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In The Spotlight
ALACHUA COUNTY – series of school closures and campus reconfigurations, including plans affecting Alachua and Newberry-area schools, will move forward as part of a broader districtwide rezoning plan approved by the Alachua County School Board.
Alachua Elementary School is projected to close at the end of the 2027-28 school year. A proposal to close Irby Elementary School and shift students into a renovated and expanded kindergarten-through-eighth-grade campus at Mebane Middle School remains under consideration. School Board members have requested additional information from district staff before making a final decision, which is expected in May. That decision could also affect grade configurations at the Mebane campus.
In western Alachua County, Oak View Middle School in Newberry is set to transition into a prekindergarten-through-eighth-grade campus beginning this fall. The move will incorporate much of the current Newberry Elementary attendance zone. The change follows the conversion of Newberry Elementary into an independently operated charter school, requiring the district to provide a traditional public school option for families in the area.
To accommodate the transition, modular classroom buildings previously used for other construction projects will be relocated to the Oak View campus this summer. District officials also plan to develop a new elementary school building at the site in the future.
Those changes are part of a larger plan approved after months of public meetings, revisions and community input. The initiative will redraw attendance boundaries across elementary, middle and high schools beginning with the 2026-27 school year.
District leaders say the updated boundaries are designed to better balance enrollment across schools, addressing both overcrowding and under-enrollment. District officials estimate there are currently about 6,600 empty seats — enough to fill multiple campuses.
In addition to the changes affecting Alachua and western parts of the county, the plan includes the closure of Foster Elementary School at the end of the current school year. Williams Elementary School, the district’s oldest campus at 89 years, is projected to close at the end of the 2027-28 school year.
Lincoln Middle School, located next to Williams, is slated for major renovations along with construction of a new elementary building. The site will be converted into a K-8 campus, with most Williams students expected to transition there once construction is complete. In the meantime, those students are expected to remain at Williams.
Superintendent Kamela Patton said the plan is intended to allow the district to better focus its resources.
“This plan will allow us to focus our resources on expanding and enhancing educational programs and updating our school facilities,” Patton said. “Instead of spending tens of millions of dollars on overhead costs and expensive repairs at underused buildings, we can invest those resources to create more learning opportunities and better learning environments for our students.”
District officials said additional details, including updated attendance maps and frequently asked questions, are available on the school district’s website.
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Alachua elected officials and city staff serve food to diners during the “Stick a Fork in Cancer” fundraiser held March 5, 2026, at Mi Apa Latin Café in Alachua. The annual event supports the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, with a portion of the day’s restaurant proceeds donated to cancer research and patient services. / Photo special to Alachua County Today
ALACHUA ‒ In a blend of food, community spirit and fundraising, local leaders once again stepped behind the counter to help raise money for cancer research during a Relay for Life fundraiser held Wednesday, March 5, 2026, at Mi Apa Latin Café in Alachua.
The annual event, known as “Stick a Fork in Cancer,” brings community volunteers into local restaurants to serve customers while raising funds for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. During the event, the Alachua Mi Apa donated a percentage of its proceeds to support the organization’s cancer research and patient services programs.
City of Alachua commissioners, staff members and public safety officials volunteered as guest servers during both breakfast and lunch shifts, greeting customers, delivering meals and helping encourage donations.
The “Stick a Fork in Cancer” initiative is held in communities across the country as part of broader efforts supporting the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life program, which raises funds for cancer research, patient assistance and community education.
For Alachua participants, the event provided an opportunity not only to serve meals but also to help raise awareness and financial support for those affected by cancer.
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Shoppers browse vendor booths at the Alachua County Farmers Market at its new home in San Felasco Tech City. The more than 50-year-old market is now in full swing at the Tech City location, operating Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to noon. / Photo special to alachua County Today
ALACHUA – With colorful vendor tents lining brick walkways and shoppers filling market bags with fresh produce, the Alachua County Farmers Market is now in full swing at its new home in San Felasco Tech City.
After relocating just months ago from its longtime site along U.S. 441, the oldest continuously operating farmers market in the area has settled into its new location at 13900 Tech City Circle, just a few miles north of its former home. Organizers say the move has allowed the more than 50-year-old institution to continue its mission of supporting local agriculture while welcoming new customers and vendors.
The transition has been marked by a steady turnout of longtime patrons and first-time visitors alike. Vendors offering seasonal produce, meats, eggs, dairy products, seafood, plants and honey now operate beneath a covered structure at Tech City, providing a sheltered and inviting environment for weekly shopping.
Earlier this winter, the market hosted a series of free culinary tastings and organic gardening workshops to introduce the community to the new site. Throughout January, vendors including jam makers, beekeepers, pickle producers, sprouts growers and bakers offered rotating selections of complimentary samples while sharing ideas for incorporating locally produced foods into everyday meals. Vendors also raffled off product packages to encourage residents to make the Saturday market part of their routine.
In February, programming shifted to gardening education as North Central Florida entered its spring growing season. Growers led organic gardening workshops covering topics such as cultivating vegetables, herbs, ornamentals and butterfly gardens in small spaces, along with practical instruction on composting, organic pest control and container gardening.
Organizers emphasize that all items sold at the market are locally grown or produced, reinforcing the market’s long-standing commitment to supporting area farmers and small businesses. Buying local food, they note, not only ensures freshness but also helps keep food dollars circulating within the community.
Market hours remain unchanged. The Alachua County Farmers Market operates every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to noon and is pet-friendly, welcoming well-behaved animals as part of its community atmosphere.
With decades of history behind it, the market’s relocation represents both continuity and renewal. Now fully established at San Felasco Tech City, the Alachua County Farmers Market continues to serve as a weekly gathering place where residents can shop local, learn from growers and connect with neighbors.
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Structural roof and stabilization work is underway at the historic Priest Theatre in downtown High Springs. The City of High Springs has undertaken repairs to address long-standing deterioration at the 1910-era landmark. / Alachua County Today Staff Photographer
HIGH SPRINGS – Visible signs of structural work are now evident at the historic Priest Theatre, marking progress in the city’s effort to stabilize one of downtown High Springs’ most prominent landmarks.
The 1910-era building, located along Northwest 237th Street, has remained in severely blighted condition for years, drawing concern from residents and city officials. In 2023, the Florida Legislature approved a $1,040,450 appropriation to the City of High Springs to purchase, renovate and restore the structure for public use.
Following acquisition of the building, the High Springs City Commission in August 2024 authorized structural mitigation work to stabilize the deteriorating structure. The scope of work included securing the existing perimeter, removing and replacing the compromised roof and addressing structural deficiencies in the steel frame.
In September 2025, the city awarded Hoffman Construction Inc. a contract totaling $550,828 for roof replacement and structural upgrades. The commission also approved an additional $18,280 for replacement of the parapet wood apron on the building’s front elevation.
In December 2025, commissioners authorized a services agreement with Hoffman Construction for continued structural roof repairs.
The ongoing work is intended to halt further deterioration and preserve the integrity of the building while longer-term plans are evaluated.
Originally constructed in the early 20th century, the Priest Theatre once served as a centerpiece of downtown High Springs. Over time, however, deferred maintenance and structural decline left the building in significant disrepair.
City officials have stated that the current repairs are focused on stabilization rather than full restoration.
Most recently, the City Commission has discussed plans to sell the building once necessary structural repairs are completed. While no final decision has been announced regarding the building’s long-term use, officials have indicated that completing the mitigation work is a prerequisite to any transfer of ownership.
City leaders have emphasized that protecting the structural integrity of the building is critical to preventing further decline and preserving redevelopment opportunities.
As work continues, residents and downtown business owners are watching closely to see what the next chapter will hold for the long-vacant theater.
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More News
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
Pictured in no particular order: The men’s first-place team Joe Thigpen, Ken Vejraska, Ken Radcliffe and Ben Love / Photo special to Alachua County Today
Community members attend the City of Alachua’s 21st Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration: I Pledge Community Event on Jan. 19 at the Legacy Park Multipurpose Center, featuring music, remarks and fellowship honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr./Alachua County Today Staff Photographer
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
ALACHUA COUNTY – series of school closures and campus reconfigurations, including plans affecting Alachua and Newberry-area schools, will move forward as part of a broader districtwide rezoning plan approved by the Alachua County School Board.
Alachua Elementary School is projected to close at the end of the 2027-28 school year. A proposal to close Irby Elementary School and shift students into a renovated and expanded kindergarten-through-eighth-grade campus at Mebane Middle School remains under consideration. School Board members have requested additional information from district staff before making a final decision, which is expected in May. That decision could also affect grade configurations at the Mebane campus.
In western Alachua County, Oak View Middle School in Newberry is set to transition into a prekindergarten-through-eighth-grade campus beginning this fall. The move will incorporate much of the current Newberry Elementary attendance zone. The change follows the conversion of Newberry Elementary into an independently operated charter school, requiring the district to provide a traditional public school option for families in the area.
To accommodate the transition, modular classroom buildings previously used for other construction projects will be relocated to the Oak View campus this summer. District officials also plan to develop a new elementary school building at the site in the future.
Those changes are part of a larger plan approved after months of public meetings, revisions and community input. The initiative will redraw attendance boundaries across elementary, middle and high schools beginning with the 2026-27 school year.
District leaders say the updated boundaries are designed to better balance enrollment across schools, addressing both overcrowding and under-enrollment. District officials estimate there are currently about 6,600 empty seats — enough to fill multiple campuses.
In addition to the changes affecting Alachua and western parts of the county, the plan includes the closure of Foster Elementary School at the end of the current school year. Williams Elementary School, the district’s oldest campus at 89 years, is projected to close at the end of the 2027-28 school year.
Lincoln Middle School, located next to Williams, is slated for major renovations along with construction of a new elementary building. The site will be converted into a K-8 campus, with most Williams students expected to transition there once construction is complete. In the meantime, those students are expected to remain at Williams.
Superintendent Kamela Patton said the plan is intended to allow the district to better focus its resources.
“This plan will allow us to focus our resources on expanding and enhancing educational programs and updating our school facilities,” Patton said. “Instead of spending tens of millions of dollars on overhead costs and expensive repairs at underused buildings, we can invest those resources to create more learning opportunities and better learning environments for our students.”
District officials said additional details, including updated attendance maps and frequently asked questions, are available on the school district’s website.
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GAINESVILLE – A Newberry man has been sentenced to jail and probation after entering a plea in connection with an incident in which he pointed a handgun at two teenagers on Interstate 75, according to court records.
Robert Charles Reno III, 35, entered a plea of nolo contendere on March 5 to two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon stemming from a September 2025 encounter on I-75.
The charges relate to an incident on Sept. 7, 2025, when an Alachua County Sheriff’s deputy responded to the 388-mile marker on southbound Interstate 75, about two miles south of the Northwest 39th Avenue exit. Two victims, ages 17 and 18 and both from High Springs, reported that a man driving alongside them pointed a handgun in their direction.
According to the investigation, both vehicles were traveling southbound in the left lane when the driver of the victims’ vehicle braked, prompting Reno to brake to avoid a collision. Reno then moved into the center lane, pulled alongside the victims’ vehicle and pointed a handgun at them. The driver of the victims’ vehicle accelerated away, telling deputies he feared Reno would shoot.
Under the plea agreement, each count carried a maximum possible sentence of up to 10 years in state prison.
Circuit Judge James Colaw sentenced Reno on March 5 to 30 days in the Alachua County Jail, with credit for six days already served, followed by three years of probation.
As part of the sentence, Reno must forfeit the firearm involved in the incident and complete an anger management course. While on probation, he is prohibited from excessive alcohol use and illegal drug use and must submit to random urine testing.
Reno turned himself in on March 10 to begin serving his sentence.
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HIGH SPRINGS – High Springs city commissioners addressed a range of administrative, policy and community-related items during their March 12, 2026, meeting, including adopting a state-required ordinance, declining to advance proposed charter amendments and approving several agreements tied to recreation and neighborhood improvements.
One of the key actions taken by the commission was approval of Ordinance 2026-01, which establishes a process for reviewing and approving certified recovery residences within the city. The ordinance is required under Senate Bill 954, a state law that mandates local governments adopt procedures for regulating such housing.
Certified recovery residences are structured living environments designed to support individuals recovering from substance use disorders. The ordinance sets a framework for how those facilities will be evaluated and approved locally. Commissioners said they wanted to adopt a measure quickly to comply with state requirements, with plans to revisit the issue in more detail as part of a broader update to the city’s Land Development Regulations, or LDRs, the rules that govern zoning, land use and development standards.
City staff is currently working with the North Central Florida Regional Planning Council on that comprehensive LDR update. The ordinance passed unanimously.
In a separate matter, commissioners declined to move forward with two proposed amendments to the City Charter, the document that outlines how the local government is structured and operates. Although staff had been directed to draft the amendments, Vice Mayor Wayne Bloodsworth made a motion to deny them, citing concerns about unknown costs. Commissioner Katherine Weitz seconded the motion, and the commission voted unanimously in favor of denial.
The proposed changes were not discussed in detail during the meeting. According to agenda materials, one amendment would have established a method for resolving tie votes by using a plurality voting system, while the second would have updated residency requirements for city commissioners. The city attorney advised that the commission could revisit the proposals in a future year if desired.
Commissioners also approved the surplus and disposal of several pieces of city-owned equipment. A 2018 Gravely Pro-Turn mower used by the Parks and Recreation Department will be listed for sale through an online government auction platform. In addition, two police vehicles, a 2013 and a 2014 Dodge Charger, were declared surplus after being deemed no longer suitable for law enforcement use. The vehicles will be disposed of in accordance with city guidelines.
The commission filled a vacancy on the Mayor’s Youth Council, appointing Noah A. Walden as an alternate member. The term for the position will run through May 2028 or until graduation, whichever occurs first.
Commissioner Katherine Weitz was also appointed to serve as the city’s liaison to the Youth Council, replacing Mayor Andrew Miller. Commissioners approved the change unanimously, and Weitz agreed to take on the role.
In recreation-related business, commissioners approved an interlocal agreement, a formal partnership between government entities, with Alachua County Public Schools to allow use of the High Springs Community School gym for recreational volleyball programming.
The commission also voted to temporarily suspend the city’s alcohol consumption ordinance for a one-day event, Hot Rodding for Heroes, allowing alcohol to be consumed in designated areas during the event.
Several actions focused on neighborhood improvements tied to federal funding. Commissioners approved agreements with Fred Fox Enterprises Inc. for grant administration services and with CPH Consulting LLC for engineering services related to a Community Development Block Grant, or CDBG, in the Neighborhood Revitalization category. The CDBG program provides federal funding to local governments for projects aimed at improving housing, infrastructure and quality of life in eligible areas.
Looking ahead, the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency, which focuses on revitalization efforts in designated areas, is scheduled to meet March 26 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., immediately before the next City Commission meeting at 6:30 p.m.
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ALACHUA COUNTY – Local election officials are warning residents to be aware of upcoming election-related mailings from a nonprofit organization that is not affiliated with the Alachua County Supervisor of Elections.
According to the Supervisor of Elections office, the Voter Participation Center plans to send mailers to Alachua County voters and residents, with delivery expected around March 30. The organization, which operates nationally, is not connected to the county’s elections office.
Officials said the group has previously sent thousands of similar mailings in Alachua County. While the materials are generally intended for individuals who are not registered to vote, past mailings have led to confusion among some recipients, particularly when notices were sent based on outdated or incorrect information.
The Supervisor of Elections office emphasized that it does not provide address data for these mailings and is not involved in their distribution.
Residents who receive the mailers and have questions or concerns are encouraged to contact the Voter Participation Center directly. The organization can be reached at 866-209-9755 or online at voterparticipation.org.
Local officials also reminded residents that the Alachua County Supervisor of Elections remains the official source for voter registration and election information. Voters can check or update their registration status through the county’s website or by contacting the office directly at 352-374-5252.
Officials said verifying voter information through official channels can help prevent confusion as the mailings are distributed later this month.
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HIGH SPRINGS – Mr. and Mrs. Michael Muldoon stand in front of their High Springs home after being recognized by the High Springs Garden Club as the recipients of the club’s Winter “Yard of the Season” award. Their home at 19019 Main Street was selected for its well-maintained landscaping and overall presentation.
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GAINESVILLE – A Newberry man has been sentenced to jail and probation after entering a plea in connection with an incident in which he pointed a handgun at two teenagers on Interstate 75, according to court records.
Robert Charles Reno III, 35, entered a plea of nolo contendere on March 5 to two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon stemming from a September 2025 encounter on I-75.
The charges relate to an incident on Sept. 7, 2025, when an Alachua County Sheriff’s deputy responded to the 388-mile marker on southbound Interstate 75, about two miles south of the Northwest 39th Avenue exit. Two victims, ages 17 and 18 and both from High Springs, reported that a man driving alongside them pointed a handgun in their direction.
According to the investigation, both vehicles were traveling southbound in the left lane when the driver of the victims’ vehicle braked, prompting Reno to brake to avoid a collision. Reno then moved into the center lane, pulled alongside the victims’ vehicle and pointed a handgun at them. The driver of the victims’ vehicle accelerated away, telling deputies he feared Reno would shoot.
Under the plea agreement, each count carried a maximum possible sentence of up to 10 years in state prison.
Circuit Judge James Colaw sentenced Reno on March 5 to 30 days in the Alachua County Jail, with credit for six days already served, followed by three years of probation.
As part of the sentence, Reno must forfeit the firearm involved in the incident and complete an anger management course. While on probation, he is prohibited from excessive alcohol use and illegal drug use and must submit to random urine testing.
Reno turned himself in on March 10 to begin serving his sentence.
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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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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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Neuropathy is essentially a “glitch” in your body’s electrical system. It occurs when nerves — usually the peripheral nerves outside of your brain and spinal cord — become damaged or destroyed.
Instead of sending clear signals to your brain, these damaged nerves might send “phantom” pain signals, or stop sending signals altogether. It often feels like tingling, burning, or a numb “pins and needles” sensation, typically starting in the hands or feet.
Common Medications for Neuropathy
Treating neuropathy is usually a two-front war: managing the pain and addressing the underlying cause (like diabetes or vitamin deficiencies). Because “normal” painkillers like ibuprofen often don't touch nerve pain, doctors usually turn to these categories:
Anticonvulsants (Seizure Meds)
These are often the first line of defense. They work by "calming down" the overactive nerve cells that are firing off pain signals.
- Gabapentin (Neurontin): Very common; helps dampen the intensity of nerve firing.
- Pregabalin (Lyrica): Similar to Gabapentin but often works faster and is more easily absorbed.
Antidepressants
You don't have to be depressed to take these for neuropathy. They interfere with the chemical processes in your brain and spinal cord that cause you to feel pain.
- SNRIs (e.g., Duloxetine/Cymbalta): Often used for diabetic neuropathy.
- Tricyclic Antidepressants (e.g., Amitriptyline): Older meds that are very effective for nerve pain, though they can cause drowsiness.
Topical Treatments
If the pain is localized to a specific spot, sometimes it's better to treat the skin directly rather than taking a pill.
- Lidocaine Patches: Numb the area temporarily.
- Capsaicin Cream: Derived from chili peppers; it can actually “exhaust” the pain messengers in your nerves, though it might sting at first.
Pain Relievers
- OTC Meds: Acetaminophen or NSAIDs (Advil/Aleve) might help with mild symptoms but are generally less effective for deep nerve damage.
- Opioids: Generally considered a last resort due to the risk of addiction and the fact that they aren't always effective for chronic nerve pain.
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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Using 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)
- Exhale Fully: Breathe out away from the inhaler until your lungs feel empty. This creates space for the medication.
- Posture Matters: Sit up straight or stand. Tilt your chin up slightly to straighten the airway.
- 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.
- 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.
Here are five essential things every patient should know about glaucoma medications:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.”
- 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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Everyone taking prescription medications should be aware of essential safety practices. Here are six tips to help ensure you are taking your medicine correctly and safely:
1. Maintain a Comprehensive Medication List
Keep an up-to-date list of everything you take, and share it with every healthcare provider you see (doctors, specialists, dentists, and pharmacists).
- Include: All prescription drugs, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, vitamins, herbs, and dietary supplements.
- Detail: The name, dosage, how often you take it, and the reason it was prescribed.
- Why it matters: This is the most crucial step to prevent dangerous drug-to-drug interactions, to ensure you don't accidentally overdose on two products with the same active ingredient, and to help your doctor avoid prescribing medicine you shouldn't take.
2. Know the "Five W's" of Each New Drug
Before you leave the doctor's office or the pharmacy, make sure you know the following for every new prescription:
- What is the name of the drug and what is it for?
- When should I take it (e.g., morning, night, with food, on an empty stomach)?
- What are the most common side effects, and when should I call the doctor?
- What foods, drinks (like alcohol or grapefruit juice), or other medications should I avoid?
- Why am I taking this (What is the goal of the therapy)?
3. Take Your Medication Exactly as Prescribed
Consistency is key to the drug's effectiveness and your safety.
- Follow Directions: Take the exact dose at the exact time(s) specified. Do not skip doses, and never take a larger dose because you think it will work faster.
- Do Not Stop Early: Finish the full course of a prescription (especially antibiotics), even if you start to feel better. Never stop taking a maintenance drug on your own; always consult your doctor first.
- Ask Before Modifying: Do not crush, cut, or chew tablets unless your pharmacist or doctor specifically says it is safe, as this can affect how the drug is absorbed or release the medicine too quickly.
4. Use a Single Pharmacy
Whenever possible, fill all your prescriptions at the same pharmacy.
- Interaction Check: This allows your pharmacist—who is a medication expert—to have a complete and centralized record of your profile and automatically check for potential drug interactions or dosage conflicts.
- Ask Questions: Your pharmacist is your best resource for practical advice on when and how to take a medication and what common side effects to expect.
5. Store and Dispose of Medication Safely
Improper storage can ruin the drug's effectiveness, and improper disposal can lead to danger.
- Storage: Keep most medications in a cool, dry place, away from heat and direct sunlight. The bathroom medicine cabinet is often too humid for proper storage.
- Security: Always store medications, especially controlled substances and pain relievers, in a secure place out of reach and out of sight of children, pets, and visitors.
- Disposal: Never flush medicine down the toilet or throw it in the trash unless the label specifically instructs you to. Find a drug take-back program or a community disposal site (often at local police departments or pharmacies) for safe disposal of unused or expired drugs.
6. Never Share or Borrow Prescription Medication
Medications are prescribed based on an individual's specific medical condition, weight, allergies, and other concurrent medications.
- For You Only: Never take medicine prescribed to another person, even if you have the same symptoms. What is helpful for one person could be dangerous or deadly for another.
- Do Not Share: Never give your prescription to a family member or friend. If you have unused medication, dispose of it safely.
Prosper and be in health.
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William Garst is a consultant pharmacist who lives in Alachua, Florida. He is semi-retired and works part time at Lake Butler Hospital in Lake Butler, Florida. William received his pharmacy degree at Auburn University and a Doctor of Pharmacy from Colorado University. The Pharmacy Newsletter is a blog where you can find other informative columns. He may be contacted at 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
The history of vitamin K is a story of a single discovery that later expanded to include a family of related compounds, each with distinct roles in the body. The journey from initial observation to a detailed understanding of vitamin K1 and K2 spans several decades and involves multiple scientists.
The Initial Discovery of Vitamin K
The story begins in the late 1920s with Danish biochemist Henrik Dam.
- 1929: Dam was conducting experiments on chickens, feeding them a diet that was deficient in cholesterol and fat. After a few weeks, he noticed that the chickens developed a mysterious bleeding disorder, where their blood was slow to clot.
- 1935: Dam concluded that a new, fat-soluble vitamin was missing from the chickens' diet. He named this substance “Koagulations-Vitamin,” which is German and Danish for “coagulation vitamin.” This is where the letter “K” comes from.
- 1939: American biochemist Edward Doisy and his team at St. Louis University isolated and determined the chemical structure of the primary plant-based form of the vitamin, which they named phylloquinone. This substance would later be officially named Vitamin K1.
For their work on the discovery and chemical nature of vitamin K, Dam and Doisy were jointly awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1943.
Vitamin K1 (Phylloquinone)
- Source: From the very beginning, it was clear that the "anti-hemorrhagic" factor came from plant sources, particularly green, leafy vegetables like spinach and kale.
- Function: Early research, and the Nobel Prize, focused on its essential role in blood coagulation. Vitamin K1 acts as a crucial cofactor for an enzyme that "activates" several clotting factors in the liver, including prothrombin (Factor II), Factor VII, Factor IX, and Factor X. Without this activation, these proteins cannot function properly, leading to uncontrolled bleeding.
- Modern Understanding: Vitamin K1's role in blood clotting remains its most well-known and clinically important function. It is used medically to treat bleeding disorders, and is routinely given to newborns to prevent a condition called Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB).
Vitamin K2 (Menaquinones)
The story of vitamin K2 is more recent and has led to a re-evaluation of the entire vitamin K family.
- Discovery of a Second Form: Soon after the discovery of vitamin K1, scientists realized that there was another form of vitamin K. This second form, found in animal products and produced by bacteria, was chemically different. It was named menaquinone and collectively referred to as Vitamin K2. Unlike K1, which has a single chemical structure, K2 is a family of related compounds, designated as MK-4, MK-7, MK-9, etc., based on the length of their side chain.
- Japanese Fermented Foods: A major breakthrough in the understanding of K2 came from research into the traditional Japanese food natto, a dish of fermented soybeans. Scientists discovered that natto was an incredibly rich source of a long-chain menaquinone, specifically MK-7. This led to a boom in research on K2's health benefits.
- Beyond Blood Clotting: While K1 is primarily used by the liver for blood coagulation, researchers found that K2 has a different fate in the body. It is preferentially used by other tissues, especially bone and arterial tissues.
- The “Calcium Paradox”: A key aspect of modern K2 research is its role in “calcium trafficking.” Scientists have discovered that K2 activates proteins like osteocalcin in bones, which helps bind calcium and integrate it into the bone matrix. At the same time, K2 activates Matrix Gla Protein (MGP), a protein that prevents calcium from building up in soft tissues like arteries. This led to the theory that K2 may play a significant role in both bone health (preventing osteoporosis) and cardiovascular health (preventing arterial calcification).
Summary of Key Differences and Modern Research
|
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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