants can also pick up their packet 6:45 to 7:45 a.m. at the Austin Cary Forest on race day.

Pinecone trophies made from native longleaf, loblolly and slash pinecones go to top open and master runners, and top three in all five-year age/gender groups. All runners 14 years or younger will receive an award.

Registration for the event ends on Oct. 24

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ALACHUA‒ Alachua’s San Felasco Tech City (SFTC) co-developers Mitch Glaeser and Rich Blaser have revealed that global technology giant Siemens will open a 6,500-square-foot facility in Alachua. The new location, part of Phase III of the Tech City development, is set to launch in the second quarter of 2025, joining a growing list of companies at the innovative business hub.

San Felasco Tech City is a premier business park that that seamlessly integrates a unique blend of high-tech facilities, green spaces, residential, and a vibrant community environment. Designed to attract top-tier companies, Tech City provides tenants and residents with access to world-class amenities.

The new facility will support Siemens’ growing presence in the area, providing a state-of-the-art environment designed to facilitate advanced research, development and collaboration. “We’re beyond thrilled for them to call San Felasco Tech City home at this state-of-the-art campus,” said co-developer of San Felasco Tech City Glaeser.

For 175 years, Siemens has been a global pioneer in transforming industries and developing innovative technologies that address the world's most pressing challenges of each era, revolutionizing everyday life across the globe. From electrifying factories and digitally transforming entire industries to pioneering safer, more sustainable transportation and advancing medical imaging and diagnostics, Siemens has consistently led the way in building a sustainable future for generations to come. Their decision to expand into SFTC aligns with the company’s mission to foster sustainable solutions and cutting-edge research.

“Gaining an international tenant like Siemens confirms our vision of building the most sustainable community in the world,” said Glaeser. “Our mixed-use campus, completely run by onsite solar, was the leading reason that impressed them to choose us as a location for their regional facility.”

Siemens will join a roster of over 60 innovative companies already at Tech City, including Vobile Inc., Okito America, Neurotronics, Anamar Environmental Consulting, Inc., IIA Engineering, Nextgen Biologics, Fracture, Novapproach Spine, Momentum Dance, Audiodrome, Daft Cow Brewery and Beaker & Flask just to name a few.

This expansion reinforces San Felasco Tech City’s reputation as a hub for innovation and sustainability, drawing top-tier companies from across the globe

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ALACHUA ‒ Hurricane Helen, a catastrophic Category 4 storm, has left a trail of devastation across North Central Florida and the Big Bend area, upending lives and causing widespread damage to homes, infrastructure, and the environment. With winds topping 140 mph and torrential rains, the storm's impact has been especially devastating in these areas, which are still reeling from the aftermath. As the storm moved out of the area, thousands of Floridians were left grappling with the extensive destruction to homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure. The state has been left reeling from the storm’s fury, which has caused severe flooding, downed trees, and widespread power outages. As of Tuesday morning, approximately, 49,301 Floridians were without power. Governor Ron DeSantis said that the State of Florida has restored over 2.3 million accounts.

Big Bend: A Region in Ruins

The Big Bend area, a relatively sparsely populated yet vulnerable region, has been hit hardest by Helen's fury. Coastal towns like Cedar Key, Steinhatchee, and nearby inland communities faced the brunt of Helen’s storm surge, which reached unprecedented levels of up to 15 feet in some areas. Low-lying roads have been washed out, and countless homes and businesses lie in ruins, submerged under floodwaters or demolished by fierce winds.

Environmental impacts are also a major concern in the Big Bend area, known for its unique coastal wetlands and wildlife habitats. The storm’s surge has caused significant erosion along the coast, threatening both the ecosystem and the livelihoods of those dependent on it. State officials have expressed concerns that recovery in this region could take years, with many residents facing displacement due to the extent of the destruction.

Alachua County

Significant Damage in the Heartland

Despite being further from the coast, inland regions have also experienced significant effects from Hurricane Helen. Alachua County, in particular, endured severe wind damage and flooding in local communities. Though further inland, the county was not spared from Hurricane Helen’s destructive path. Winds over 100 mph toppled trees, blocked roads, and damaged buildings. Many homes suffered significant roof damage, and local officials have reported severe flooding in low-lying areas, including neighborhoods near and along the Santa Fe River. Some areas reported ongoing power outages. And residents in rural parts of the county are facing long delays for help due to impassable roads.

Statewide Response and Recovery

Governor DeSantis on Tuesday announced that Florida secured approval of a major disaster declaration for Hurricane Helene from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The declaration includes Individual Assistance and Public Assistance (Categories A and B). Individual Assistance, which is assistance to residents and households, is available for Charlotte, Citrus, Dixie, Franklin, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Sarasota Taylor and Wakulla counties. Public Assistance, which is available for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities, is available for Charlotte, Citrus, Dixie, Franklin, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Taylor and Wakulla counties for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance.

The Florida National Guard has rescued 155 people and 56 animals, 84 of which were ground rescues and 63 via air. The Guard is also providing logistics support, law enforcement support, route clearance, search and rescue.

The Florida State Guard (FSG) has mobilized 217 guards in response to Hurricane Helene. The Special Missions Unit (SMU) provided support with route clearance (cut and toss) and damage assessment in Taylor, Dixie and Wakulla counties.

During search and rescue operations and wellness checks in impacted areas, the SMU successfully rescued and transported an 80-year-old, wheelchair-bound, woman from a flooded building.

The Maritime Response Squadron (MRS) rescued one individual from the Suwannee River while on patrol in support of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC). The rescued individual had been adrift on the river for approximately 36 hours and travelled over 25 river miles due to high currents.

The Maritime Response Unit (MRS) continues wellness checks along the Withlacoochee River and Cedar Key area with FWC.

FWC officers deployed to Cedar Key, Yankeetown, Suwannee Town, Horseshoe Beach, Steinhatchee, Keaton Beach, Old Town, Gulf Hammock, Fowler’s Bluff and Rocky Creek to perform welfare checks on residents who did not evacuate. They utilized specialized equipment to push their way in, locate and account for all residents assigned to their team.

Farm Share, the state’s leading food nonprofit and largest independent food bank, is working closely with the Florida Division of Emergency Management and local emergency management officials to conduct community relief operations in areas most affected by the storm. Farm Share has deployed over 910,000 pounds of shelf-safe food, water, and hygiene products in affected areas, including Columbia, Marion, Pasco, Dixie, Taylor, Hamilton, Levy, Madison, Putnam, Alachua, and Jefferson counties.

Hurricane Debris

Hurricane debris is a major issue affecting safety and sanitation concerns. The City of Alachua is partnering with Waste Pro for storm debris cleanup within the city limits. Debris pickup will run six days each week, Monday through Saturday, with heightened efforts on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

For more efficient debris pick up, Alachua residents are advised to place all storm debris by the street in two separate piles, one for large debris items, 6-foot by 4-foot by 4-foot (6’ X 4’ X 4’) dimensions, and one for smaller debris items, not to exceed six feet in length or six inches in diameter. If possible, place all debris in an area by the street with no overhead power lines or water meters in the ground. This allows for unobstructed access for claw trucks and other equipment.

Regardless of road jurisdiction (County Road vs. Federal vs. Municipal), if a home is within the City of Alachua limits, debris pickup will service the address.

Avoid Repair Scams

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, and what looks to be long-term recovery operations, Alachua County officials are urging residents to hire licensed contractors for all repair and reconstruction work. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) reports that the Florida Disaster Contractors Network has been activated to connect homeowners with licensed contractors and suppliers to perform emergency repairs.

DBPR encourages Florida’s licensed contractors who provide post-storm construction-related services to register with its Florida Disaster Contractors Network at DCNOnline.org. Since Hurricane Helene’s landfall, more than 5,200 licensed contractors have registered with Florida’s DCN.

FEMA Assistance

FEMA disaster assistance may provide funds to homeowners and renters for serious needs, basic home repair, rental of temporary housing and other uninsured expenses resulting from Hurricane Helene. Assistance available includes money to help you repair or replace homes damaged by the disaster. Funds can be used for privately-owned roads, bridges and docks when that is the only access to a home damaged by the disaster.

Other types of assistance include rental assistance to rent housing if individuals are displaced from their home because of the disaster as well as funds for specific mitigation measures, such as roof repair to withstand higher wind gusts, based on the cause and amount of damage to their home.

A complete listing of disaster assistance and eligibility requirements is available at https://www.disasterassistance.gov.

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Gainesville, FL– Unite US is coming to the Stephen C. O’Connell Center on Wednesday, Oct. 23 at 7:30 p.m.  Unite US is a movement of college students coming together to lift the name of Jesus. The event is open to the Gainesville community.

You can register for free at https://brushfire.com/uniteus/uniteflorida/579337.

More than 50,000 students representing more than 300 universities have joined the Unite movement at events across the country. The movement has traveled to college campuses including Auburn, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida State, Georgia, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, South Carolina, and Tennessee. UNITE began at Auburn University as a one-night venture started by Tonya Prewett. Prewett’s husband Chad is an assistant basketball coach at Auburn, and her daughter Madison Prewett Troutt rose to fame for standing up for her faith as a contestant on season 24 of “The Bachelor.”

Madison and her husband Grant Troutt will also be attending. Tonya said she is seeing God move on college campuses. “We’ve heard testimonies from students who say I came in wanting to end my life, but I walked out wanting to live my life,” she said. “Only God could do this.”

Unite Florida will feature a lineup of nationally renowned speakers Jennie Allen and Jonathan “JP” Pokluda. Allen is a New York Times’ best-selling author of “Untangle Your Emotions,” “Find Your People” and “Get Out of Your Head.” She is also the founder of IF: Gathering, a discipleship event for women launched in 2014. Pokluda is the lead pastor of Harris Creek Baptist Church in Waco, TX. He previously led one of the largest young adult ministries in the country, “The Porch,” in Dallas, TX. He is the author of three books: “Why Do I Do What I Don’t Want To Do,” “Outdated,” and “Welcome to Adulting.” Pokluda is also the host of his podcast, “Becoming Something with Jonathan Pokluda.”

Passion Music is leading worship at the event. Gator football legends Danny Wuerffel and Coach Steve Spurrier have been impressed by the impact that Unite Us has had across college campuses.

“I have been so moved by the students leading the effort to bring Unite US to UF,” Wuerffel said. “As our mission at the Wuerffel Foundation is to inspire greater service and unity, we are excited to see what God is doing through Unite Us and encourage everyone to attend. This will be a night UF won’t forget and will impact many students forever.”

Coach Spurrier added, “As the son of a preacher, faith and religion have always played an integral role in my life. It’s always been a rock for me when going through the hard times, as well as the good ones. The Unite US Movement has a strong message and is sure to be inspirational for the students at UF.”

UniteUS is a section 501(c)(3) charitable organization and as such is eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions. To learn more about the Unite US movement visit https://www.uniteusmovement.com/. 

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L-R: Pictured with William Garst and Leslie Brown are Commissioner Jennifer Ringerson, Mayor Gib Coerper, Vice Mayor Ed Potts, Commissioner Shirley Green Brown, and Commissioner Dayna (Miller) Williams.

ALACHUA ‒ At its Monday, Sept. 23, 2024, meeting, the City of Alachua officially declared October 2024 as American Pharmacists Month, honoring the vital role pharmacists play in the healthcare system and the community.

The proclamation, which recognizes the contributions of pharmacists in ensuring safe and effective use of medications, aims to raise awareness about the important work these professionals do every day. Mayor Gib Coerper presented the proclamation to William Garst, Pharm. D., a staff pharmacist at Lake Butler Hospital and Leslie Brown, a pharmacist at Hitchcock’s Hometown Pharmacy.

During the meeting, city officials emphasized the role pharmacists play, from offering flu shots to helping patients understand their medications. The City Commission’s declaration highlights the crucial role that pharmacists play not only in dispensing medications but also in providing health education, conducting wellness screenings, administering vaccines, and offering patient care services. These services have become increasingly essential, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, where pharmacists were on the front lines administering vaccines and providing reliable health information.

The proclamation also seeks to honor local pharmacists who have made a significant impact on the Alachua community. City officials acknowledged that these healthcare professionals often go above and beyond, providing care that extends well beyond the prescription counter. By highlighting their contributions, the City of Alachua hopes to encourage more residents to utilize their pharmacists as a resource for health and wellness.

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GAINESVILLE, Fla. – When Albina Guri evacuated from St. Petersburg with her husband ahead of Hurricane Milton, her neighborhood back home was filled with discarded,  curbside debris including furniture, carpets and artwork that had been pulled from homes damaged in last month’s Hurricane Helene.

Guri, a pulmonary physician from Largo, Florida, headed with her husband to Jacksonville as the latest hurricane lumbered toward the state’s Gulf Coast. She had remained in Pinellas County for the last storm, losing two cars to flooding from its storm surge. She wasn’t taking any chances with this one.

“I think that Milton is a whole different beast, and I hope that people are taking it seriously and getting out,” Guri said in a phone interview.

Her evacuation to Jacksonville – a drive that normally would take less than four hours – took eight hours due to heavy traffic during one of Florida’s largest evacuations in a generation.

Hurricane Milton was expected to come ashore with winds up to 125 miles per hour and a huge storm surge, enough to pick up even heavy pieces of furniture and send them flying into buildings or vehicles or washing junk down roads and possibly interfering with drainage.

“We know that wind speeds do increase when wind is funneled between buildings,” said Corene Matyas, a University of Florida researcher specializing in climatology and meteorology. “The water can also pick up the debris and spread it and now it might be in piles on the curb, but the water is going to take it and just spread it everywhere.”

All along Florida’s Gulf Coast, governments were rushing to remove the debris from the last storm before Hurricane Milton’s strong winds could blow it away or its storm surges could wash it away. The pace of the cleanup was agonizingly slow, and time was running out.

“Most times after a storm, you don’t have another storm on the back end,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said at a news briefing Tuesday. “These things tend to take months and months to do.”

DeSantis sent more than 300 state dump trucks and other vehicles into areas over the weekend to augment local government cleanup efforts in Manatee, Sarasota, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties ahead of Milton’s landfall .Over 48 hours, those trucks removed 1,200 loads of debris, he said. But it wasn’t enough.

“We’ve made a huge dent in this,” DeSantis said. “The more debris we can get picked up, the less damage is going to happen, whether that’s floating into the Gulf of Mexico, whether it’s projectiles into other buildings.” 

The governor ordered landfills to remain open full time ahead of Hurricane Milton, and said trucks would continue to haul away debris in the hours before the next hurricane hits, “until it’s no longer safe to do so.” He said contractors working for local governments after Hurricane Helene were taking too long to haul away debris.

“There was not necessarily a great job all around,” DeSantis said.

Matyas, the UF researcher, said that the debris left over from Helene and the new debris that Milton could clog drains, leading to more flooding. 

Leftover debris like scrap metal, couches and picture frames can become projectiles once winds get a hold of them, Jennifer Collins, a University of South Florida professor specializing in climatology, said.
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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 landerson2l@freshtakeflorida.com. You can donate to support our students here.

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