ALACHUA – The City of Alachua Commission voted 3-1 Monday night to approve the first reading of Ordinance 25-05, a comprehensive amendment to the city’s Land Development Regulations that lays the groundwork for more mixed-use development. Commissioner Jacob Fletcher cast the only dissenting vote, while the rest of the commission agreed to advance the measure to a second and final reading on Sept. 8. Commissioner Jennifer Ringersen was not present.

Mixed-use development combines housing, businesses, and sometimes offices or recreational spaces within the same project or district, creating walkable areas where people can live, work, and shop in closer proximity. Planning Director Carson Crockett explained that the ordinance is designed to entice developers to pursue infill opportunities within the city rather than pushing outward onto greenspace and undeveloped tracts. The changes align with the city’s 2025 Strategic Plan and last year’s Comprehensive Plan update, both of which identified mixed-use zoning as a key growth management strategy.

The amendments modify multiple articles of the Land Development Regulations, adding standards for density and intensity in business districts, creating new definitions for mixed-use projects, reducing parking requirements by 25 percent in certain zones, and establishing new landscaping, buffering, and orientation rules to help commercial and residential uses coexist within the same development.

While city staff framed the ordinance as a carefully calibrated tool for managing growth, the vote drew criticism from residents who said the commission had acted too quickly and without sufficient public understanding. Alachua resident Tamara Robbins argued that commissioners themselves did not fully understand the ordinance they approved and insisted that greenspace should remain untouched regardless of infill strategies.

Several residents of High Springs added their voices in opposition, contending that the city should be more cautious before opening the door to broader residential uses in commercial zones. Alachua resident Rudy Rothseiden told the commission that too many unanswered questions remained and warned that mixed-use projects could easily overwhelm commercial corridors with parking problems and congestion.

Despite these objections, the majority of commissioners endorsed the ordinance as consistent with the city’s adopted planning policies and noted that it represents the continuation of work begun last year when the city created mixed-use future land use categories.

The new standards spell out what qualifies as mixed-use development and what protections are required when such projects are placed alongside existing single-family neighborhoods. City staff emphasized that the changes were researched with examples from peer communities across Florida and were intended to give Alachua flexibility to shape growth in a way that balances new housing opportunities with commercial vitality.

The ordinance does not impose any new fees or compliance costs on businesses, according to a state-mandated Business Impact Estimate. The report concluded there would be no financial burden on private, for-profit businesses, and no new regulatory costs for the city.

Supporters argue that the changes will provide additional housing choices, especially in areas like downtown Main Street and the U.S. 441 corridor, while protecting residential neighborhoods through buffers and landscaping standards. Opponents remain unconvinced, warning that parking and compatibility concerns will surface as soon as developers take advantage of the new rules.

With the first reading now complete, the ordinance returns to the City Commission on Sept. 8 for a final vote. If approved, the changes will take effect later this year.

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NEWBERRY – After hours of debate and public comment, the Newberry City Commission voted Aug. 25, 2025, to set the city’s final fire assessment rate at $300 per residential property.

The vote came after weeks of discussion and public workshops. Although the previously discussed rate of $419 per residential unit was listed in the Alachua County Property Appraiser’s Truth in Millage (TRIM) Notice, City Staff recommended a reduced rate of $300 per residential unit for a final assessment

The commission ultimately approved the measure in a 4-1 vote, with Commissioner Monty Farnsworth opposing.

Public Pushback and Calls for Broader Solutions

More than 10 residents and business owners voiced concerns over the increase, which marks the first change in three years. The commission had previously held the rate steady at $200 per residential unit, but officials said that amount was no longer sustainable.

Former commissioner Jason McGehee argued that the city could have avoided the steep increase if past boards had raised the rate incrementally, suggesting $25 annual increases as a way to reduce the impact on households.

Others focused on the burden for businesses. Industrial property is assessed at $0.09 per square foot, which drew objections from business owner Todd Russo. Russo said that much of the 119,000 square feet attributed to his company falls under canopy space, yet is still billed at the industrial rate. City officials explained that the county, not the city, determines industrial square footage. City Manager Jordan Marlowe said he would accompany Russo to meet with county staff on the issue.

Some residents urged commissioners to look beyond rate increases. Developer Trip Norfleet said the city should review its budget more carefully, while resident Sherry French called for expanding the commercial tax base to ease the load on homeowners.

Assistant City Manager and CFO Dallas Lee presented comparison tables showing that funding fire services through property tax increases would ultimately cost residents more than the flat assessment. Lee also explained that the fire assessment ensures costs are distributed evenly across property types.

Several speakers said they had not been aware of earlier workshops and urged the city to expand its outreach. Marlowe noted that Newberry maintains an email notification list for all meetings, but residents must sign up to receive those messages.

The fire assessment dominated the meeting agenda, extending the commission meeting to nearly five hours. Commissioners twice voted to extend the session, first beyond 11 p.m. and later to 11:30 p.m., before finally approving the new rate.

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NEWBERRY – The Newberry City Commission met Aug. 25, 2025, to review a series of development and zoning issues including the Avalon Woods development, a multi-phase project.

Newberry Principal Planner Jean-Paul Perez presented an application from JBrown Professional Group, Inc., representing M3 Avalon Land 2, LLC, owner of the project. The plan for Avalon Woods Phase 5A covers 15.5 acres and includes infrastructure and site improvements to support 91 single-family homes within the mixed-use development.

A key point of contention centered on a proposed road connection linking the southern edge of the subdivision to Northwest 244^th Drive. That road provides access to 41 Commerce Park and had not been part of the previously adopted development plan. Because it constitutes a major change to the development order, the new connection required commission approval.

A traffic impact analysis by MPH Transportation Planning indicated that routing traffic through the industrial park could help disperse vehicle trips generated by Phases 4 through 6. However, staff also noted potential conflicts between residential and industrial traffic, raising concerns over maneuverability and use-type compatibility.

City staff recommended adoption of Resolution 2025-26 with multiple conditions. Among them were requirements to amend the master development plan before Phase 5B, to resolve outstanding utility and easement issues, and to sign a maintenance and indemnification agreement for backwater valves.

Another condition addressed force main infrastructure along U.S. 27/41. While the city agreed to reimburse the difference in material costs for upsizing from a 6-inch to an 8-inch pipe, officials emphasized that reimbursements would be subject to city approval of engineering cost estimates.

Assistant City Manager and Director of Utilities and Public Works Jamie Jones suggested advancing Phase 5A with conditions attached, while deferring the road connection question to a later stage. Under the motion, the road will currently end at the last lot, with future resolution required before Phase 5B construction.

Commissioner Mark Clark moved for approval, seconded by Commissioner Don Long. The measure passed 3-2, with Commissioners Monty Farnsworth and Tony Mazon voting against.

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ALACHUA COUNTY ‒ Several Alachua County innovators are among the finalists for the 16th Annual Cade Prize for Inventivity, one of the region’s premier competitions recognizing groundbreaking ideas.

Judges selected 15 finalists nationwide from a pool of 100 applicants representing 16 states, including entrepreneurs, researchers, and technology transfer organizations. Competitors are advancing in five categories: Environmental, Healthcare, Technology, Sports, and Wildcard.

Finalists will gather Oct. 14 at the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention in Gainesville for the awards ceremony. The event will feature an expo-style showcase of projects, networking with attendees, and a final round of live judging. Winners in each category will receive $10,000, and five finalists will present pitches on stage for a chance at the $50,000 grand prize, the Student Choice Award, and professional consulting services.

Alachua County innovators are strongly represented in the Healthcare and Technology categories. NanoNeurosciences of Alachua was named a finalist for NanoGlaucoOut, a peptide-based nanomedicine platform designed to treat conditions such as glaucoma, epilepsy, and depression. The technology focuses on long-lasting, nonsurgical treatments that support cell survival and energy function.

CasNx of Gainesville advanced for its CRISPR technology that edits donor organs to reduce viruses and immune rejection, with the goal of providing safer and longer-lasting transplants.

Elias Sayour, M.D., Ph.D., of the University of Florida, and Adam Grippin, M.D., Ph.D., of the University of Texas were recognized for research aimed at improving cancer immunotherapy through methods that enhance treatment response.

Immunogenik of Gainesville earned a spot in the Technology category for 8R-70CAR, a CD70-targeted CAR T cell therapy designed for aggressive, treatment-resistant cancers, including glioblastoma and pediatric high-grade gliomas.

The Cade Prize, named after Dr. James Robert Cade, the lead inventor of Gatorade, is a national competition celebrating creativity and innovation. Each year, it highlights early-stage inventions with the potential for significant societal impact.

This year’s competition is supported by sponsors including the Community Foundation of North Central Florida, the Florida High Tech Corridor, Gatorade, the Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce, OneSixOne Ventures, NVision Strategies, and Hyatt Place Downtown, among others.

The Oct. 14 awards ceremony will take place from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Cade Museum. Tickets are available at cadeprize.org.

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ALACHUA– The Alachua Police Department is mourning the loss of retired K-9 Thor, a Belgian Malinois who dedicated eight years to serving the city before retiring to family life. Thor died Aug. 24, 2025, at age 13, surrounded by his handler’s family and his police department colleagues.

Born July 21, 2012, Thor joined the Alachua Police Department in May 2014. Over his career, he was trained and certified in narcotics detection and patrol functions. His work included building searches, locating wanted individuals, and recovering lost evidence — tasks that made him a valuable partner in day-to-day police operations.

Thor’s contributions to law enforcement extended beyond technical skill. His presence at crime scenes and community events strengthened bonds between the police department and residents, making him a recognizable and trusted figure in Alachua.

On Feb. 27, 2023, the Alachua City Commission publicly recognized Thor for his years of service. At that meeting, Police Chief Jesse Sandusky honored the K-9’s career with a ceremonial presentation. Thor officially retired that day, and his handler, Sgt. Justin Horn, received a shadow box commemorating their time together. After retirement, Thor remained with Horn and his family, enjoying a quieter life as a household pet after years of demanding service.

Thor’s career is remembered as an example of dedication and loyalty. His work alongside officers not only supported criminal investigations but also reinforced community trust in the department. His transition from a working dog to a family companion reflected the strong bond between police dogs and their handlers, as well as the department’s appreciation for the role K-9s play in public safety.

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WALDO – Two Gainesville men were arrested Thursday, June 19, 2025, after allegedly taking a kayak without permission, damaging it, and, in one case, striking a woman with a car while fleeing the scene.

Deputies with the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office responded around 8:30 p.m. to a residence near the Waldo Canal Park boat ramp at 14736 N.E. 152^nd Street, where victims reported two men and a woman had arrived in a silver BMW and taken a red kayak from the embankment without permission.

The kayak’s owner said he confronted one of the suspects, later identified as Carter Wayne Cutter, 19, after the group returned to shore. The man told deputies that the kayak seat had been damaged, estimating repairs at $60. Cutter allegedly punched the owner in the mouth during the confrontation, causing visible bleeding, according to the deputy’s report.

The victim said he and several neighbors became involved in a physical altercation with Cutter and another man, identified as Stephen Medlock, 19. Cutter then reportedly got into the BMW and drove toward three of the victims who were standing in the road. Although they were not blocking his exit, Cutter allegedly accelerated toward them, narrowly missing two and striking a woman in the leg.

All five victims told deputies they feared for their lives as Cutter drove at them.

Deputies later located Medlock at his home in the 7700 block of Northeast Waldo Road. He reportedly resisted being escorted to the patrol vehicle and resisted a search during his arrest. While at the residence, deputies saw Cutter inside and took him into custody after a witness identified him as the driver.

Cutter faces multiple felony charges, including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, battery, theft and property damage under $200.

Cutter has no prior criminal history. Bail was set at $112,000 by Judge Kristine Van Vorst.

Medlock has been charged with property damage under $200 with a prior conviction, theft with two or more prior convictions and resisting an officer without violence

According to records, Medlock has a history of juvenile offenses from 2018 to 2025 and two adult misdemeanor convictions. His bail was set at $14,000 by Judge Van Vorst. He was released from the Alachua County Jail on June 27.

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GAINESVILLE - The Florida Gators kicked off the 2025 season in emphatic fashion, overwhelming Long Island University 55-0 on Saturday night at Steve Spurrier-Florida Field.

The 15th-ranked Gators extended their winning streak to five games, tied for the longest active run in college football, and earned their first shutout in 46 games. It was Florida’s largest shutout victory since 2019 and their first season-opening shutout since 2001.

Florida’s defense set a program record by allowing only two first downs and held LIU to 86 total yards, the fewest by a Gator opponent since 2016. The Sharks never reached the red zone and managed just 1-of-13 on third-down conversions.

Lagway Leads the Offense

Quarterback DJ Lagway delivered one of the best outings of his young career, completing 15 of 18 passes for 120 yards and three touchdowns. He has now thrown at least one scoring pass in six straight games and owns 15 career touchdown passes. His 194.3 passer rating was the second highest of his career and the fourth-best under head coach Billy Napier.

Lagway’s scoring throws went to Eugene Wilson III, who caught his eighth career touchdown; Hayden Hansen, who extended his streak of consecutive starts to 23; and transfer receiver J. Michael Sturdivant, who hauled in his first touchdown as a Gator to put Florida up 38-0 before halftime.

Freshman quarterback Trammell Jones Jr. took over in the second half, completing 12 of 18 passes for 131 yards and two touchdowns in his collegiate debut. He became the first Florida true freshman quarterback to play since Lagway did the same in 2024. His scoring strikes went to tight end Tony Livingston and freshman wideout TJ Abrams, who finished with career highs of two catches for 53 yards.

Baugh and Freshmen Spark Ground Game

Running back Jadan Baugh anchored the rushing attack with nine carries for 104 yards and a 4-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. It was his second 100-yard game, and he has now scored nine total touchdowns in his last eight games.

True freshman Vernell Brown III made history as the third Florida freshman receiver to start a season opener, joining Percy Harvin (2006) and Antonio Callaway (2015). Brown, a Gainesville native, caught three passes for 79 yards, including a 41-yard strike from Lagway. His total set a school record for most receiving yards by a Florida freshman in their debut.

Other newcomers also made immediate impacts. Freshmen Naeshaun Montgomery, Muizz Tounkara, and Duke Clark all recorded their first career touches. Tight end Amir Jackson added a 10-yard reception.

As a team, Florida rushed for 282 yards, surpassing the 200-yard mark for the third straight game. The Gators posted 447 total yards and 38 points in the first half alone — the most in any half under Napier.

Defense Sets the Tone

Florida’s defense wasted no time, scoring the game’s opening points when sophomore safety Bryce Thornton scooped up a fumble forced by linebacker Jaden Robinson and ran it back for a touchdown. Thornton later added a second recovery, becoming the first Gator with two fumble recoveries in a game since 2021.

Linebacker Myles Graham and edge rusher Kamran James each led the defense with five tackles, while Robinson matched his career high with two tackles for loss. Florida’s front seven combined for nine tackles for loss and two sacks.

The Gators have now held opponents under 20 points in five straight games, allowing just 52 points during that span. Over the last five contests, Florida’s defense has produced 45 tackles for loss, 19 sacks, and nine forced fumbles.

Smack Delivers Long Bomb

Kicker Trey Smack connected from 56 yards in the second quarter, tying for the second-longest field goal in program history and setting a personal best. He also made a 41-yarder but missed from 39, 40, and 57 yards. Smack remained perfect on extra points, hitting all seven attempts to extend his career streak to 80.

Punter Tommy Doman had only one kick on the night, a 47-yarder pinned inside the 20.

Program Milestones

With the win, Florida improved to 88-31 all-time in season openers and 72-9 at home. The Gators have sold out 13 straight games dating back to 2023, with 89,451 fans in attendance Saturday.

Napier earned his 60th career victory, placing him among the top 10 active head coaches in wins since 2018. Florida also extended its NCAA-record scoring streak to 462 consecutive games, a run dating back to 1988.

Florida (1-0) continues its nonconference slate next week before beginning SEC play.

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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.

GAINESVILLE AUGUST 26, 2025 - The University of Florida Board of Trustees today voted unanimously to appoint Dr. Donald W. Landry as interim president of the University of Florida.

Dr. Landry, chair emeritus of Columbia University’s Department of Medicine, is an internationally renowned physician-scientist, president of the American Academy of Sciences and Letters, and a recipient of the Presidential Citizens Medal, the nation’s second-highest civilian honor.

Landry’s term begins Sept. 1, 2025. His appointment must be confirmed by Florida’s Board of Governors, which is expected to consider the matter at its next meeting Sept. 10-11.

“Dr. Landry is a highly accomplished scientist whose work is recognized around the world,” said Mori Hosseini, chair of the UF Board of Trustees. “He has shown exceptional leadership in academia and beyond, building programs with innovation, energy and integrity. I am confident that Dr. Landry will bring those same talents to the University of Florida in service to the students, faculty and people of the great state of Florida.”

Dr. Landry said, “It is an extraordinary honor to serve the University of Florida at such an important moment in its history. UF has made remarkable strides over the past 10 years and is now recognized as one of the top public universities in the country, and I look forward to working with its remarkable faculty, staff and students to continue building on that momentum.”

Academic Roles and Leadership

Landry is the Hamilton Southworth Professor at the New York Presbyterian/Columbia Medical Center and director of the Center for Human Longevity at Columbia. He also is past Physician-in-Chief of New York Presbyterian/Columbia Medical Center. He founded and directed the Division of Experimental Therapeutics and is the past chief of the Division of Nephrology.

Under his leadership as chair of Columbia’s Department of Medicine, philanthropy grew fourfold, NIH funding tripled, and the department rose to No. 3 in the national NIH rankings. Faculty numbers doubled and clinical revenues reached record highs, establishing Columbia’s Department of Medicine as a national destination for research, teaching, and patient care.

Research and Innovation

Dr. Landry’s research contributions span artificial enzyme approaches to cocaine addiction and overdose, small molecule drug development across neuro, cardiac and oncologic targets and the discovery of the syndrome of vasopressin deficiency in vasodilatory shock states. He has published over 150 articles and holds 50 U.S. patents. He was a member of the President’s Council on Bioethics in 2008-09 and was elected to the National Academy of Inventors in 2015.

Education and Recognition

Landry is both a Ph.D. and an M.D. He completed his doctorate in organic chemistry under Nobel laureate R.B. Woodward at Harvard University in 1979 and earned his medical degree from Columbia in 1983. After completing his residency in internal medicine at the Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, he returned to Columbia for training as a National Institutes of Health physician-scientist from 1985 to 1990.

In 2008, Landry received the Presidential Citizens Medal from President George W. Bush for “diverse and pioneering research and his efforts to improve the well-being of his fellow man." The medal was established in 1969 to recognize U.S. citizens who have performed exemplary deeds of service for the nation.

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

 The following is a press release provided by the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). It has been published here as received, without additional reporting or editing by Alachua County Today staff.

Aug. 14, 2025 — Consumers value Acerola, also called the Barbados cherry, for its health benefits, and it thrives in the Caribbean, Mexico, Brazil and other parts of Central and South America.

University of Florida researchers are working with a Brazilian colleague to see if they can advance the genetic understanding of this nutritious fruit and grow it in the Sunshine State.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that only 1 in 10 American adults meets the recommended fruit and vegetable intake, making the availability of more nutritious fruits helpful. Some people grow Barbados cherry trees in their yards in Florida – and eat the nutritious fruit.

The cherries are rich sources of vitamin C, carotenoids, anthocyanins and phenolic compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, they can provide over 1,800% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C in just one cup.

To help bring consumers all that nutrition, scientists with the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) are evaluating the genetic diversity of acerola and adapting cultivation practices to local conditions.

“These nutritional benefits have elevated acerola to superfood status, making it marketable for fresh consumption, desserts, supplements or juice” said Felipe Ferrao, who’s leading the project for UF/IFAS. “They can contain up to 100 times more vitamin C than oranges, making them a powerful candidate for enhancing and supplementing our diet.”

As part of this effort, scientists are trying to grow acerola in three major field trials around Florida: at the UF/IFAS Plant Science Research and Education Center in Citra, at a farm in Pierson and at the UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center (TREC) in Homestead.

Through these trials, researchers are trying to find out if different types of acerola perform well under varying climates, soil types and management systems. Their research will lay the groundwork for future production across the state.

"Our central goal is to determine the best regions and practices for growing acerola, while understanding how climate conditions influence fruit quality and nutritional value,” Ferrao said.

Beyond its nutritional benefits, acerola also has the potential to help mitigate the ongoing crisis in citrus production and become an alternative crop for local producers.

“As citrus and avocado growers struggle, it’s critical that UF/IFAS help farmers grow more emerging crops,” said Ferrao a UF/IFAS assistant research scientist in horticultural sciences. He used the juice industry as an example. “With approximately 90% of oranges grown in Florida used for making orange juice, growers could take advantage of the existing citrus juice infrastructure, make acerola juice that is delicious, refreshing and nutritious.”

Among others, Ferrao is working with Patricio Muñoz and Ali Sarkhosh -- associate professors of horticultural sciences at the main UF campus in Gainesville -- and Jonathan Crane, a professor and tropical fruit Extension specialist and Jugpreet Singh, an assistant professor of tropical fruit breeding and genetics – both at TREC.

This research also includes a partnership with Flavio França, a researcher and acerola specialist from the Embrapa Semiarido, in Brazil.

"While Brazil is the top producer of acerola, the University of Florida has an important role,” Franca said, citing the ‘Florida Sweet’ acerola, which was grown at TREC in the 1950s.

The research group believes that the integration of better management, genomic tools and breeding techniques can accelerate the identification of acerola plants that meet the current demand of fruits with unique flavor attributes, higher yield and high nutritional values.

“We envision acerola could as a viable crop for agricultural future, contributing to economic growth and food security,” Ferrao said.

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

Grants Part of More Than $3.5 Million Awarded to Youth Literacy Programs Across the Country

GOODLETTSVILLE, TENNESSEE  – Aug. 14, 2025 – Today, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation (DGLF) announced the award of more than $190,000 in youth literacy grants to Florida non-profit organizations, libraries and schools. The funds are part of more than $3.5 million recently awarded across the country for recipients to use the funds for professional development opportunities and/or to purchase books, technology, equipment or materials to help extend a brighter future for K-12 students.

“As the need for accessible educational materials and resources for our country’s youth continues, we are proud to provide vital support to local literacy programs,” shared Denine Torr, executive director of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. “The Dollar General Literacy Foundation believes the investment in the education of a young student is an investment in a brighter future. We are grateful to the local schools, libraries and non-profit organizations that are serving students and helping them thrive.”

Florida recipients are below, and a comprehensive list of grant recipients may be found online at www.dgliteracy.org. The Florida grants are expected to positively impact the lives of more than 24,500 individuals in the state.

Applications for the 2026 Dollar General Literacy Foundation grant cycle supporting youth, family, summer and adult literacy programs will be available at www.dgliteracy.org in January 2026. These grants aim to support schools, libraries, and non-profit organizations within a 15-mile radius of a Dollar General store or distribution center in implementing new literacy initiatives or expanding existing ones. Grant applications may be found online at http://www.dgliteracy.org.

To shine an additional light on literacy, the Foundation recently launched its sixth annual The Yellow Glasses Project. Now through International Literacy Day on September 8 (or while supplies last), DG customers can purchase yellow sunglasses for $2 each at participating DG stores across the country to benefit the DGLF.

Florida recipients include:

TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis has appointed Kristine Van Vorst of Gainesville to serve as a judge on the Eighth Judicial Circuit Court, filling a vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Moseley.

The Eighth Judicial Circuit serves Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Gilchrist, Levy and Union counties. The court handles a wide range of cases, including major criminal trials, civil disputes exceeding $50,000, family law matters, probate, juvenile cases, and appeals from county courts.

Van Vorst has served as an Alachua County Court judge since 2017, presiding over misdemeanor criminal cases, county civil matters, traffic infractions, and small claims disputes. Prior to her election to the county bench, she worked as a general magistrate for the Eighth Judicial Circuit, where she handled cases referred by circuit judges, including family law and child support enforcement proceedings.

A double graduate of the University of Florida, Van Vorst earned both her bachelor’s degree and juris doctor from the school. Her legal career in Gainesville spans more than two decades, with experience in both the public and private sectors before joining the judiciary.

The governor’s office did not announce an official start date, but Van Vorst’s appointment will become effective upon completion of the judicial transition process. The Florida Constitution grants the governor authority to fill judicial vacancies through appointment, with appointees subject to standing for election in the next general cycle that occurs more than one year after their appointment.

Van Vorst’s elevation to the circuit bench will leave a vacancy in the Alachua County Court, which will be filled through the same appointment process.

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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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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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Medication reconciliation is a term used in healthcare that describes the process of comparing a patient’s medication orders in a healthcare institution (hospital or nursing home) to what the patient has been prescribed and taking at home.

The purpose of this short column is to point out that many times patients are admitted to an institution, sometimes in an emergency, and it is difficult to determine what medications have been taken at home. Often when asked about their medications the response is “I take a blood pressure drug, a blood thinner, something for cholesterol, and something occasionally for arthritis pain.”

Just those four categories of medications probably describe several dozen, if not more, potential medications. What is needed is an exact listing of the medications with their dose (strength), how often they are taken, and when they are taken.

The perfect list of medications would be an official one from the patient’s primary care physician or provider. However, often what is presented at the institution is a handwritten list with the barest of information.

I am suggesting in this short column that a person, each time they see their primary care physician, request a current list of their medications with doses and instructions, to be printed for them or even emailed to them for reference in case of an emergency.

This list would also be helpful to take to their pharmacist for comparison to what the pharmacy has on file in their computer profile. In this way, the pharmacist could request a prescription to be there at the pharmacy before it is needed, if there have been changes to the drug, dose, or how often the medication is taken. In addition, the pharmacist may want to notify the primary care physician of other medications that have been prescribed that are not on the primary care physician's record.

This brings up another important aspect: sometimes other physicians (specialists or emergency department physicians) have prescribed medication for a patient and the primary care physician is unaware and would need to know this addition, even if temporary, for a complete listing of medications.

It is vital that medication regimens be accurate as patients transition between healthcare environments as a matter of safety and proper medication administration. Keep the list handy or scan it into your computer for ready reference.

I hope this column was informative; 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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“I say to you today, my friends, though, even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up, live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.’” These words are as moving today as when first spoken by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the passionate and influential civil rights leader who stood as a “pillar of hope and a model of grace” in his fight towards equality for all.

On January 17, we will reflect on the life and legacy of Dr. King, who, with his brave supporters, stood in strong opposition to racial discrimination, as well as the wrongful and unequal treatment of people who differed in national origin and religious beliefs.

The State of Florida continues to carry Dr. King’s legacy forward, committed to ending discrimination and ensuring all within our state have fair and equal access to employment and housing - because every person deserves to live the American Dream. The Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR) was established in 1969 to enforce the Florida Civil Rights Act and address discrimination through education, outreach, and partnership. Annually, the FCHR recognizes and honors Floridians who advance civil rights throughout the state in the Florida Civil Rights Hall of Fame.

As we take this time to honor Dr. King, let us consider how we can improve our own communities. Everyone should have the opportunity to live the American Dream. Dr. King paved the way for our society to embrace equality, and it is our job as Americans and Floridians to ensure the civil rights of all people.

Angela Primiano, Vice-Chair

Florida Commission on Human Relations

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World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is on June 15. On this day, and throughout the month, communities, seniors, caregivers, governments, organizations, and the private sector unite to prevent the mistreatment of and violence against older people.

Social Security imposter scams are widespread across the United States. Scammers use sophisticated tactics to deceive you into providing sensitive information or money. They target everyone – even the elderly – and their tactics continue to evolve.

Most recently, Social Security’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG) has received reports of phone scammers creating fake versions of the identification badges most Federal employees use to gain access to Federal buildings. The scammers may text or email photos of the fake badges to convince potential victims of their legitimacy. These badges use government symbols, words, and even names and photos of real people, which are available on government websites or through internet searches.

If you receive a suspicious letter, text, email, or call, hang up or do not respond. You should know how to identify when it’s really Social Security. We will NEVER:

• Text or email images of an employee’s official government identification.
• Suspend your Social Security number.
• Threaten you with arrest or other legal action unless you immediately pay a fine or fee.
• Require payment by retail gift card, wire transfer, internet currency, or cash by mail.
• Promise a benefit increase or other assistance in exchange for payment.
• Send official letters or reports containing your personal information via email.

We only send text messages if you have opted in to receive texts from us and only in limited situations, including the following:

• When you have subscribed to receive updates and notifications by text.
• As part of our enhanced security when accessing your personal my Social Security account.

If you owe money to us, we will mail you a letter with payment options and appeal rights.

We encourage you to report suspected Social Security imposter scams — and other Social Security fraud — to the OIG website at oig.ssa.gov. You may read our previous Social Security fraud advisories at oig.ssa.gov/newsroom/news-release. Please share this information with your friends and family to help spread awareness about Social Security imposter scams.

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The first drug developed to treat alcohol use disorder (AUD), the modern term for alcoholism, was disulfiram (Antabuse). Today disulfiram is still used, but as a second line drug behind acamprosate (Campral) and naltrexone (Revia, Vivitrol). Disulfiram works by blocking the enzymatic breakdown of alcohol and allowing a metabolite to build up in the blood, producing very unpleasant effects. People taking disulfiram will be deterred from ingesting alcohol because they know they will become very ill. The drug is used as an aid to help alcoholics overcome their cravings and addiction.

Disulfiram (a compound that contains sulfur) was first synthesized in 1881 as an industrial chemical, and in the early 1900s was introduced in the manufacturing of rubber. Adding sulfur in rubber manufacturing produces varying degrees of hardness in the final rubber compound.

During the late 1930s sulfur compounds, including disulfiram, were being investigated because of the antimicrobial effects of drugs containing sulfur, and the search was intense. Two scientists at the Danish firm of Medicinalco, Erik Jacobson and Jens Hald, began investigating disulfiram for treatment of intestinal parasites. This company had a group of employees called the “Death Battalion” who would experiment on themselves.

During this phase of testing the drug on themselves, they discovered they became ill after ingesting alcohol. This discovery was made in 1945, but a few years later disulfiram was considered to be used in the treatment of alcoholism as an aversive-reaction drug therapy. Jacobson and Hald’s work was finally published in 1948 and disulfiram was approved by the FDA in 1951.

The discovery of disulfiram led to a renewed interest in the metabolism of alcohol in the body. It was known alcohol was metabolized in the liver and broken down to acetaldehyde then to acetic acid and carbon dioxide by unknown enzymes. In 1950 it was discovered that disulfiram blocked the action of the enzyme that converts acetaldehyde, thus causing an accumulation of acetaldehyde in the bloodstream, which is the cause of the unpleasant effects.

Effects that occur when disulfiram is taken with alcohol include flushing, sweating, nausea and vomiting, chest pain, shortness of breath, and lightheadedness. One should not take disulfiram within 12 hours of alcohol ingestion or 14 days from the last dose of the drug. In addition, products that contain alcohol such as aftershave, cologne, perfume, antiperspirant, and mouthwash can produce unpleasant reactions for people taking Antabuse. Other products to avoid are paint thinners, solvents, and stains, along with dyes, resins and waxes, because even small amounts of alcohol absorbed through the skin can produce the effects.

Other drugs can produce adverse reactions, commonly called the “antabuse-like reaction.” The most notable of these drugs are metronidazole (Flagyl, an antibiotic), griseofulvin (an antifungal), and some cephalosporin antibiotics. If a drug is known to have this side effect, it should be pointed out to the patient by the prescriber and the pharmacist. Always read the drug information given to you when starting a new medication that tells you about side effects that may occur and how to avoid them.

Substance abuse of any kind is not good, but alcohol abuse has been especially devastating to society, families, and individuals because of the convenient availability, relative inexpensiveness, and its association with festivities. In addition, the abuse of alcohol leads to lack of inhibitions and unpredictable behaviors, which are many times violent and destructive. When people take disulfiram, they are acknowledging their problem, and they know that very unpleasant reactions will occur if alcohol is consumed, thus it helps to deter the first drink.

The history of disulfiram is still being written. Currently, it is being studied to treat certain cancers, parasitic infections, HIV, and Covid-19.

Stay informed and stay healthy.

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William Garst is a consultant pharmacist who resides in Alachua, Florida. He received his B.S. in Pharmacy from Auburn University in 1975. He earned a master’s degree in Public Health in 1988 from the University of South Florida and a Master’s in Pharmacy from UF in 2001. In 2007, he received his Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Colorado. Dr. Garst is a member of many national, state, and local professional associations. He serves on the Alachua County Health Care Advisory Board and stays active as a relief pharmacist. In 2016, he retired from the VA. Dr. Garst enjoys golf, reading (especially history), and family. He writes a blog called The Pharmacy Newsletter (https://thepharmacynewsletter.com/). William Garst can be contacted at communitypharmac
ynewsletter@gmail.com.

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