HIGH SPRINGS ‒ With heat indices soaring past 100 degrees and the first day of school in Alachua County just weeks away, North Central Florida finds itself squarely in the dog days of summer.

As the humidity lingers and summer camps fade into memory, many families are looking for one last seasonal adventure before the return to classrooms on Aug. 11. One perennial favorite offers not just fun but also a cool escape: Ichetucknee Springs State Park.

Nestled between Fort White and High Springs, the 2,669-acre park is a local treasure that continues to draw visitors seeking natural beauty and relief from the heat. The Ichetucknee River, fed by a series of pristine springs, winds six miles through cedar and maple forests, offering one of Florida’s most iconic tubing experiences.

Floating along the crystal-clear water for one to three hours provides a tranquil way to beat the heat. The constant 72-degree spring water and dappled sunlight create a relaxing scene that feels far removed from the summer swelter.

The park’s springs were designated a National Natural Landmark in 1972 by the U.S. Department of the Interior. Visitors often marvel at the pale blues and deep blacks of the spring-fed pools, which pour millions of gallons of fresh water into the river daily.

First-time visitors often describe the experience as magical. Locals, though familiar, are frequently reminded of just how special this natural resource is.

From Memorial Day through Labor Day, visitors can also enjoy food, drinks and supplies from a full-service concession stand located within the park.

The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to sundown, with a $6 per-vehicle admission fee. However, park officials recommend early arrival on weekends. As of May 16, 2025, when the park reaches maximum capacity, it closes to all new entries — even to those with tube or vessel reservations. Once closed, it may reopen later in the day if enough space becomes available. Parking along nearby roads or at the entrance is prohibited.

Transportation services, including a tram shuttle and van/bus options, are available for tubers and paddlers. Wristbands can be purchased at the general store near the south entrance, located just off U.S. Highway 27, approximately six miles from the park’s north entrance.

So instead of spending another day fanning yourself on the porch, consider soaking in the refreshingly cool waters of the Ichetucknee. There’s no better remedy for Florida’s summer heat — and no better place to celebrate the last stretch of summer.

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ALACHUA ‒ Nine individuals who may have illegally voted in the City of Alachua’s April 8, 2025, municipal election are now the subjects of an expanding investigation involving state and federal law enforcement.

The Alachua County Supervisor of Elections referred the cases to the Eighth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office on May 20 after determining that the individuals — each with felony convictions and outstanding court fines or fees — may have registered and cast ballots while ineligible. Florida law prohibits individuals with unresolved felony sentences or financial obligations from voting.

Supervisor of Elections Kim A. Barton stated in a letter to State Attorney Brian Kramer that her office had found “evidence that nine of the eleven individuals have registered to vote and/or voted in an election when they were ineligible to do so.” The remaining two were confirmed to be eligible voters and will not face further action.

According to information obtained by Alachua County Today, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is actively investigating the matter. The FBI has also been notified, as some individuals cast ballots in federal elections in 2020 and 2024.

“Our prosecution team met with the Department of State and FDLE today,” wrote Darry Lloyd, Chief of Investigations for the State Attorney’s Office, in a July 16 email. “FDLE will complete their investigation and forward their findings to our office for prosecution.”

The investigation stems from complaints initially submitted to the Florida Office of Election Crimes and Security (OECS). OECS Director Jillian Pratt confirmed in June that the agency had referred the matter to both FDLE and the State Attorney’s Office.

Under Florida law:

• S. 104.15 makes it a third-degree felony to knowingly vote without being legally qualified.
• S. 104.42(1) authorizes supervisors of elections to investigate and report unlawful registrations or voting.

Voters Flagged for Potential Violations

As of mid-July, eight of the nine individuals identified have been purged from the voter rolls. A ninth is pending removal, having received a notice of potential ineligibility on July 3.

The following individuals were flagged by the Supervisor’s Office:

• John W. Richard Jr. (VID: 126586271) – Registered in 2019; voted in four elections; owes fines from four felony cases (2005–2015).
• Jimmy Smith (VID: 127843422) – Registered in 2020; owes fines from three felony cases (2009–2020).
• Latasha A. Steward (VID: 127343924) – Registered in 2019; voted in multiple elections; owes fines from two felony cases.
• Bianca C. Webb (VID: 126641114) – Registered in 2019; voted in 2022 primary; owes fines from four felony cases.
• Antonio J. Hall (VID: 126616387) – Registered in 2019; voted in three elections; owes fines from a 2001 case.
• Jamie R. McGhee Sr. (VID: 126660044) – Registered in 2019; voted in 2020 and 2024; owes fines from a 1990 conviction.
• Jeffery Robinson (VID: 126686510) – Registered in 2019; voted in 2024 general; owes fines from three felony cases.
• B. Banks (VID: 127888289) – Registered in 2020; voted in six elections; owes fines from a 1998 case.
• Vince B. Dixon Jr. (VID: 132113016) – Registered in 2024; voted in federal elections; involved in a 2006 federal case and owes $100 in court fines.

As of press time, no criminal charges have been announced. The State Attorney’s Office will determine whether to prosecute once FDLE completes its investigation.

This case marks one of the most expansive local voter eligibility investigations in recent years and follows increased scrutiny of election integrity by state and federal authorities. Local officials emphasized the importance of due process as the investigation proceeds.

“We take all credible allegations seriously,” Barton stated, “and we are committed to upholding the integrity of the electoral process in Alachua County.”

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ALACHUA – More than a year after the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) began investigating allegations of inappropriate conduct by Santa Fe High School (SFHS) baseball coach Travis Yeckring, sworn complaints have finally surfaced — but not against the coach himself.

Instead, three school administrators — retired SFHS Principal Timothy Wright, former SFHS Assistant Principal David “Mac” Rendek, and SFHS Athletic Director and Title IX officer Michele Faulk — face third–degree felony charges for allegedly failing to report suspected abuse under §§ 39.205(1) and 827.03(2)(d), Florida Statutes.

Alachua County Today obtained all three redacted sworn complaints through a public records request. The reports summarize the selected interviews of six alleged victims and nine witnesses.

The majority of the alleged victims say that Yeckring made them feel uncomfortable, with one alleging that he “grabbed” her hands. In the sworn complaints, FDLE claims that Wright, Rendek, and Faulk failed to report these allegations to the Florida Department of Children and Families. Wright, Rendek, and Faulk deny that they were ever told of any abuse. Several other witnesses support Wright’s, Rendek’s, and Faulk’s positions.

A Case Without a Primary Defendant

Though Yeckring’s name dominates all three sworn complaints, he is not a defendant in any of them. The entire theory behind FDLE’s complaints is that school officials failed to report alleged misconduct by Yeckring. To date, the State has not filed any criminal complaint against Yeckring, and the FDLE complaints do not allege that he committed a crime under Florida law.

More troubling is the internal inconsistency between the FDLE’s criminal theory and the now–dismissed civil lawsuit filed by parent Anneke Acree, whose civil complaint aligns with the statements provided by “Victim 1” in the FDLE documents.

In the civil suit, initially filed on Oct. 30, 2024, and amended on Jan. 8, 2025, against both the Alachua County School Board and the City of Alachua, Acree alleged that her daughter, a student at SFHS, suffered severe and lasting trauma, including hair loss, nausea, irregular menstruation, weight loss, and persistent anxiety. The complaint describes “physical manifestations of psychological harm” and insists the student experienced profound emotional and bodily harm.

However, in the criminal complaints, the FDLE charges are brought under § 827.03(2)(d), which applies only when no great bodily harm or permanent injury is alleged. The civil case insists the child was greatly harmed. The criminal complaints assume she was not.

Timeline Raises Questions About Urgency and Evidence

The investigation into Yeckring began in early 2024. FDLE did not submit sworn complaints until June 2025 — more than 16 months later. Despite the passage of time, the sworn complaints offer no mention of corroborating physical evidence and rely almost entirely on secondhand and thirdhand statements by students and parents.

In fact, FDLE appears to rely on evolving recollections, some of which have morphed over time. For example, Acree’s daughter originally claimed Yeckring showed her a picture of a dog, followed by a second image she later described as a “semi–nude” selfie. According to the sworn criminal complaints, the image showed Yeckring in bed unclothed and a blanket or sheet pulled low on his waste with a dog in his lap. However, a teacher’s recollection of what Acree’s daughter told her was that Yeckring showed her a shirtless selfie. This shirtless selfie is described by several students as Yeckring shirtless, but with a dog covering his chest.

In her civil lawsuit, which was based on the events alleged to have occurred in October 2022, Acree claims that her daughter contacted her from class after Yeckring appeared as a substitute teacher. Acree states she immediately told her daughter to go to the front office. However, in the FDLE criminal complaint, there is no mention at all of this mother-daughter exchange. Acree’s alleged real-time awareness of the situation — which would have been critical to both timing and credibility — is entirely absent from the law enforcement record.

If the civil complaint is accurate, it raises a glaring new issue: Why didn’t Acree herself report the alleged abuse?

Under Florida Statute § 39.201, any person who knows, or has reasonable cause to suspect, that a child is being abused must immediately report it to the Department of Children and Families’ Central Abuse Hotline. There is no exception for parents. In fact, the law imposes criminal penalties for failure to report suspected abuse — the very charge now leveled against the three administrators.

These circumstances beg the question of why didn’t FDLE charge Acree? She claimed direct knowledge of her daughter’s distress. She had reason to believe her child was being harmed by an authority figure. And she had a legal obligation to act. She did not.

Nor does the record indicate that Acree followed up with the school to confirm that her daughter’s claims had been investigated or addressed. She did not report to law enforcement. She did not contact DCF. She did not file a public complaint until two years later — via civil litigation seeking monetary damages.

Another former student reported that Yeckring made her uncomfortable by engaging in conversations and contacting her on Instagram after she turned 18. No physical contact or threat is described. A parent of a baseball player claimed to have seen messages between Yeckring and a former student, but admitted he never showed the alleged communications to SFHS administrators.

Also notable is that nowhere in the three sworn complaints do FDLE investigators indicate that they obtained any photographs, messages, or other evidence to support the allegations against Yeckring and the three administrators.

Despite this, FDLE concluded that administrators were guilty of criminal neglect for failing to investigate and report the incidents — even as the State has thus far taken no legal action against Yeckring for the underlying alleged behavior.

Civil Case Already Collapsed

Acree’s lawsuit, filed in late 2024 and amended in January 2025, was summarily dismantled by Circuit Judge Donna Keim earlier this year. The judge dismissed all three counts — two with prejudice — finding that:

• Florida law does not authorize private lawsuits for violations of mandatory reporting statutes;
• In the count against the City of Alachua’s police department, the plaintiff failed to identify any specific employee who had actual knowledge of abuse; and
• The claimed emotional harm did not meet Florida’s “impact rule”, which requires a direct physical injury or symptoms caused by the emotional trauma.

Judge Keim gave the plaintiff 10 days to amend the negligent supervision claim but made clear that amendment was likely futile. No follow-up complaint was filed, and the case is now closed.

Prosecutorial Review Still Pending

Although FDLE’s sworn criminal complaints have been filed, the State Attorney’s Office has not yet charged Wright, Faulk, or Rendek. The cases remain in preliminary review, and no formal information has been filed. Both Faulk and Rendek are still employed by the Alachua County School Board. Wright is retired.

FDLE’s decision to pursue felony charges against administrators raises a fundamental inconsistency — namely, how they can allege a failure to report criminal activity when the underlying alleged conduct in question has not been formally determined to be criminal at all. If no underlying crime has been charged, it’s unclear how the failure to report that conduct could itself constitute a felony.

The State Attorney’s Office is the final authority in deciding whether to elevate the FDLE complaints into formal felony charges, which must meet the higher legal standard of proof beyond a reasonable doubt — a significantly stricter threshold than the one used by the FDLE.

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GAINESVILLE ‒ Students at 32 Alachua County schools, including several charter schools, will continue to receive free breakfast and lunch during the 2025–26 school year under the federal Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), district officials announced this week. However, families at 19 other schools not designated as CEP sites will need to submit an application and meet income guidelines to qualify for free or reduced-price meals.

Schools Offering Free Meals Under CEP

The following schools have been designated CEP sites for the 2025–26 school year:

1. Quinn Jones, Alachua Elementary, Archer Elementary, Bishop Middle, Boulware (charter), Caring and Sharing Learning School (charter), Duval Early Learning Academy, Eastside High, Einstein School (charter), Foster Elementary, Glen Springs Elementary, Hawthorne Middle/High, Idylwild Elementary, Irby Elementary, Lake Forest Elementary, Lincoln Middle, Littlewood Elementary, Mebane Middle, Metcalfe Elementary, Newberry Elementary, North Central Florida Public Charter, Norton Elementary, One Room School House (charter), Parker Elementary, Rawlings Elementary, Resilience Charter, Shell Elementary, Sidney Lanier, SIATech (charter), Terwilliger Elementary, Westwood Middle and Williams Elementary.

Application Required at Non-CEP Schools

Families whose children attend schools not designated as CEP sites must apply for free or reduced-price meals and meet federal income guidelines.

The 19 schools requiring applications are:

Buchholz High, Chiles Elementary, Expressions Learning Arts Academy (charter), Fort Clarke Middle, Gainesville High, Healthy Learning Academy (charter), Hidden Oak Elementary, High Springs Community School, Kanapaha Middle, Meadowbrook Elementary, Micanopy Academy (charter), Newberry High, Oak View Middle, Professional Academies Magnet @ Loften High, PK Yonge Developmental Research School, Santa Fe High, Santa Fe College Academy of Science and Technology, Talbot Elementary and Wiles Elementary.

How Schools Qualify for CEP

Under federal guidelines, schools may qualify for CEP if at least 40 percent of students are considered “identified students” — those who qualify for free meals without an application because they are enrolled in assistance programs such as SNAP or TANF, are in foster care, homeless, migrant, or participating in Head Start.

Eligibility is calculated annually based on data available by April 1. Schools may be approved individually, grouped with others, or approved as part of a districtwide designation. Schools that do not meet the minimum threshold or cannot financially sustain CEP must continue using the traditional application process for free and reduced-price meals.

Meal Prices for 2025–26

Meal prices for students who do not qualify for free or reduced-price meals are:

• Reduced price: 30 cents for breakfast, 40 cents for lunch
• Full price: $1.50 for breakfast, $2.50 for lunch (elementary), and $2.75 for lunch (secondary)

How to Apply

Families can apply for meal benefits online and find more information at www.yourchoicefresh.com. Those needing assistance can contact the district’s Food and Nutrition Services department at (352) 955-7539, ext. 1569.

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ALACHUA – The City of Alachua’s Recreation and Culture Department successfully hosted two large-scale youth sporting events this past weekend, welcoming more than 1,500 athletes and their families from across Florida and Georgia.

The city coordinated both the High School Raider Rumble Soccer Tournament and an AAU basketball fundraiser, with more than 150 teams participating in total. The soccer tournament was organized by Santa Fe High School varsity head coach Morgan Dall’Acqua in partnership with 399 Sports & Recreation, which also led the basketball event to close out the summer season.

Local athletes were among those who competed, gaining an opportunity to showcase their skills on a larger stage.

Volunteers played a key role in the events’ success, helping with field preparation, goal setup, concessions, scheduling and providing what organizers called “Southern hospitality” to visiting teams.

In addition to sports programming, the Recreation and Culture Department is partnering with the Alachua Police Department for a Back 2 School Giveaway on Friday, Aug. 2. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to noon at Legacy’s Multipurpose Center.

Youth volleyball registration is also now open through 399 Sports & Recreation for coed players ages 7 to 17. Practices begin the first week of September, with evaluations scheduled for Aug. 25–29 and games starting Sept. 22. The registration deadline is Aug. 22.

For more information, contact the City of Alachua Recreation and Culture Department or 399 Sports & Recreation.

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NEWBERRY ‒ The Newberry City Commission voted unanimously on July 14, 2025, to set the city’s preliminary fire assessment rate at the maximum level permitted under state law, locking in flexibility for final budget decisions later this year.

The decision establishes a preliminary rate of $412 annually per residential property, based on updated cost calculations from Anser Advisory, a firm recently contracted to reassess the fair distribution of fire service costs among property types.

Assistant City Manager and Chief Financial Officer Dallas Lee introduced the resolution and explained the purpose behind adopting the highest allowable rate at this stage.

“A special assessment for fire services can only be used to fund personnel costs, capital improvements, equipment and other costs related to responding to fire/non-medical emergencies; and maintaining readiness to respond to fire/non-medical emergencies through staffing, training, procuring and maintaining facilities and equipment,” Lee said.

Under Florida law, the city must formally adopt an initial fire assessment rate each year for inclusion in Truth in Millage (TRIM) notices, which are mailed to all property owners in August. Once set, that rate becomes the ceiling for the fiscal year — the city may adopt a lower rate later during final budget hearings, but it cannot raise it without sending out new notifications and restarting the process.

Study Drives Rate Shift Toward Commercial Users

Anser Advisory’s fire assessment study, conducted as part of a best-practice review done every 5–7 years, evaluated current call volumes, service demands, and cost allocation based on property use. The study showed that commercial and industrial users generate a larger share of calls and require longer response times.

As a result, a greater proportion of the overall assessment burden is now being proposed against those user classes, while the residential rate—though increased—remains within the limits justified by the study’s findings.

Planning for Growth, Staffing, and a Second Station

Lee also emphasized that the City of Newberry is proactively responding to anticipated growth and legislative changes impacting fire service operations. Proposed increases to fire staffing levels are being encouraged by state regulations aimed at improving public safety and response readiness.

Additionally, the city is beginning to build reserves for a future second fire station, which would help serve a growing population and reduce response times in outlying areas.

“Staff proposes raises, higher staffing levels, and future capital investments,” said Lee. “This preliminary rate gives the city the financial capacity to meet those needs while retaining the option to reduce the rate before final adoption.”

By setting the rate at the maximum allowable under Anser’s formula, commissioners ensured they would not be constrained later in the year if unexpected expenses arise or if fire service enhancements are approved during budget planning.

Next Steps in the Budget Process

The fire assessment rate will appear in August TRIM notices mailed to all property owners within city limits. Final adoption of the fire assessment, along with the full city budget and millage rate, is expected to take place in September, following public hearings.

The next Newberry City Commission meeting is scheduled for July 28 at 7 p.m.

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TALLAHASSEE — As part of a statewide initiative to increase oversight of local government spending, Governor Ron DeSantis has deployed two teams from the newly established Florida Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to Gainesville and Broward County. The move is intended to fulfill the governor’s pledge to promote transparency and fiscal accountability across the state. The full press release from the Governor’s Office follows:

Florida DOGE Puts Boots on the Ground in Gainesville and Broward County 

 TALLAHASSEE — Today, two teams from the Florida Department of Government Efficiency arrived in to Broward County and the City of Gainesville to make good on Governor Ron DeSantis’ promise to ensure transparency and accountability in government. These teams will closely analyze local government spending, with team members from the Department of Financial Services, Department of Revenue, Department of Transportation, Department of Commerce, and Department of Education. 

“Florida is the model for fiscal responsibility at the state level, and we will utilize our authority to ensure local governments to follow suit,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Florida’s DOGE efforts are owed to the taxpayer and yet another way their state is pursuing fiscal responsibility.” 

Over the last five years, the taxpayers of Broward County have watched as the county government has increased burdens on property owners to the annual tune of over $450 million dollars in additional ad valorem tax collections. This has been part of a spending spree that has seen Broward County’s annual operating budget expand by over $1.2 billion, during a time when the county’s population has grown by less than 5%. 

This year—and for every year to come, unless it cuts spending—the City of Gainesville will spend at least $90 million more than it did four years ago. This increase in spending is now levied in part on Gainesville property owners, who are expected to pay 85% more in property taxes than what they paid in 2020. This is due to both a rate increase and to rising property values that should be, but have not been, offset by a corresponding cut in taxes. As a result, Gainesville’s taxpayers are carrying an additional $90 million burden each year. 

"We're ushering in a new era of transparency and accountability in Florida, said Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia. For years, I've called out reckless local spending, often on things taxpayers would never support if they knew the full story. As local budgets grow, we must ask whether these increases are truly justified. Too often, we see spending far outpacing what Floridians can actually afford. I'm focused on making life more affordable—especially when it comes to housing, insurance, and taxes—and that starts with right-sizing government. Through the authority of my office and Governor DeSantis’ Florida DOGE initiative, we're opening the books, demanding answers, and bringing fiscal sanity back. Florida’s taxpayers should know that this CFO has their back!” 

Additionally, letters of intent to visit have been sent to Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Orange counties as well as the city of Jacksonville to prepare for on-site visits from DOGE teams.

Governor Ron DeSantis created the Florida Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) through Executive Order 25-44 in February 2025 to ensure government efficiency, transparency, and accountability at all levels of government, including state agencies, state colleges and universities, and local governments. 

Having entrusted their governments with the power to tax, the citizens of Florida have a right to expect that their elected officials will spend the collected funds responsibly. Throughout his tenure, Governor DeSantis has made clear his commitment to fiscal responsibility and efficiency. Florida has paid down nearly 50% of the State’s total historic tax-supported debt and has maxed-out the state’s rainy-day fund during his tenure. Additionally, the Governor’s signing of the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget marks the second consecutive year of a year-over-year reduction in state spending.

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LOXAHATCHEE, Fla. — Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed two new laws Wednesday aimed at cracking down on animal cruelty and ensuring greater protection for pets during emergencies and in daily care.

Known as Trooper’s Law and Dexter’s Law, the legislation imposes tougher penalties for abandonment, neglect, and abuse of animals, with specific provisions to address conduct during natural disasters and instances of aggravated cruelty.

“Across Florida, we have seen horrifying instances of animal cruelty that demand a stronger response,” DeSantis said during the bill signing. “I was proud to sign Trooper’s Law and Dexter’s Law today. Florida stands by man’s best friend.”

Trooper’s Law (Senate Bill 150) makes it a third-degree felony to restrain and abandon a dog outdoors during a declared natural disaster or under mandatory or voluntary evacuation orders. The law allows for penalties of up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Inspired by a dog named Trooper—rescued by the Florida Highway Patrol after being left chained in the path of Hurricane Milton—the bill also codifies misdemeanor charges for failure to provide adequate food, water, and exercise to confined animals or for abandoning them.

Dexter’s Law (House Bill 255), named after a shelter dog killed just days after adoption in Pinellas County, enhances penalties for aggravated animal cruelty. The law includes a 1.25 sentencing multiplier for offenders and establishes Florida’s first animal abuser database, a tool intended to help prevent repeat abuse and improve community safety.

Both bills were supported by bipartisan efforts and animal welfare advocates across the state. The laws go into effect later this year.

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TALLAHASSEE — Florida’s pristine coastline has once again received national recognition, with two Florida State Parks named among the top 10 beaches in the United States by coastal expert Dr. Stephen Leatherman, known as Dr. Beach.

Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park in Naples secured the No. 4 spot on the 2025 list, while St. Andrews State Park in Panama City came in at No. 7. The annual rankings, released each Memorial Day weekend, highlight beaches that excel in natural beauty, cleanliness, safety and visitor amenities.

“Florida State Parks continue to set the standard for natural beauty, visitor experience and resource protection,” said Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis A. Lambert. “Our parks offer some of the best beach experiences anywhere in the country, and we are proud to share them with the world.”

Delnor-Wiggins Pass, located on the Gulf of Mexico, is known for its sugar-white sand and thriving ecosystem. Popular activities include snorkeling along the reef, kayaking through mangrove-lined Wiggins Pass, birdwatching, fishing and hiking.

On Florida’s Panhandle, St. Andrews State Park features a mile-and-a-half of shoreline ideal for swimming, surfing and shelling. The park also offers nature trails through pine forests and coastal habitats and a ferry to nearby Shell Island, a secluded barrier island with emerald waters and untouched beaches.

“Delnor-Wiggins Pass and St. Andrews are incredible natural treasures,” said Chuck Hatcher, director of Florida State Parks. “We're proud of the work our team has done to protect these beaches while ensuring they remain accessible for everyone to enjoy.”

The Top 10 Beach List, curated by Dr. Leatherman, a professor at Florida International University, evaluates more than 50 criteria including sand softness, water clarity, environmental quality and public access.

“Florida State Parks’ beaches are among the most outstanding in the nation, and Delnor-Wiggins Pass and St. Andrews are two of the best examples,” Leatherman said. “Several other Florida beach parks also ranked in the top 20 this year, which speaks to the exceptional quality and stewardship across the entire park system.”

Florida’s state parks have a strong history of high rankings on Dr. Beach’s annual list. Six have previously been named No. 1 in the nation, including St. George Island (2023), Grayton Beach (2020), Caladesi Island (2008), St. Joseph Peninsula (2002), St. Andrews (1995) and Bahia Honda (1992).

The Florida State Parks system, recognized four times with the National Recreation and Park Association's Gold Medal, is a current finalist for an unprecedented fifth award.

For more information or to plan a visit, go to FloridaStateParks.org.

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TALLAHASSEE - Save the dates for two upcoming license-free fishing weekends hosted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), a perfect opportunity to try fishing with your friends and family!

This summer's license-free fishing weekends are on June 7-8 for saltwater and June 14-15 for freshwater. Residents and visitors are encouraged to explore the many recreational fishing opportunities Florida has to offer, whether you like to fish from the shore or your boat, there are so many options across the state.

People of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to take advantage of these special weekends, which allow them to reel in their favorite fish species without the need for a fishing license.

All other rules, such as seasons, bag and size limits apply. To renew or purchase a fishing license, visit GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.

Visit the FWC’s fishing basics web page for tips and information on how to start fishing or refresh your knowledge.

Visit MyFWC.com and learn where to go freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing, or how to find a boat ramp or pier near you.

Check out FWC’s angler recognition programs TrophyCatch and Catch a Florida Memory to win prizes and recognition.

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Low interest disaster loans now available

ATLANTA - The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Florida who sustained economic losses caused by drought occurring Mar. 11.

The disaster declaration covers the counties of Alachua, Bradford, Brevard, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Flagler, Glades, Hendry, Hernando, Lake, Lee, Levy, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Putnam, Seminole, St. Johns, Sumter and Volusia in Florida.

Under this declaration, the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs with financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.

EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the small business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

“Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”

The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.62% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

To apply online visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

The deadline to return economic injury applications is Jan. 5, 2026.

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Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays many crucial roles in the body. Here are some of its key benefits:

Vision

• Essential for night vision: Vitamin A is a component of rhodopsin, a protein in the eyes that allows us to see in low-light conditions. Deficiency can lead to night blindness. Supports overall eye health: It helps maintain the cornea (the outer layer of the eye) and conjunctiva (the membrane covering the surface of the eye).
• May reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts: Some studies suggest that adequate vitamin A intake, often through carotenoids like beta-carotene, may lower the risk of these age-related eye conditions.
• Treats dry eyes and inflammation: Vitamin A can help moisten the eyes and reduce inflammation.

Immune Function

• Supports immune cell development: Vitamin A is crucial for the development and function of various immune cells, including neutrophils and macrophages, which fight off infections.
• Maintains the mucosal barrier: It helps maintain the health of the mucous membranes in the nose, sinuses, mouth, and gut, which act as a barrier against pathogens.
• May reduce the severity of certain infections: In deficient children, vitamin A supplementation can reduce the severity of measles and diarrhea.

Skin Health

• Promotes cell growth and turnover: Vitamin A is involved in the growth and repair of skin cells.
• May help treat acne: Topical retinoids (a form of vitamin A) are commonly used to treat acne by promoting skin cell turnover and reducing oil production
• .Reduces signs of aging: Topical retinoids can help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation by stimulating collagen production and promoting skin cell turnover.
• Supports wound healing: Vitamin A plays a role in collagen production and reduces inflammation, which are important for wound healing.
• May help treat other skin conditions: Prescription retinoids are used to treat conditions like psoriasis and warts.

Growth and Development

• Essential for cell growth and differentiation: Vitamin A is needed for the proper development and specialization of cells throughout the body.
• Important for fetal development: It plays a critical role in the growth and development of the fetus during pregnancy.
• Supports bone health: Vitamin A contributes to bone growth and maintenance.

5. Reproduction:

• Essential for both male and female reproductive health: It is involved in sperm and egg development.
• Important for placental health: Vitamin A is crucial for the health and function of the placenta during pregnancy.

Antioxidant Activity

• Carotenoids act as antioxidants: Beta-carotene and other carotenoids, which can be converted to vitamin A in the body, are potent antioxidants that can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Important Considerations:

• Deficiency: Vitamin A deficiency can lead to various health problems, including night blindness, increased risk of infections, and skin issues.
• Toxicity: Excessive intake of vitamin A can be harmful, leading to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, and even liver damage. Pregnant women should be particularly careful not to exceed the recommended upper limit due to the risk of birth defects.
• Food Sources: It's generally best to obtain vitamin A through a balanced diet rich in sources like liver, fish, dairy products, eggs, and orange and yellow fruits and vegetables (which contain beta-carotene).

It's always best to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate amount of vitamin A for your individual needs

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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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alachuatoday.com

We want to thank the Alachua County Today community for strongly supporting the Alachua Main Street Harvest Festival this past Sunday.

There were over 200 vendors with all types of products and a record crowd that was amazing from start to finish.  The vendors do a fantastic job of coming early and setting up for a big day and they were rewarded. 

Our 37^th Alachua Main Street festival was a resounding success!

Marilyn Vanover

Alachua Business League

Small municipalities are currently undergoing numerous changes and financial problems. Elected officials often spearhead projects within their cities, but I do not see much of that taking place in my city of Archer. In most cases we have no oversight, follow up or plans. The lack of these brings about project delays affecting the utilization of grants and other resources in the city.

It is a sad thing to see the newly planned Community Center project for the Holly Hills neighborhood going down the drain and grant funding being returned.

Municipalities are grappling with an influx of grant funds aimed at addressing numerous community projects. As someone who has authored and received numerous grants, I can attest that effective leadership is crucial for fund management. The associated reports alone are intricate. This underscores the importance of well -trained municipal managers and staff, including contingency training.

The city manager should be a proficient communicator, hands-on, and proactive, engaging with the community to address the needs. The city manager assumes a leadership role, ensuring task are completed, while the commissioners act as overseers, bridging the gap between politics and administration and executing the laws.

Citizens and residents in many small towns like Archer often refrain from participating in the political process. Attending meetings become futile when the issue affecting you have already transpired, rendering your input belated.

We all contribute taxes to support our cities and understanding how the funds are spent is crucial.

Roberta C. Lopez

Archer, Florida

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