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Newberry’s city officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, officially opening its new City Hall, a two-story downtown facility that consolidates municipal services under one roof./ Photo special to Alachua County Today

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Alachua police officers escort local students during the 2025 Shop with a Cop event, where 50 children received $100 each to shop for items and gifts at Walmart. / Photo special to Alachua County Today

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Santa brings holiday greetings during the Alachua Christmas parade. Alachua County Today Staff Photographer.

The GFWC District 5 Director installed the new GFWC High Springs New Century Woman’s Club’s Board of Directors for 2026 – 2028. Pictured L-R: Photo - L - R: District 5 Director - Sallie Milner, President - Bonnie Josey, 1st. Vice President - Shirley Macrides, 2nd. Vice President - Vickie Cox, Corresponding Secretary - Marlene Hackland, Treasurer - Mary Sears, Historian - Linda Alexander. Not pictured: Recording Secretary - Pat Carr. \ Photo special to Alachua County Today

Players battle for possession during a youth basketball game in Alachua, where more than 220 local children are participating in the community’s winter league./ Photo special to Alachua County Today

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Representatives of Okito America accept the Small Business of the Year award at the 2026 Alachua Chamber of Commerce Annual Gala, which drew approximately 750 attendees to Legacy Park./Photo special to Alachua County Today

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ALACHUA – Laughter, live music and a packed house set the tone as the Alachua Chamber of Commerce celebrated both its annual awards night and a milestone anniversary during the 2026 Annual Gala at Legacy Park last Wednesday evening.

Approximately 750 guests filled the venue for one of the region’s largest business gatherings of the year, marking the Chamber’s 50th anniversary with an evening that blended recognition, entertainment and reflection on the community’s growth. Business owners, civic leaders and community partners gathered under the Chamber’s long-standing theme of Alachua as the “Good Life Community.”

The formal program was paired with a plated surf-and-turf dinner featuring shrimp and steak, as attendees networked and celebrated local accomplishments. The milestone anniversary was reflected throughout the evening, from the scale of attendance to the entertainment lineup designed to honor five decades of Chamber service.

Michelle (Shelly) Vickers of Scherer Construction stepped into her role as Chamber president and addressed the crowd as she began her leadership tenure. Her remarks looked ahead to continued collaboration, engagement and growth within the Alachua-area business community.

A central focus of the gala remained the recognition of individuals and organizations whose work has shaped the local economy and civic life. Okito America was named Small Business of the Year, while Dollar General received Large Business of the Year honors. Neil Burk was recognized as Volunteer of the Year, and Detective T. Williams of the Alachua Police Department was honored as Officer of the Year.

Entertainment played a major role in the evening’s celebratory tone. Nationally touring comedian Jeff Allen headlined the gala, delivering a performance that drew sustained laughter from the large crowd. The dance floor remained active as Richie and the High Street Rockers, traveling from Philadelphia, brought 1950s-era rock and roll to the stage, a musical nod to the Chamber’s five decades of history.

The gala was presented with Scherer Construction serving as title sponsor, underscoring strong private-sector support for the Chamber’s mission and programming. That support extended to the event’s fundraising component, where excitement peaked during the 50/50 drawing, which awarded $4,000 to a single attendee.

Former Chamber president Mitch Glaeser served as emcee for the evening and captured the mood of the celebration, saying, “The community was very enthused by the event.”

With record-level attendance, high-profile entertainment and recognition spanning business, volunteerism and public safety, the 2026 Annual Gala highlighted the Chamber’s role as a central connector for the region’s business community while celebrating 50 years of shared progress.

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ALACHUA – The City of Alachua City Commission on Jan. 26, 2026, approved an employment contract formally appointing Rodolfo Valladares as the city’s permanent city manager, marking the conclusion of a transition that began when he stepped into the role on an interim basis last summer.

Commission Vote and Background

The commission approved the agreement on a 3–1 vote and authorized the mayor to sign it. Commissioner Dayna Williams was not present at the Jan. 26 meeting, though she had voted at the Jan. 12 meeting in favor of bringing the city manager’s contract back for consideration. Commissioner Jacob Fletcher voted against bringing the contract forward at the earlier meeting and again voted against approval on Jan. 26.

Contract Development and Legal Review

The contract stems from the Jan. 12 decision in which commissioners selected Valladares for the permanent position and directed the city attorney to prepare a formal agreement. City Attorney Kiersten N. Ballou explained the contract closely follows previous city manager agreements and Valladares’ interim contract, with updates reflecting the permanent appointment. She also noted corrections of scrivener’s errors, which would be taken care of before the final document is signed.

Term, Salary and Evaluations

The agreement establishes a three-year term beginning Jan. 26, 2026, with an annual salary of $171,000 plus benefits. It also requires annual performance evaluations each August, with potential merit increases tied to those reviews and subject to available budget funds.

Discussion at the meeting included review of contract structure and provisions governing termination. Fletcher asked several questions about how different sections reference one another, particularly language concerning severance, and said he would have preferred to delay the vote for further review. The majority of commissioners moved forward, however.

Under the contract, the city manager serves at the pleasure of the commission and may be removed without cause by majority vote, with severance terms defined in the agreement. Termination for cause would not include severance pay.

In addition to salary, the contract provides for a city vehicle, family health, dental and vision insurance through the city’s plan, reimbursement for professional dues and official travel, and up to $10,000 for continued education. A written waiver allows Valladares to reside outside city limits.

Statements from City Leadership

While the contract discussion was largely procedural, several commissioners and members of the public spoke more broadly about leadership and service.

Mayor Walter Welch expressed appreciation for the work being done on behalf of residents. Commissioner Jennifer Ringersen voiced support for Valladares, stating, “one-hundred percent, integrity and all.”

Vice Mayor Shirley Green Brown also spoke glowingly about Valladares, saying “I meet with Mr. Valladares on a weekly basis. He is an awesome communicator, and listens attentively. He fosters engagement. He collaborates in the workplace with his directors and staff. Mr. Valladares is a family man and is a positive example for his colleagues.

“He exhibits integrity and transparency, is highly professional, an exceptional leader and exhibits extraordinary ethics. He is truly, truly committed to his work schedule, which extends on weekends he is goal oriented, organized and embraces our city, values, our strategic plan and our city's roadmap to success…And I want to express my highest commendations to Mr. Valladares.”

Public Comment

During public comment near the end of the meeting, Pastor Natron Curtis thanked city leadership and acknowledged the difficulty of public service. He said, “We talk about delays and building and stuff, and then we want to delay and nitpick at someone who I have known to be a man of his word to get the job done, and can and will get the job done…but the good book I live by says, ‘Don't muzzle the ox that treads out the corn.’ This man got a lot of corn tread out. He has got a lot of work to do.

“We can do a search and look all around the world for people that come in this city we don't know, who don't know this city, who don't know this culture, who don't know really, what's going on, and start all over again and push things back even farther. We have somebody we know, somebody we trust, and everybody may not, but I believe he'll do what he said he's going to do, and we have a commission to keep that in check…This is a good man.”

Earlier in the meeting, Reverend John Brown included city leadership in his opening invocation, praying for guidance for officials, saying, “we ask Lord God that as we go through this meeting, Lord God, that you will again be in our midst…be in the hearts and the minds of our citizens, our commissioners and everybody that's a part of this meeting.”

Valladares’ Background and Response

Valladares has served as interim city manager since June 2025 and previously worked within city administration.

Valladares responded to the approval of his contract saying, “It is my great honor to introduce my mother and father.” He added, “I cannot begin to say how grateful I am for them to see me continue to do the work that I'm doing. Honor your father and mother, that your days may be prolonged. My mother was a Cuban refugee. She came over, and my father was from Mexico and came over, too. They showed great gratitude for the wonderful things that this country does. They always pointed to God, faith, family, and pushed education. I am living the American dream.” Valladares also thanked other members of his family, including his wife and children who were also present at the meeting.

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ALACHUA – The Alachua Police Department has named Detective T. Williams as its 2025 Officer of the Year, recognizing her more than 14 years of law enforcement experience and her work protecting some of the community’s most vulnerable residents.

AAlachua APD 2025 Of Year T WilliamsWilliams joined the department in 2023 and is currently assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division. In that role, she works alongside local law enforcement partners in the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit, where the department said her “dedication, expertise, and persistence help protect the most vulnerable members of our community.”

According to the department, Williams has distinguished herself through professionalism, compassion and an unwavering commitment to justice. Her work with victims emphasizes dignity, respect and support, reflecting the department’s mission of service to the Alachua and its residents.

The department said Williams’ recognition as Officer of the Year is a testament to her hard work, leadership and the positive impact she continues to make each day. Her service, the department noted, exemplifies how officers strive to go above and beyond in serving Alachua’s “Good Life Community.”

The Officer of the Year honor is awarded annually to recognize exceptional performance and dedication within the department.

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Law enforcement vehicles block Interstate-75 near Paynes Prairie in Alachua County on Tuesday, Feb. 3, after deputies shut down the highway in both directions during an active incident involving an armed suspect linked to a double homicide investigation in Union County./Photo special to Alachua County Today

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ALACHUA COUNTY – A double homicide investigation that began Tuesday afternoon in western Union County escalated into a multi-agency pursuit across Alachua County, shutting down Interstate 75 in both directions and ending with the suspect found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities said.

According to the Union County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched at approximately 4:30 p.m. Feb. 3, 2026, to reports of shots fired off Southwest County Road 241 in the Providence area of Union County. Upon arrival, deputies found two female victims deceased at the scene from apparent gunshot wounds. Investigators said the initial evidence suggests the shooting may be domestic-related.

The suspect fled the scene before deputies arrived, driving a black four-door 2020 Ford F-150. While deputies worked the scene, assisted the victims and gathered witness information, they were able to make telephone contact with the suspect, officials said. The victims’ names were not released as investigators continued next-of-kin notifications.

Just after 5 p.m., the Alachua County Combined Communications Center received a call from Union County deputies advising that a person of interest in the homicide was believed to be traveling through Alachua County. Deputies were told the suspect vehicle was possibly heading northbound on U.S. Highway 441 near High Springs.

Deputies with the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO), along with officers from the High Springs Police Department and the Alachua Police Department, began using real-time intelligence systems to locate the vehicle. Information obtained through those systems indicated the truck had traveled through High Springs and the city of Alachua and was believed to have entered Interstate 75 southbound.

At approximately 5:26 p.m., an ACSO patrol deputy reported being behind the suspect vehicle near mile marker 386 on I-75, traveling south. Additional ACSO deputies and troopers from the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) joined the response.

About four minutes later, deputies and troopers attempted to conduct a traffic stop. The driver fled at a high rate of speed, continuing southbound on I-75. Given the violent nature of the Union County incident and the dangerous speeds involved, an FHP trooper performed a Precision Immobilization Technique, or PIT maneuver, causing the vehicle to come to rest on the west shoulder of the interstate.

As deputies and troopers contained the scene, they issued repeated commands for the driver to exit the vehicle. At the same time, the ACSO SWAT Team, ACSO Aviation Unit, Gainesville Police Department Drone Unit, and the ACSO Negotiations Response Team were activated.

After receiving no response for an extended period, SWAT team members used specialized equipment and tactics to approach the truck. They determined the lone male driver was deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities said.

As the incident unfolded, ACSO shut down I-75 in both northbound and southbound directions as a protective measure to prevent injuries to motorists. The closure extended from Micanopy to the south and Williston Road to the north, backing up traffic for miles, particularly near the southbound Archer Road exit around mile marker 384.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, in conjunction with the Union County Sheriff’s Office, is investigating the double homicide in Union County. ACSO’s Crime Scene Investigation Unit and Criminal Investigations Bureau are assisting FDLE with the investigation of the scene on I-75.

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GAINESVILLE – A traffic stop on Interstate 75 earlier this month led to the arrest of a 34-year-old man on multiple felony drug charges after detectives discovered dozens of pounds of marijuana inside his vehicle, according to the Gainesville-Alachua County Drug Task Force.

The stop occurred during the afternoon hours of Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, near mile marker 374 on southbound I-75. Authorities said Detective C. Litzkow, assigned to the task force’s Domestic Highway Enforcement Team, stopped a silver Hyundai for a traffic infraction.

The driver, identified as Michael Nguyen, was described as argumentative when the detective made contact. Investigators said Litzkow advised Nguyen that he intended to issue a warning and verify his driver’s license, but Nguyen repeatedly refused to exit the vehicle despite multiple lawful commands.

Nguyen eventually exited the vehicle and was taken into custody on a charge of resisting an officer without violence, authorities said.

A second detective, Det. J. Stadnicki, arrived on scene with a narcotics-trained K-9 named Ozzy, who conducted an open-air sniff around the vehicle. The dog alerted to the odor of illegal narcotics, providing probable cause for a search, investigators said.

During the search, detectives located a large scent-proof duffel bag and a locked suitcase inside the Hyundai. Both containers held numerous vacuum-sealed packages of marijuana with a combined weight of approximately 46 pounds, according to authorities.

As a result of the investigation, Nguyen was charged with trafficking in cannabis in excess of 25 pounds, trafficking drugs while knowingly using a vehicle to transport illegal substances, and resisting an officer without violence.

Nguyen was booked on the felony charges and remains in custody awaiting trial. His bond was set at $75,000, according to jail records.

The case remains under investigation by the Gainesville-Alachua County Drug Task Force.

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ALACHUA COUNTY – A new student-run food pantry has opened at Buchholz High School, marking a first-of-its-kind effort in the region to address food insecurity among students and their families.

Bread of the Mighty (BOTM), a regional food bank serving four counties in North Central Florida and a branch of Feeding Northeast Florida (FNEFL), announced on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, the launch of the Buchholz High School food pantry. The initiative was funded by the Gainesville-based Mach Charitable Trust and is designed to provide discreet access to food for students in need.

The pantry, which held a ribbon-cutting ceremony in November 2025, is operated by students in Buchholz’s DECA club as part of the school’s Entrepreneurship Academy. The academy prepares students for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management and emphasizes leadership and community engagement.

“This pantry is special because it’s driven by students, fueled by compassion and dedicated to ensuring that no member of our school family goes hungry,” said Terry Hoffer, the pantry’s director and an Entrepreneurship Academy teacher at the school.

The pantry is open every Monday from 3 to 4 p.m. and offers shelf-stable proteins and produce to students, with no questions asked. Organizers said the Mach Charitable Trust has committed to fully funding the pantry’s inventory for the next four years, providing long-term sustainability for the program.

“The Mach Charitable Trust’s goals are to help the most vulnerable and lend a helping hand to those who are in need,” said Lisa Reid, a trustee of the trust. “It’s our hope the Buchholz School Pantry will do just that in a discreet manner for the students and families in our area.”

Reid added that the organization hopes to expand similar pantry programs to other schools in the future.

Bread of the Mighty officials said the program addresses a significant need across the four counties the food bank serves, where food insecurity remains a persistent challenge. One in seven residents in the service area faces food insecurity, including one in five children, according to the organization.

School-based pantries, officials said, help reduce barriers to access by providing food assistance in a familiar and trusted setting.

“We’re excited to partner with the MACH Trust and Buchholz to make this pantry a reality,” said Patrick Dodds, executive director of Bread of the Mighty. “School pantries are one of the best ways to increase access for families, because they meet people where they already are and remove so many of the barriers that can stand in the way of getting help.”

More information about food assistance or volunteer opportunities is available at breadofthemighty.org.

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TALLAHASSEE – United States Attorney John P. Heekin highlighted a year of expanded prosecutions, civil recoveries and appellate work in a summary of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida’s accomplishments during 2025.

In announcing the annual summary, Heekin said the office advanced the priorities of the U.S. Department of Justice while focusing on public safety and enforcement across northern Florida.

“This past year was momentous for the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida as we capably answered the calls to action by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi while fulfilling the vital mission of the Department of Justice,” Heekin said. “Through our work, we have demonstrated our unwavering commitment to the rule of law and the safety and well-being of our communities.”

Heekin credited partnerships with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and said those relationships would continue to be strengthened in 2026 “as we strive toward delivering safe streets for our residents.”

Criminal Division activity

The U.S. Attorney’s Office divides its federal casework among three divisions: Criminal, Civil and Appellate.

According to the annual summary, the Criminal Division played a central role in enforcement efforts during 2025 through Operation Take Back America, a Department of Justice initiative aimed at addressing illegal immigration, dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and combating violent crime, drug trafficking and human trafficking.

During calendar year 2025, prosecutors in the Northern District of Florida reported:

  • 391 criminal defendants charged;
  • 293 guilty pleas entered;
  • 35 criminal jury trials conducted;
  • 984 direct contacts with crime victims; and
  • 9,818 written notifications issued to crime victims.

The office said those efforts focused on communities impacted by illegal drugs and criminal violence.

Civil Division recoveries

The Civil Division represents the United States in civil litigation, defends federal agencies and employees, and pursues affirmative cases to recover funds lost to fraud or improper claims. The division also enforces criminal and civil monetary judgments through its Financial Litigation Program.

In 2025, the Civil Division reported:

  • Representation of federal agencies in 53 newly filed defensive cases;
  • Recovery of $1.7 million through settlements resolving false claims against the federal government;
  • Collection of $6.4 million in criminal money judgments;
  • Nearly $4 million applied toward victim restitution through asset forfeiture restoration; and
  • More than $1 million distributed to state and local law enforcement agencies through the Equitable Sharing Program.

Appellate work

The Appellate Division represents the government in appeals before the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. During 2025, the division handled:

  • 105 appeals, including 93 criminal and 12 civil appeals;
  • 113 responses to post-conviction motions; and
  • 80 appellate decisions affirming district court rulings in favor of the government.

Looking ahead

“The substantial accomplishments of 2025 are merely the foundation upon which we will build even greater achievements in 2026,” Heekin said.

He added that expectations set by the president and attorney general call for continued focus on public safety and oversight of federal programs.

“In 2026, we will remain tireless in our pursuit of justice on behalf of our citizens and committed to making the Northern District of Florida the absolute best – and safest – place in America to live, work and raise a family,” Heekin said.

More information about the Northern District of Florida’s responsibilities and divisions is available through the Department of Justice.

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

Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Florida TaxWatch released a second report, Save Our Taxpayers – Property Tax Relief Must be Accomplished Equitably, as a follow up to its original report Options to Eliminate or Reduce the Property Tax Burden on Florida Homeowners primer, as the 2026 Legislative Session commences. This report examines the Florida House of Representative’s proposals, provides the fiscal impact of each, and calls for a ‘Save Our Taxpayers’ ballot amendment for equitable property tax relief.

Property taxes are by far the largest source of tax revenue for Florida’s local governments, generating $59.2 billion in FY2025-26 for counties, school districts, municipalities, and special districts, and that amount is rising rapidly. Of this total, more than $20 billion is paid by Florida homeowners. This revenue funds critical government services such as public safety, fire protection, education, and sanitation.

Florida TaxWatch President and CEO Jeff Kottkamp said, “While the Governor and many in the Legislature want to bring a property tax relief proposal to the voters in 2026, they are far from a consensus of what that proposal will look like. Property tax levies, fueled by rising property values, are increasing rapidly in Florida. They have more than doubled in the last 10 years, including 50 percent growth in the last four years. In turn, many local government budgets have dramatically increased over the last 10 years.

“Providing property tax relief to Florida taxpayers is commendable and the focus on homestead property by the Governor and the Legislature is understandable. But putting a proposal on the 2026 ballot to eliminate all property taxes, without also addressing ever escalating local government spending, is not advisable.

“Florida TaxWatch provides six recommendations, with actionable items, calling for a ‘Save Our Taxpayers’ amendment to replace the current inadequate 10 percent non-homestead assessment cap with one that matches the Save Our Homes cap of the lesser of three percent or inflation for all property owners. We look forward to working with policymakers to ensure property tax relief is equitable for all of Florida’s hardworking taxpayers.”

Those who have been bearing the brunt of rising property taxes should not be forgotten. This includes renters, businesses, people renovating or building an addition to their home, people moving to Florida, and new homeowners. Almost all of the proposals before the Legislature would increase the tax shift from homestead to non-homestead property that already stands at more than $10 billion and growing.

The time is right for a “Save Our Taxpayers” cap to be created, limiting the increases in assessments for both homestead and non-homestead property at the same growth rate. This has been a long-standing Florida TaxWatch recommendation and its research helped to get the constitutional amendment on the ballot that created the 10 percent homestead cap in 2008.

Based on the findings in this report, Florida TaxWatch recommends:

  1. The Legislature should not attempt to put a constitutional amendment on the November 2026 ballot to eliminate all property taxes, even if it is limited to non-school property tax levies. Undertaking such a major change in Florida’s tax system should not be attempted without a comprehensive reform plan, including local government efficiency and fiscal responsibility, ensuring the provision of critical government services, and safeguards against the shifting taxes to non-homestead properties.
  1. A “Save Our Taxpayers” amendment should be put before the voters to replace the current inadequate 10 percent non-homestead assessment cap with one that matches the Save Our Homes cap of the lesser of three percent or inflation. This would help stop the current tax shift and ensure that all taxpayers are treated more fairly.
  1. The Legislature should create an additional exemption for new homeowners—for example, 25 percent of the new home’s initial assessed value. This could be structured so that the new homeowner would have an immediate 25 percent reduction in value which would then be phased out (dollar for dollar) as their Save Our Homes differential increases. This would reduce the cost of buying a home, especially in the first year, helping more Floridians achieve the goal of homeownership.
  1. If the Legislature wants to create a new homestead exemption, it should consider making the amount equal to a percentage of the median home value in the county where the home is located. Instead of a the same “one size fits all” amount for all homes statewide, tying the size of the exemption to each home’s value would make the tax savings relatively greater for those in the county with lower home values and therefore likely lower incomes. By acknowledging the difference in median home values between counties, it could help fiscally constrained counties deal with the revenue loss.
  1. Any new property tax benefit for homestead property only should be accompanied by a requirement that local governments adopt the rolled-back rate after adding back any taxable value lost to the new exemption, at least temporarily. This would ensure that tax burden is not shifted to other properties, but also that taxpayers receive the full value of the exemption the Legislature (and voters) expected.
  1. The Legislature should reform the Value Adjustment Board system, especially increasing the independence of VABs from the local officials that spend the money. A three percent success rate for taxpayers challenging their assessments (for people outside of Miami-Dade County) does not indicate a fair system.

Florida TaxWatch also examines the Florida House of Representatives’ seven proposed constitutional amendments and one statutory change, including the fiscal impact of each, which may be found on pages 5 through 8 here.

About Florida TaxWatch
As an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit government watchdog and taxpayer research institute, and the trusted “eyes and ears” of Florida taxpayers for more than 45 years, Florida TaxWatch (FTW) works to improve the productivity and accountability of Florida government. Its research recommends productivity enhancements and explains the statewide impact of fiscal and economic policies and practices on taxpayers and businesses. FTW is supported by its membership via voluntary, tax-deductible donations and private grants. Donations provide a solid, lasting foundation that has enabled FTW to bring about a more effective, responsive government that is more accountable to, and productive for, the taxpayers it has served since 1979. For more information, please visit www.floridataxwatch.org.

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~ 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. ~ 

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis joined First Lady Casey DeSantis and Mayo Clinic President and CEO Dr. Kent Thielen to announce that Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville is launching the first carbon ion therapy program in America and the only carbon ion therapy program in the Western Hemisphere.

“Our administration is committed to fighting cancer by making targeted investments in innovative therapies that have the potential to save lives," said Governor Ron DeSantis. "During my time as governor, we’ve increased funding for cancer research and treatment programs by more than 114 percent. The Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program has strengthened Florida’s position as a national leader in cancer research and innovation. We’re proud that Mayo Clinic chose Florida as the home for this groundbreaking initiative, and we look forward to seeing how these cutting-edge therapies give hope to patients fighting some of the most aggressive and treatment-resistant cancers.”

In June 2025, Mayo Clinic opened the 228,000-square-foot Duan Family Building in Jacksonville to expand cancer treatment and research. The new facility will be uniquely designed to deliver both carbon ion therapy and proton therapy, including the ability to treat the same tumor with either approach for greater precision.

“Under the Governor’s leadership, Florida continues to lead in innovation, and today at Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, we are proving that this leadership extends beyond our state, transforming not only how we care for Floridians, but also how the rest of America approaches cancer treatment,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “This state-of-the-art technology was made possible, in part, through funding from the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program.”

Mayo Clinic expects proton therapy to begin in 2027 and carbon ion therapy to begin in 2028. Patients will benefit from expanded care well before then through additional services already being offered at the facility, including photon therapy, immunotherapy, CAR-T cell therapy, advanced imaging, and other specialized cancer services.

Carbon ion therapy is one of the most advanced radiation treatment technologies in the world, designed for hard-to-treat and treatment-resistant cancers. Until now, the therapy has only been available at a limited number of centers in Asia and Europe.

Florida continues to invest heavily in cancer research and treatment. Since 2019, Florida has invested more than $1 billion, increasing cancer program funding by more than 114% and committing nearly $218 million for cancer research in 2025 alone.

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TALLAHASSEE – On Dec. 18, 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis announced a total of $311 million in awards to improve infrastructure in 37 Florida communities, which includes 32 awards to rural counties and small cities. These awards come from funding through both the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Infrastructure Repair Program, helping communities impacted by the 2023 and 2024 Storms—Hurricanes Idalia, Debby, Helene, Milton and the 2024 North Florida Tornadoes and funding from the Rural Infrastructure Fund (RIF). These awards invest in critical infrastructure needs ranging from utility and transportation improvements to emergency operations resources in these communities—especially supporting critical water infrastructure investments across the state.

“Today in Highlands County, I was proud to announce $311 million in grant awards to improve infrastructure in 37 communities across Florida impacted by the major storms of 2023 and 2024—Hurricanes Idalia, Debby, Helene, Milton and the North Florida Tornadoes,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “These infrastructure projects will help make Florida more prosperous, more resilient, and better prepared to weather any storms that may come our way.”

“These awards directly support job creation by providing communities with the critical infrastructure to embolden their vision for resiliency and business formation,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “Whether it’s upgrading utilities, developing pad ready manufacturing sites, or improving essential services, these projects help small and rural communities attract job creators, bolster their workforce and build a thriving economic future.”

The following communities will receive funds through the 2023 and 2024 Storms Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Infrastructure Repair Program:

 
  • Bradford County Board of County Commissioners ($5,951,403) - to structurally reinforce the roadway by adding base, pavement and re-establish the roadside swales by regrading and adding erosion protection.
  • Citrus County Board of County Commissioners ($16,435,400) – to support the replacement of a sanitary sewer system following stormwater intrusion and increased flows caused by the 2023 and 2024 storms. Upgrading these systems will expand capacity and help alleviate long-standing constraints on the county’s ability to grow, supporting future business development.  
  • City of Arcadia 
    o   $14,233,044 – to widen the main stormwater channel in the city,         providing additional storage during storms.  
    o   $8,514,000 – to construct and expand the wastewater treatment plant. 
  • City of Live Oak ($3,895,500) – to construct a 100,000-gallon water storage tank and support a water line loop project.  
  • City of Macclenny ($7,028,700) – to harden and modernize the Ohio Street Water Treatment Plant by upgrading and improving software and equipment. 
  • City of Palatka ($4,932,396) - to harden and expand the capacity of the city’s wastewater treatment plant to handle future wet weather surges. 
  • City of Wauchula ($2,386,500) – to support wastewater system repairs, rehabilitation and floodwater mitigation.  
  • Columbia County Board of County Commissioners ($4,000,000) – to upgrade and harden community shelters in Columbia County.  
  • DeSoto County Board of County Commissioners ($8,000,000) – to construct and install wells and a pumping system to connect the wastewater treatment plant to the disposal wells—providing a more secure, underground disposal method for treated wastewater.  
  • Hardee County Board of County Commissioners ($1,900,000) – to remove vegetative debris from the Peace River Waterway system. 
  • Jacksonville Electric Authority ($20,000,000) – to redirect all wastewater flows to Jacksonville Electric Authority’s existing, reliable wastewater treatment facility.   
  • Okeechobee County Board of County Commissioners ($2,720,000) – to rehabilitate, preserve and harden five critical county-owned bridges.  
  • Peace River Watershed Project ($70,000,000) – to support the water infrastructure repair project in Polk County—ensuring restoration and resiliency that manages flood risk and water quality impairment through habitat restoration.  
  • Santa Fe College ($5,000,000) – to repair and upgrade the campus gymnasium due to significant roof damage from the 2023 and 2024 Storms.  
  • Sebring Airport Authority ($3,044,630) – to demolish and replace the existing stormwater system and associated infrastructure at Sebring Regional Airport and Multimodal Logistics Center. 
  • Suwannee County Board of County Commissioners ($38,044,115) – to construct the North Florida Regional Special Needs Emergency Shelter.   
  • Town of Glen St. Mary ($1,339,500) – to harden the wastewater collection system by installing permanent standby generators for the sanitary sewer lift stations.  
  • Town of St. Lucie Village ($12,124,812) – to construct a resilient, centralized potable water supply system for the town’s public use. 
  • Union County Board of County Commissioners ($1,401,750) – to construct a hardened public safety communications tower and upgrade the county’s current emergency dispatch system.  
  • Village of Indiantown  
    o   $9,300,000 – to construct a new Reverse Osmosis water treatment plant, replacing existing outdated systems.  
    o   $7,900,000 – to replace 13,000 linear feet of the main water transmission main for the Village. 

In addition to the $400 million in IRP funding, an allotment of $50 million has been allocated by HUD to eligible counties and municipalities located in 2023 and 2024 Storms' Most Impacted and Distressed (MID) areas affected by Hurricane Ian.

The following communities will receive funds under both Hurricane Ian and the 2023 and 2024 Storms Community Development Block Grant (CDBG-DR) Infrastructure Repair Program:
 
  • City of Avon Park ($22,248,529) – to assess, evaluate, repair, sleeve or rebuild the facilities at the City of Avon Park’s Sanitary Sewer Collection System.
  • Immokalee Water and Sewer District ($10,823,000) – to improve the existing wastewater treatment plant, addressing hydraulic imbalances, enhancing treatment reliability and providing surge capacity necessary to manage extreme wet-weather inflows.
  • Town of Dundee
    o   $6,008,781 – to harden the town’s sanitary sewer collection system and install monitoring equipment at the town’s wastewater treatment plant. 
    o   $10,257,429 – to repair damage and harden the town’s potable water system.
 
The RIF program supports infrastructure projects that drive job creation, capital investment, and strengthen economies in Rural Areas of Opportunity (RAO), rural counties and rural communities. For Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-2026, the Florida Legislature appropriated $17 million for the RIF statewide program and $5 million for the Panhandle-Specific program for a total of $22 million. FloridaCommerce received a record 112 applications requesting more than $195 million in funding during the 2025-2026 RIF application period. Since 2019, the program has awarded more than $110 million in grant funds.

The following communities will receive funds through the Rural Infrastructure Fund Program: 

  • City of Frostproof ($238,991) – to extend an existing water main, designing a 12-inch loop allowing for extension to the area proposed as the Duke Readiness Center. 
  • City of Lake City ($1,788,415) – to replace a hangar at the Lake City Gateway Airport significantly damaged by Hurricane Idalia.  
  • City of Okeechobee ($1,200,000) – to support a construction project aimed at improving public infrastructure, facilitating expansion within an existing industrial site, including the resurfacing of two major roads that provide access to the Okeechobee Commerce Center. 
  • City of Wauchula ($510,000) – to enhance the existing water distribution system by installing approximately 7,100 linear feet of water main, enhancing fire protection along Townsend Street to U.S. Highway 17. 
  • Columbia County Board of County Commissioners ($2,000,000) – to construct an inbound and outbound rail track serving the North Florida Mega Industrial Park.  
  • Hardee County ($250,000) – to build a dewatering facility, reducing long-term disposal costs. 
  • Hardee County Industrial Development Authority ($226,250) – to continue their centralized parking construction, including the relocation of electrical utilities underground. 
  • Keystone Heights Airport Authority ($2,950,450) – to construct a runway extension to Runway 2.   
  • Okeechobee Utility Authority ($1,000,000) – to install pipe and corresponding water mains to connect previously completed water infrastructure. 
  • Putnam County Board of County Commissioners ($3,000,000) – to construct and commission critical public infrastructure at the Central Landfill in Putnam County.  
  • Town of Zolfo Springs ($300,000) – to conduct a comprehensive Sanitary Sewer Evaluation Survey which will identify infiltration and inflow sources and address challenges from power outages, lift station failures and aging infrastructure.  

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TALLAHASSEE – Florida students are invited to take part in the 2025 Native American Heritage Month art and essay contests, celebrating this year’s theme: “Celebrating Florida’s Native American Heritage,” according to an announcement Thursday from the Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida.

Native American Heritage Month is observed nationwide each November and serves as a time to acknowledge the cultural, historical and artistic contributions of Native Americans. This year’s contests are designed to encourage students across all grade levels to explore and share stories of Florida’s Native American leaders, artists and historical figures.

“We are proud to offer students opportunities to learn from and honor the Native Americans who have shaped Florida’s story,” said Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas. “I encourage every student to learn about our Native American history and discover the remarkable achievements they made.”

Volunteer Florida CEO Josie Tamayo echoed the message, stating, “I am proud to celebrate the culture and heritage of Native Americans who enrich the value of our Nation. During Native American Heritage Month, we honor the many contributions of Native American Floridians.”

Art Contest Details

All Florida students are eligible to participate. Students in grades K–3 may enter the art contest by submitting one original, two-dimensional piece of artwork reflecting this year’s theme. Four statewide winners will be selected, with each receiving a $200 gift card for school supplies and a one-year pass to Florida State Parks.

Essay Contest Details

Students in grades 4–12 may enter the essay contest. Six winners will be chosen—two from each grade level group (4–5, 6–8, 9–12). Each winning essayist will receive a two-year Florida College Plan scholarship from the Florida Prepaid College Foundation and a $200 school-supply gift card. Essays must be written in English, no longer than 500 words, and focus on a Native American Floridian who has had a meaningful impact on the state’s history or culture.

Examples of suggested subjects include Betty Mae Tiger Jumper, the first woman elected Chair of the Seminole Tribe of Florida; Ulele, sometimes referred to as “Florida’s Timucuan Pocahontas”; Osceola, a prominent advocate for Seminole rights in the 1800s; and Noah Billie, a noted Seminole painter.

Excellence in Education Award

The Governor’s Native American Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award is open to all full-time educators in Florida’s elementary, middle and high schools. Four winners will be selected. Nominations may be submitted by teachers, principals, parents, guardians or students. Winners will receive $2,500 from Volunteer Florida.

How to Enter

Contest entry forms and educator nomination forms may be submitted online or mailed to:

Volunteer Florida

Native American Heritage Month Committee

1545 Raymond Diehl Road, Suite 250

Tallahassee, Florida 32308

All entries must be received by 5 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, Nov. 21, 2025. Additional information is available at www.floridanativeamericanheritage.com.

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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. —Today, Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis announced Florida awards $30 million in grant funding to four specialty children’s hospitals in Florida to develop and improve access to clinical trials, advance treatment protocols, and discover cures for childhood cancer. Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Nemour’s Children’s Hospital in Orlando, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami, and Wolfson Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville were each awarded $7.5 million.

“Since I became governor, Florida has invested more than $1 billion in cancer research and treatment—a 114% increase. We created the Cancer Connect Collaborative Research Incubator program within the Florida Department of Health this year to enhance cancer research throughout Florida,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Four of Florida’s top children’s hospitals have received a total of $30 million in funding for their innovative proposals to help children and adolescents who are fighting cancer. By investing in statewide infrastructure for pediatric cancer initiatives, we aim to eliminate the need for Florida families to travel out of state for potentially life-saving experimental therapies and specialized care.”

The Cancer Connect Collaborative Research Incubator was created in 2025 to further Florida efforts as a leader in cancer research and treatment. The Incubator is funded with $30 million and will focus on pediatric cancer in its first five-year funding cycle. While pediatric cancer accounts for just one percent of cases nationally, Florida’s pediatric cancer population is significant, with the state accounting for six percent of all new pediatric cancer cases in the U.S., thereby impacting thousands of children and families every year.

“Research Incubator investments to advance research, prevention, and treatment for pediatric cancer represents a meaningful step forward in our mission to improve outcomes, strengthen families, and ensure that every child has access to the most advanced care possible right here in Florida,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “I’m deeply grateful to Governor DeSantis for his unwavering leadership and commitment to advancing cancer research in Florida.”

“Thanks to the vision and leadership of First Lady Casey DeSantis, Florida continues to set the national standard for advancing adult and childhood cancer research and care,” said State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph A Ladapo. “Through the Cancer Connect Collaborative Research Incubator, we’re not only investing in science—we’re investing in hope for children and families across the state.”

The Incubator is part of Florida’s Cancer Connect Collaborative, an innovative model designed to accelerate research, share best practices, and turn data into actionable results. Guided by five pillars—Data, Best Practices, Innovation, Honesty, and Funding—the initiative brings together public and private partners to reshape cancer care delivery.

“Thanks to the leadership of First Lady and Governor DeSantis, Florida continues to make cancer research and treatment a top priority,” said Agency for Health Care Administration Secretary Shevaun Harris. “The Cancer Connect Collaborative Research Incubator is a bold step forward, beginning with pediatric cancer research. We look forward to seeing the strides made among the awardees and the collaboration that will accelerate breakthroughs, improve access to therapies, and offer hope to families across our state.”

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William Garst HSUsing an inhaler seems straightforward, but it’s actually a high-precision task. If the technique isn't quite right, the medication often ends up hitting the back of your throat instead of reaching your lungs where it’s needed.

Here is a guide to help you master the puff.

The Pre-Game Checklist

Before you even take a breath, make sure the device is ready to perform.

 

  • Check the Dose Counter: It sounds obvious, but many people keep “puffing” an empty canister. If it’s in the red or at zero, it's time for a replacement.
  • Shake it Up: Most Metered-Dose Inhalers (MDIs) are suspensions. Shake the inhaler for 5 seconds to mix the medicine with the propellant. (Note: Dry Powder Inhalers do not need shaking).
  • Prime the Pump: If you haven’t used the inhaler in a few days (or if it’s brand new), spray it twice into the air to ensure the next dose is full strength.

Perfecting the Technique

The goal is to create a clear “highway” for the mist or powder to travel down.

For Metered-Dose Inhalers (MDIs - the “L” shaped ones)

  1. Exhale Fully: Breathe out away from the inhaler until your lungs feel empty. This creates space for the medication.
  2. Posture Matters: Sit up straight or stand. Tilt your chin up slightly to straighten the airway.
  3. The Slow Sip: Start inhaling slowly and deeply just as you press the canister. Think of it like a long, steady straw sip, not a quick gasp.
  4. The 10-Second Hold: Hold your breath for 10 seconds (or as long as comfortable) to let the particles settle deep in the lungs.

For Dry Powder Inhalers (DPIs - like Diskus or Ellipta)

  • The Quick Snap: Unlike MDIs, DPIs require a quick, forceful breath to “suck” the powder out.
  • Keep it Dry: Never exhale into a DPI, as the moisture from your breath can clump the powder.

Pro-Tips for Better Results

Tip

Why it Matters

Use a Spacer

For MDIs, a spacer (valved holding chamber) catches the “mist” so you can breathe it in naturally. It's often more effective than "open mouth" techniques.

The 60-Second Rule

If you need two puffs of the same med, wait about one minute between them. This allows the lungs to open slightly from the first puff, making the second more effective. This is not true for inhaled corticosteroids and unlikely to make a difference with albuterol in most cases

Rinse and Spit

If your inhaler contains a steroid (preventer), always rinse your mouth with water and spit it out afterward to prevent oral thrush (a yeast infection).

Maintenance & Storage

  • Clean the Plastic: Once a week, remove the metal canister and wash the plastic actuator with warm water. Let it air dry. Clogged nozzles lead to uneven doses.
  • Temperature Control: Don't leave inhalers in a hot car. Extreme heat can cause the canister to burst or the medication to degrade.

Common Mistake to Avoid

The “Tongue Block”: Make sure your tongue is on the floor of your mouth. If your tongue is up, it acts like a shield, and the medicine just sticks to it instead of going down your windpipe.

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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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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Managing glaucoma requires a commitment to a daily routine. Because glaucoma is often “silent” (meaning you won't feel your eye pressure rising), the medications are your primary defense against permanent vision loss.

William Garst HS
Here are five essential things every patient should know about glaucoma medications:

  1. Consistency is Your Most Powerful Tool

Glaucoma eye drops only work for a specific window of time (usually 12 to 24 hours). If you skip a dose, your eye pressure can spike, causing “silent” damage to the optic nerve.

  • The Goal: Maintain a steady level of medication in your eye around the clock.
  • Pro-Tip: Tie your drop schedule to a daily habit, like brushing your teeth or having your morning coffee, to ensure you never miss a dose.
  1. Proper Technique Prevents “Body-Wide” Side Effects

Many patients don't realize that eye drops can enter the bloodstream through the tear ducts, potentially affecting your heart or lungs. You can minimize this using a technique called Punctal Occlusion:

  • After putting in a drop, close your eyes gently (do not squeeze or blink rapidly).
  • Use your finger to press firmly on the inner corner of your eye (near the bridge of your nose) for 1 to 2 minutes.
  • This keeps the medicine in your eye and prevents it from draining into your throat and bloodstream.
  1. The “Five-Minute Rule” for Multiple Drops

If your doctor prescribes more than one type of eye drop, wait at least 5 minutes between them.

  • Why? Your eye can only hold about one-sixth of a single drop at a time. If you put the second drop in too quickly, it will simply wash out the first one before it has a chance to be absorbed, making your treatment less effective.
  1. Side Effects Are Common — and Manageable

Don't be alarmed if your eyes sting, turn red, or feel “gritty” when you first start a new medication.

  • Expect Local Changes: Some drops (Prostaglandins) can cause your eyelashes to grow longer or even permanently darken the color of your iris (the colored part of your eye).
  • Monitor Systemic Effects: Beta-blocker drops can sometimes slow your heart rate or worsen asthma. Always tell your eye doctor about your full medical history, especially heart or lung conditions.
  • Refrigeration Trick: If you have trouble feeling if the drop actually landed in your eye, try keeping the bottle in the fridge. The cold sensation makes it much easier to tell if you’ve “hit the target.”
  1. They Don't Make Your Vision Better (But They Keep It)

One of the hardest parts of glaucoma treatment is that the medication doesn't improve your sight or make your eyes feel better — it simply preserves the vision you still have.

  • Stay the Course: You may feel like the drops aren't “doing anything” because you don't see a difference, but they are working behind the scenes to prevent blindness.
  • Never Stop Suddenly: Abruptly stopping glaucoma medication can cause a dangerous “rebound” spike in eye pressure.

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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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William Garst HSEveryone 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.

*     *     *

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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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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

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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 William Garst HSK2 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

Feature

Vitamin K1 (Phylloquinone)

Vitamin K2 (Menaquinones)

Primary Source

Green leafy vegetables

Fermented foods (natto, cheese), animal products (egg yolks, some meats), and gut bacteria

Primary Function

Blood coagulation (clotting)

Bone health, cardiovascular health (preventing arterial calcification)

Historical Focus

The first form of the vitamin discovered; initial research focused entirely on this form for its anti-hemorrhagic effects.

A later discovery, with its distinct functions only becoming widely known and studied in the last few decades.

Chemical Structure

A single compound (phylloquinone)

A family of compounds (menaquinones), denoted as MK-4, MK-7, etc.

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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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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 William Garst HSplagued 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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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William Garst HSUsing an inhaler seems straightforward, but it’s actually a high-precision task. If the technique isn't quite right, the medication often ends up hitting the back of your throat instead of reaching your lungs where it’s needed.

Here is a guide to help you master the puff.

The Pre-Game Checklist

Before you even take a breath, make sure the device is ready to perform.

 

  • Check the Dose Counter: It sounds obvious, but many people keep “puffing” an empty canister. If it’s in the red or at zero, it's time for a replacement.
  • Shake it Up: Most Metered-Dose Inhalers (MDIs) are suspensions. Shake the inhaler for 5 seconds to mix the medicine with the propellant. (Note: Dry Powder Inhalers do not need shaking).
  • Prime the Pump: If you haven’t used the inhaler in a few days (or if it’s brand new), spray it twice into the air to ensure the next dose is full strength.

Perfecting the Technique

The goal is to create a clear “highway” for the mist or powder to travel down.

For Metered-Dose Inhalers (MDIs - the “L” shaped ones)

  1. Exhale Fully: Breathe out away from the inhaler until your lungs feel empty. This creates space for the medication.
  2. Posture Matters: Sit up straight or stand. Tilt your chin up slightly to straighten the airway.
  3. The Slow Sip: Start inhaling slowly and deeply just as you press the canister. Think of it like a long, steady straw sip, not a quick gasp.
  4. The 10-Second Hold: Hold your breath for 10 seconds (or as long as comfortable) to let the particles settle deep in the lungs.

For Dry Powder Inhalers (DPIs - like Diskus or Ellipta)

  • The Quick Snap: Unlike MDIs, DPIs require a quick, forceful breath to “suck” the powder out.
  • Keep it Dry: Never exhale into a DPI, as the moisture from your breath can clump the powder.

Pro-Tips for Better Results

Tip

Why it Matters

Use a Spacer

For MDIs, a spacer (valved holding chamber) catches the “mist” so you can breathe it in naturally. It's often more effective than "open mouth" techniques.

The 60-Second Rule

If you need two puffs of the same med, wait about one minute between them. This allows the lungs to open slightly from the first puff, making the second more effective. This is not true for inhaled corticosteroids and unlikely to make a difference with albuterol in most cases

Rinse and Spit

If your inhaler contains a steroid (preventer), always rinse your mouth with water and spit it out afterward to prevent oral thrush (a yeast infection).

Maintenance & Storage

  • Clean the Plastic: Once a week, remove the metal canister and wash the plastic actuator with warm water. Let it air dry. Clogged nozzles lead to uneven doses.
  • Temperature Control: Don't leave inhalers in a hot car. Extreme heat can cause the canister to burst or the medication to degrade.

Common Mistake to Avoid

The “Tongue Block”: Make sure your tongue is on the floor of your mouth. If your tongue is up, it acts like a shield, and the medicine just sticks to it instead of going down your windpipe.

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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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William Garst HSUsing an inhaler seems straightforward, but it’s actually a high-precision task. If the technique isn't quite right, the medication often ends up hitting the back of your throat instead of reaching your lungs where it’s needed.

Here is a guide to help you master the puff.

The Pre-Game Checklist

Before you even take a breath, make sure the device is ready to perform.

 

  • Check the Dose Counter: It sounds obvious, but many people keep “puffing” an empty canister. If it’s in the red or at zero, it's time for a replacement.
  • Shake it Up: Most Metered-Dose Inhalers (MDIs) are suspensions. Shake the inhaler for 5 seconds to mix the medicine with the propellant. (Note: Dry Powder Inhalers do not need shaking).
  • Prime the Pump: If you haven’t used the inhaler in a few days (or if it’s brand new), spray it twice into the air to ensure the next dose is full strength.

Perfecting the Technique

The goal is to create a clear “highway” for the mist or powder to travel down.

For Metered-Dose Inhalers (MDIs - the “L” shaped ones)

  1. Exhale Fully: Breathe out away from the inhaler until your lungs feel empty. This creates space for the medication.
  2. Posture Matters: Sit up straight or stand. Tilt your chin up slightly to straighten the airway.
  3. The Slow Sip: Start inhaling slowly and deeply just as you press the canister. Think of it like a long, steady straw sip, not a quick gasp.
  4. The 10-Second Hold: Hold your breath for 10 seconds (or as long as comfortable) to let the particles settle deep in the lungs.

For Dry Powder Inhalers (DPIs - like Diskus or Ellipta)

  • The Quick Snap: Unlike MDIs, DPIs require a quick, forceful breath to “suck” the powder out.
  • Keep it Dry: Never exhale into a DPI, as the moisture from your breath can clump the powder.

Pro-Tips for Better Results

Tip

Why it Matters

Use a Spacer

For MDIs, a spacer (valved holding chamber) catches the “mist” so you can breathe it in naturally. It's often more effective than "open mouth" techniques.

The 60-Second Rule

If you need two puffs of the same med, wait about one minute between them. This allows the lungs to open slightly from the first puff, making the second more effective. This is not true for inhaled corticosteroids and unlikely to make a difference with albuterol in most cases

Rinse and Spit

If your inhaler contains a steroid (preventer), always rinse your mouth with water and spit it out afterward to prevent oral thrush (a yeast infection).

Maintenance & Storage

  • Clean the Plastic: Once a week, remove the metal canister and wash the plastic actuator with warm water. Let it air dry. Clogged nozzles lead to uneven doses.
  • Temperature Control: Don't leave inhalers in a hot car. Extreme heat can cause the canister to burst or the medication to degrade.

Common Mistake to Avoid

The “Tongue Block”: Make sure your tongue is on the floor of your mouth. If your tongue is up, it acts like a shield, and the medicine just sticks to it instead of going down your windpipe.

*     *     *

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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

#     #     #

Email editor@

alachuatoday.com