Local

GAINESVILLE – Rebuilding Together North Central Florida’s Executive Director R.D. Bonnaghan announced Tuesday, Dec. 12, that the organization has received the Business Award for Small Nonprofit of the Year by the Greater Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce.

Bonnaghan said at the end of the day our whole community is the winner because of the support the organization has received to help make homes and neighborhoods safer and healthier for our neighbors.

“Our shared impact has truly made a difference this year!” he said.

Big shout out to Rebuilding Together’s incredible, dedicated staff, AmeriCorps members, board, contracting partners, interns, volunteers and supporters who bring our organization’s vision to life—safe housing and communities for all. “This win is a reflection of the support we receive from our community,” said Bonnaghan.

The organization’s mission is repairing homes, revitalizing communities and rebuilding lives. Their vision is safe homes and communities for everyone.

To apply for assistance, volunteer or learn more about Rebuilding Together’s programs, area residents can go online at rebuildingtogetherncf.org/.

#     #     #

Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com

HIGH SPRINGS ‒ The City of High Springs will hold a special commission meeting this Thursday, Jan. 4 at 6:30 p.m. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the process of moving forward with the current vacant commission seat, following the resignation of Commissioner Steve Tapanes, citing mandatory filing of Florida Ethics Commission Form 6 “Full and Public Disclosure of Financial Interests.”

In 2023, the Florida Legislature passed a new law requiring elected officials to file Form 6 by Dec. 31, 2023. Prior to the new law, mayors and elected city or town council members were required to file Form 1. However, Form 6 requires a more in-depth report of the filer's finances, including disclosure of net worth, information not required by Form 1. Form 6 filers must also disclose assets over $1,000, while the Form 1 threshold is over $10,000. Form 6 also requires filers to disclose clients that make up more than 10 percent of the filer's income.

#     #     #

Email editor@

alachuatoday.com

GAINESVILLE ‒ Recent media coverage of a “mysterious” respiratory illness in dogs in the US has created concern with dog owners. While there is always a year-round baseline incidence of dogs with a respiratory infection, spikes in the number of affected dogs occur periodically during a typical year.

At this time, it is unclear if the current surge in numbers is part of the expected cycle, is truly larger than expected, or if media coverage has amplified the situation. It is clear, however, that veterinarians and dog owners have increased awareness.

The cause(s) of the infections has not been determined, leading to speculation that the current infection spike is caused by a new “mysterious” pathogen. While this potential is being investigated, it is also possible that the illness is due to viruses and bacteria known to cause respiratory infections in dogs. The answers await the testing of many more samples that are being submitted to diagnostic labs by veterinarians at this time.

Regardless of the cause, everyone is concerned with protecting their dog from infection. While some dogs can develop pneumonia from respiratory infections, the vast majority of dogs with a respiratory infection recover in a week or two without any complications.

So, what should dog owners do? Talk with your veterinarian for more information or if you are concerned that your dog could be affected, and know the risk factors for exposure to respiratory pathogens

Many of the dogs with respiratory infections reported by veterinarians have a history of recent contact with other dogs in a social setting. These settings include exposure to unfamiliar dogs and dogs with unknown health status. Respiratory viruses and bacteria are highly contagious and spread through the air as well as by direct contact with contaminated surfaces and objects in the environment. These transmission properties result in spread between dogs co-housed in a kennel setting or in direct contact with other dogs.

Such settings include boarding kennels, daycare centers, dog parks, groomers and dog shows. Take precautions by limiting contact with dogs in social settings to limit your dog’s risk of exposure to respiratory pathogens.

If your dog is showing signs of respiratory illness (cough, lethargy, labored breathing), call your veterinarian for guidance and keep your dog separate from other dogs until recovered. Be vigilant and distance from potentially sick dogs in public settings. consider using pet sitters if planning a trip, and continue activities such as a dog walking group or day care group if the group is small and includes the same dogs every day.

If your dog gets sick, talk to your veterinarian. They will guide you on next steps. It is very important that you communicate with the veterinarian before coming to the clinic so they can prepare to see your dog while taking steps to reduce the risk of exposing other dogs. Most dogs will experience mild, short-lived disease and can stay at home with veterinarian guidance.

Dogs that stop eating, are lethargic, have intense coughing, or difficulty breathing should be seen by a veterinarian. Calling your veterinarian first helps them to prepare to see your dog while limiting exposure to other dogs.

#     #     #

Email editor@

alachuatoday.com

ALACHUA – On Sunday, Dec. 10, at 1:01 p.m., officers with the Alachua Police Department (APD) responded to Taco Bell, 15350 N.W. 144^th Way, Alachua, after an unidentified male called the Taco Bell and stated, “I have a bomb,” then quickly disconnected.

Officers arrived on the scene and initiated a prompt evacuation of the building. An outside search of the building was conducted to identify any potentially suspicious items, which yielded no results.

The assistance of the Alachua County Sheriff's Office explosive detection K-9 was requested by APD. An extensive search of the building was conducted by their K-9 team and yielded negative results for any such item. The business has since returned to normal operations.

“While the threat was determined to be non-credible, the safety and well-being of our community remain our top priority,” said City of Alachua Public Information Officer Det. Thomas Stanfield. “We do not take these indirect threats lightly and will investigate it to the fullest. We would like to thank the Alachua County Sheriff's Office for their assistance and the cooperation of Taco Bell's management in ensuring a swift and effective evacuation.”

Detectives are actively investigating the incident to identify the person responsible for the call. Citizens who may have any information about this caller are asked to contact the Alachua Police Department at 386-462-1396.

#     #     #

Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com

GAINESVILLE, Fla. - City of Gainesville officials anticipate severe weather conditions, including temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit during evening hours Thursday, Dec. 28-Sunday, Dec. 31. The anticipated temperatures will lead to the activation of the city's Cold Night Shelter (CNS) Program, and it is expected to remain in effect until overnight low temperatures rise above 45 F. The CNS program normally runs from Nov. 1 through March 31.

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

#     #     #

Email editor@

alachuatoday.com