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

ALACHUA COUNTY - Alachua County is proud to announce that it has secured the 2027 World Masters Athletics (WMA) Indoor Championships to be held at the Alachua County Sports and Events Center and West End Park. Building on the success of the 2025 championships, this prestigious international event will once again bring elite masters athletes and visitors from around the world to Alachua County.

“Alachua County’s investment in our Sports and Events Center has positioned us to host world-class athletic events,” said County Manager Michele Lieberman. “We welcomed the world in 2025 and look forward to the world joining us again in 2027.” 

In 2025, Alachua County hosted the WMA Indoor Championships for the first time in the U.S., welcoming over 3,700 competing athletes from 98 nations, along with family, coaches and spectators. Total attendance was estimated at 17,433, with 16,190 visitors from outside the county. The economic impact of the event was over $24 million.

The world championships also had significant impacts statewide, with many visitors extending their stay to explore destinations such as Orlando, Miami, Daytona Beach, and St. Augustine.

In surveying participants in the 2025 championship, satisfaction rates were high across attendee groups, particularly in the areas of level of competition, quality of event staff and overall experience.

“After the success in 2025, hosting again in 2027 reinforces Alachua County’s leadership in tourism and economic development,” added Commissioner Marihelen Wheeler, chair of the Tourist Development Council. “We look forward to our friends, old and new, coming back to our community and taking advantage of everything our county has to offer.”

The Alachua County Sports and Events Center is uniquely equipped for indoor track and field, featuring a 200-meter portable Mondo six-lane banked track, the only one of its kind in Florida. The venue also offers multipurpose space for basketball, volleyball, pickleball, and other activities, making it a versatile site for international competitions, tradeshows, conferences, and more.

Watch a highlight video of the 2025 World Masters.

For more information, contact Alachua County Tourist and Economic Development Director Jessica Hurov at 352-363-8619 or jhurov@alachuacounty.us.

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

ALACHUA COUNTY - Alachua County invites the community to honor the service and sacrifice of America’s veterans at the 2025 Veterans Day Celebration on Tuesday, Nov. 11, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park (7400 SW 41st Place, Gainesville).

 Alachua County Veteran Services will host the celebration, in partnership with the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, the Alachua County Veterans Memorial Committee and local veteran and nonprofit organizations.

 This free, family-friendly event features live music, inspiring speakers, and activities for all ages. Festivities begin at 9:30 a.m. with music and family activities, followed by a formal program at 11 a.m. honoring those who have selflessly served our nation.

 Highlights include:

 Dedication of a new Veterans Memorial flagpole

• First responder aircraft displays and a skydiving performance
• Live band performances and drill team demonstrations
• Military and historical displays
• Guest speakers honoring veterans’ service and sacrifice
• Veteran resources and services from the Malcom Randall Veterans Health Administration
• Special appearances by University of Florida mascots Albert and Alberta

 “Veterans Day is a time for our community to come together and express our gratitude to those who have served,” said Alachua County Veteran Services Director Olajuwon White. “This celebration is not only about honoring their sacrifices, but also about connecting veterans and families with the support and appreciation they deserve.”

 For more information, contact Olajuwon White at 352-264-6740 or alachuacountyvet@alachuacounty.us.

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HIGH SPRINGS – Sunshine, perfect weather, chrome, and community spirit filled Northeast Railroad Avenue on Saturday, Oct. 25, as the High Springs Lions Club hosted its 4th Annual Bike and Car Show, drawing 101 participating entries and spectators from across the region.

More than just a showcase of restored classics and creative builds, the annual event served a charitable mission — raising funds for the Florida Diabetes Camp, which provides educational and recreational opportunities for children living with diabetes.

Registration for entrants was $25. The event included music, door prizes, and a lively 50/50 raffle. In a touching show of generosity, the winner of that raffle donated her winnings back to the cause.

The day’s awards reflected both craftsmanship and community spirit. Among the most prestigious honors was the John B. Sullivan Memorial Award, which recognizes not only vehicles built before 1962 but also the owner’s stewardship and enthusiasm for the car hobby. Judges, including the Sullivan family and the Lions Club, selected #33 Alex Fardales and his 1955 Chevy Belair as the 2025 recipient.

The Best of Show Award, chosen by representatives of the Florida Diabetes Camp, went to #40 Terry Hoyt for his 1961 Chevy Impala, a crowd favorite gleaming under the autumn sun.

In memory of longtime enthusiast Ed Decker, the Under Construction Award went to #22 Logan Butler for his in-progress 1966 Buick Skylark.

Adding a seasonal twist, the Halloween Award honored #18 Tim Mills and his 1996 Rat Rod, which brought a spooky flair to the lineup.

The High Springs Chamber’s Club Participation Award went to the Gainesville Street Rods, whose members turned out in impressive numbers. Meanwhile, young attendees helped select the Top Truck Kid’s Choice Award, presented to #8 Chris Forback for his beautifully restored 1946 Chevrolet truck.

Top Entries

Judges also recognized the Top 20 cars and Top five bikes overall. Standouts included:

Top 20 Cars (selected highlights):

• #13 John Hoehn – 1957 Chevy 3100 Truck
• #28 Clint Wilson – 1966 C10 Chevy Pickup
• #55 “Gator” David – 1964 Chevy Chevelle Malibu
• #49 Don McCullen – 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
• #66 Darryl Crumpton – 1967 Chevy Camaro

Top 5 Bikes:

• #14 Rick Testa – 1910 Harley Replica
• #79 David Croenne – 2009 Harley Rocker C
• #70 Jeff Knight – 2012 Harley-Davidson Street Glide
• #1 Gene Resmondo, Jr. – 2004 Harley-Davidson Road King
• #74 Allen Newborn – 1969 BSA Motorcycle

As the trophies were handed out and engines cooled under the afternoon sun, organizers reflected on another successful year of giving back. With every polished chrome fender and revving engine, participants helped support the Florida Diabetes Camp, ensuring that children living with diabetes can experience summer adventures filled with confidence, friendship, and fun.

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ALACHUA – On most days, the gymnasium floor of the City of Alachua’s Legacy Multipurpose Center echoes with the familiar sounds of basketballs bouncing, sneakers squeaking, and volleyballs spiking across the court. But one Sunday each month, those sounds take on a new rhythm — one filled with laughter, encouragement, and the unmistakable joy of achievement.

That’s when the space transforms into the home of Limitless Legends, a growing inclusive soccer program where every child — regardless of physical or cognitive ability — has the chance to play, participate, and belong.

Founded in 2024, Limitless Legends was born from the idea that sports should be accessible to everyone. The program offers children and young athletes with disabilities an opportunity to enjoy the “beautiful game” of soccer in a safe, supportive environment tailored to their needs.

The organization was founded and is led by Amanda Guevara, a pediatric physical therapist with 12 years of experience and a lifelong soccer enthusiast who decided to merge her two passions — helping children and playing soccer — into a single community effort.

“All children are invited regardless of their physical level,” said Guevara. “Wheelchair or ambulatory, we make it accessible for everyone.”

Guevara’s approach combines her clinical background with the heart of a coach and mentor. She ensures that every participant, whether they kick, roll, or push the ball forward, experiences the thrill of the game.

During the most recent session, families, volunteers, and young athletes gathered at the Legacy Multipurpose Center for the Limitless Legends Showdown.

Volunteers — many of whom have returned month after month — assisted players with positioning, movement, and ball control, ensuring that every child remained part of the action.

Each event blends skill-building and fun with an atmosphere of mutual respect and encouragement. For many participants, it’s the first time they’ve been able to take part in an organized sports activity designed to accommodate their abilities rather than limit them.

Volunteers are always needed — and everyone, no matter their experience level, is welcome to help create a field where all players can shine. Those interested in joining or volunteering with Limitless Legends can contact Guevara at dmpedspt@gmail.com.

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ALACHUA ‒ The Alachua Police Department’s commitment to proactive community engagement and public safety has earned it statewide recognition. The department’s Crime Prevention Unit (CPU) was awarded the 2025 Florida Crime Prevention Association (FCPA) Crime Prevention Unit of the Year in the Small Agency (100 or fewer officers) category.

The award was presented during the FCPA’s annual conference on Oct. 23, 2025, in Orlando, recognizing agencies that demonstrate outstanding innovation and dedication to public safety through prevention initiatives. Representatives from the Alachua Police Department were on hand to accept the honor, including Lt. Jason Moses, Lt. Daniel Chalker, Sgt. Thomas Stanfield, Chief Jesse Sandusky, and Lt. Carl Newsome.

“This recognition highlights our department’s commitment to innovation, community engagement, and proactive crime prevention throughout the City of Alachua,” the department said in a statement announcing the award.

Under the leadership of Police Chief Sandusky and Sgt. Stanfield, the CPU has expanded its role in connecting residents with safety resources and educational programs designed to prevent crime before it happens.

Among its recent accomplishments:

• EZ Child ID Kits: The program provides parents with tools to create identification packets for their children, ensuring vital information is available in the event of an emergency.
• Back 2 School Backpack Giveaway: In collaboration with the department’s School Resource Officers, the CPU distributed 500 backpacks filled with supplies to local students, supporting families ahead of the new school year.
• radKIDS Safety Training: School Resource Officer A. Payne recently became certified to teach the radKIDS program, which empowers children with personal safety skills and confidence to make positive choices in potentially unsafe situations.
• Public Education Through Media: The department has embraced digital outreach to reach broader audiences. One of its educational videos, a Fourth of July 911 awareness message, drew more than 12 million views nationwide, significantly increasing awareness of emergency response protocols.

Sgt. Stanfield said the recognition reflects a team effort across the department. “While the CPU may be a one-person unit, this award truly belongs to the entire Alachua Police Department,” he said. “Without the support, teamwork, and dedication of every member of this agency, none of this would be possible.”

The Florida Crime Prevention Association serves as a statewide network supporting law enforcement agencies in their efforts to reduce crime through education, partnerships, and prevention programs.

The Alachua Police Department expressed its gratitude to the FCPA for the honor and extended appreciation to the local community for continued trust and engagement.

“Community partnership is the foundation of effective policing,” the department stated. “This award reinforces our shared mission with Alachua residents — to build a safer, more informed, and connected community.”

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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/>

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Florida prosecutor’s office in Tampa is defending its controversial and unexpected decision to drop a felony criminal case against the man accused of tying his bull terrier dog to a fence in rising waters and abandoning it along Interstate 75 amid an evacuation ahead of a major hurricane.

The Hillsborough State Attorney’s Office, led by Suzy Lopez, said it lacked witnesses and sufficient evidence to win a conviction on a felony aggravated animal cruelty charge in a trial. The case involved “Trooper,” the dog renamed after the Florida Highway Patrol officer who rescued him.

“While this case stirs many emotions and even ethical questions, we do not have a good-faith basis to continue this prosecution,” the state attorney’s office said. 

The prosecutor’s office filed paperwork Wednesday to drop its case against Giovanny Aldama Garcia, 24, of Ruskin, Florida. Aldama Garcia had told an investigator he had been trying for months to get rid of the dog, which he had named Jumbo, and left the dog on the side of I-75 as he and his mother evacuated Florida’s west coast ahead of Hurricane Milton, court records said. 

The case made national news. Gov. Ron DeSantis called the dog’s treatment “unacceptable” and said the state would hold the dog’s owner accountable. Lopez, the state prosecutor, chimed in, too, and said she couldn’t fathom tying a pet to a fence in such conditions.

In a new one-page memorandum circulated Friday, Lopez’s office said that during trial preparations it became clear there weren’t witnesses or evidence to prove that Aldama Garcia had tied the dog to the fence in rising waters.

The memo said video from the highway patrol showed the dog’s collar was stuck on the fence, and a witness earlier had seen the dog loose near the interstate. It said Aldama Garcia and his mother said the dog was becoming stressed and aggressive during their drive and the dog jumped from the car when they stopped to deal with the situation.

“The facts as depicted in the video and the statements do not support the theory that the dog was attached to the fence in an intentional manner,” the memo said. It added: “A failure to locate the dog during an emergency evacuation does not equate to a criminal failure to act.” 

A legal expert on animal cruelty laws and co-creator of Florida’s Animal Cruelty Taskforce, Adam Stern, said prosecutors would have needed to prove that Aldama Garcia caused the dog either death or injury – which include physical trauma or neglect.

He said in some cases, aggravated animal cruelty charges can be hard to prove without tangible, physical evidence. No case is ever as straightforward as it seems, he said. 

“There's always going to be a monkey wrench that something comes up, that there's a new piece of evidence or there is a small piece that's missing,” he said. “In some cases, there's evidence to exonerate somebody because they didn't do it and it was somebody else, or it was an accident.”

Stern has been involved as a legal expert in thousands of animal cruelty cases, including ones where animals have been tethered to dog houses with rising flood waters then drowned.

By law, that would be aggravated animal cruelty, he said. The case in Tampa was different, according to the new prosecutor’s memo, which said there was no evidence that Trooper was deliberately tied to a fence.

The highway patrol video of the dog’s rescue went viral. The officer wrote in his arrest warrant that he was responding to a 911 call that a dog had been abandoned and tied to a post. The dog can be seen in water levels up to his chest, trembling and shaking. Investigators later interviewed Aldama Garcia after he showed up at an animal shelter to recover the dog.

“The defendant stated he observed the dog in standing water in heavy rain during a hurricane evacuation and left him behind,” the trooper wrote in the arrest report.

A press release from the prosecutor’s office in October 2024 announcing the criminal case against Aldama Garcia also had described the dog as “tied up.” 

Fresh Take Florida, a news service of the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications, asked Friday under Florida’s public records law for a copy of the trooper’s body cam video and any recorded interview between investigators and Aldama Garcia. The prosecutor’s office said it would cost $686 to review and turn over.

Trooper’s new owner, Frank Spina of Parkland in South Florida, said Lopez called him to personally deliver the news of the dropped case earlier this week. He said she cited a language barrier between Aldama Garcia and investigating officers along with a lack of evidence as reasoning.

He was fuming. 

Spina said that just two months ago, the state attorney’s office considered this their most important case, only to drop it at a whim. 

“You’re going to have a tough time when you've got to talk to Ron [DeSantis] and Casey [DeSantis] and say you're ditching this case,” he said in an interview Thursday night. 

“In my opinion, this was a high-profile case that everybody was watching,” he said. “They were afraid to lose it on TV.”

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The event marks the latest milestone in the university’s artificial intelligence initiative, which began in 2020 and serves as a national model for harnessing AI to build America’s future workforce and boost the country’s national competitiveness. 

Elias G. Eldayrie, senior vice president and chief information officer, welcomed more than 125 guests to the ceremony, including representatives from UF’s Board of Trustees and cabinet, NVIDIA and U.S. Representative Kat Cammack. 

Student groups showcased how they use AI at the university, providing a living demonstration of the system’s power. Attendees saw AI in action, from the Swamp Launch Rocket Team’s aircrafts to the Gator Motor Sports vehicle to the award-winning UF Steel Bridge and the research of iGEM, the world’s premier synthetic biology competition. 

“As Florida’s flagship university, UF has embraced a bold and audacious vision: to be the nation’s AI university. Our commitment to AI is not just promoting economic growth across the state and giving our students the tools they need to be America’s next generation of leaders,” said UF Board of Trustees Chair Mori Hosseini. “It’s also protecting lives, preserving resources, feeding the world, improving health outcomes, and making Florida stronger, safer and better prepared for tomorrow.”

HiPerGator representatives gave tours of the updated machine, including a replacement of the NVIDIA DGX A100 “Ampere” SuperPOD from 2020 with a DGX B200 “Blackwell” SuperPOD, which measures 30 times faster than the previous HiPerGator generation. 

The $33 million purchase is a highly anticipated step in a long-standing engagement between NVIDIA and UF that has resulted in a comprehensive push to integrate AI education and research across every academic discipline at UF. 

A team of about a dozen experts installed the 63 NVIDIA DGX B200 nodes, with each 8 NVIDIA Blackwell graphics processing units (GPUs), for a total of 504 GPUs.

HiPerGator recently ranked No. 3 in the world for speed (how quickly it responds to an AI question) and No. 4 for efficiency (how many AI questions it can handle at once), according to the standard MLCommons benchmark. 

“Every part of this university is a playground for AI,” said UF Interim President Donald W. Landry. “This land-grant institution has succeeded in what we want to see across the state… The combination of vision, partnership and dedication leads us to this moment.”

UF’s extraordinary computing infrastructure has played a key role in the university’s reputation, faculty recruitment and retention, and fast-rising research prowess. This upgrade of UF’s supercomputer continues the evolution from HiPerGator 1.0 (2013-2021) to HiPerGator 2.0 (2015) to HiPerGator 3.0 and HiPerGator AI (2021), each version faster and more powerful than the last.

More than 60% of UF’s $1.33 billion annual budget for research goes toward projects that rely on HiPerGator.

With more than 100 new AI faculty and 230 AI and data science courses, HiPerGator’s exceptional computational capabilities support a wide range of teaching and research advances in areas from engineering and medicine to history and astronomy. In the past year, the system supported nearly 7,000 users from across the Southeast. One service enabled by HiPerGator is NaviGator AI, which offers UF faculty, students and staff access to more than 40 large language models to experiment with generative AI. 

“What this group of folks and leadership has done represents a model that is going to transform the nation,” UF alumnus and NVIDIA cofounder Chris Malachowsky, a key partner and donor in UF’s sweeping initiative to lead the country in creating the next AI workforce. 

“This is a testament to the machine to be exploited and taken advantage of,” Malachowsky added. “Take it and run. It’s bold and powerful and impactful.”

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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.

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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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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.

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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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~ 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

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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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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

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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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