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“Boogie for a Cause Kick Off Party” will be held Tuesday, Aug. 26, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

GAINESVILLE — The Alzheimer’s Association is inviting the community to put on their dancing shoes for a disco-themed kickoff party ahead of the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Gainesville.

The “Boogie for a Cause Kick Off Party” will be held Tuesday, Aug. 26, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Village at Gainesville, 8000 NW 27th Blvd. The event will feature music, refreshments, dancing, and a best-dressed contest, while also offering information on how to get involved with this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

Organizers say the event is more than just a celebration — it’s a chance for people to come together in the fight against the disease. More than 7 million Americans, including 580,000 Floridians, are living with Alzheimer’s. Funds raised from the Walk support research, advocacy, and care resources for families affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

The Gainesville Walk to End Alzheimer’s will take place Saturday, Oct. 11, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 4000 NW 53rd Ave. A highlight of the day is the Promise Garden Ceremony, where participants hold colorful flowers representing their personal connection to the cause — whether walking for a loved one, as a caregiver, as a supporter, or in memory.

Since its start as the Memory Walk in 1989, the Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s has grown into the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research.

Registration for the Gainesville Walk is open at alz.org/GainesvilleWalk. For more information, contact Steph Watts at stwatts@alz.org or 813-493-0026.

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

ALACHUA COUNTY -  Are you looking for a volunteer opportunity that allows you to give back to your community and participate in your county's decision-making process? Serving on an Alachua County advisory board offers you this chance. The County Commission relies on input from these boards to make informed decisions and set policies. 

 Over 250 citizens serve on the advisory boards advising county government and local agencies on many topics. They include affordable housing, economic development, environmental protection, human rights, county finances, and many other issues. The Alachua County Commission seeks citizen volunteers to serve on several advisory boards.

 For example, the Victim Services and Rape Crisis Center Advisory Council has a vacancy for a citizen at-large. The advisory council provides an opportunity for citizen involvement on ways to improve services for crime victims and raise awareness about abuse and crime to positively impact the community.

 Current Advisory Board openings include:

 Animal Welfare Advisory Committee – One vacancy for animal welfare professional

• Citizens Disability Advisory Committee – Two vacancies for citizen at-large
• Health Care Advisory Board – Five vacancies, including one Department of Health representative, one mental health professional, one non-profit healthcare provider representative, one pharmacist or pharmacy provider representative, and one representative of healthcare agency serving primarily low-income patients
• Health Facilities Authority – Two vacancies for citizens at-large
• Historic Commission – Two vacancies, including one citizen at-large and one alternate
• Land Conservation Board – Two vacancies, including one natural resource professional and one citizen at-large
• Public Safety Coordinating Council – One vacancy, representative of county, state jobs programs, community groups who work with offenders and victims
• Rural Concerns Advisory Committee – Two vacancies, including one actively involved in agriculture and/or silviculture, and one for UF IFAS
• Veteran Services Advisory Board – Three vacancies, including one citizen at-large (veteran), one alternate citizen at large (veteran), and one post-9/11 veteran
• Victim Services and Rape Crisis Center Advisory Council – One vacancy for a citizen at-large.

 Learn more about the duties and meeting logistics or apply online.

 For more information, contact Assistant County Manager and Chief of Staff Gina Peebles at 352-337-6279 or gpeebles@alachuacounty.us.

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Photo courtesy of Alachua County Public Schools

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Gainesville High School history teacher Lauren Watts has been placed on administrative leave while both district and state officials investigate serious allegations of student bullying.

A parent, Dr. Crystal Marull, reported that in May 2023, her son—active in ROTC and known for his conservative views—was labeled by classmates as a “Naziphile” due to his interest in World War II history. According to her account, Watts then had the student nominated for a mock superlative, “Most Likely to Become a Dictator,” and tried to compel him to accept the award—actions Dr. Marull says caused emotional harm to her son.

In response, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier urged the school district to dismiss Watts and press for revocation of her teaching license if the claims are validated.

Shortly thereafter, Florida Education Commissioner Anastasios (Stasi) Kamoutsas filed a formal administrative complaint seeking sanctions against Watts’s certification. The complaint lists multiple possible penalties, ranging from reprimand to permanent disqualification from teaching in the state.

Alachua County Public Schools confirmed that Watts remains on leave and emphasized that details of the case are protected under Florida confidentiality statutes.

These events unfold amidst broader controversy involving the school board’s leadership. Just weeks earlier, School Board Chair Sarah Rockwell faced a public relations crisis after making a social media post about the death of wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, remarking that his passing meant “one less MAGA.” Though the post was quickly deleted, it drew significant backlash and heightened scrutiny of board conduct.

The two matters have intensified community dialogue around accountability, ethics, and the district’s educational environment. No timetable has been announced for resolution of the investigation into Watts’s conduct.

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

ALACHUA COUNTY - Alachua County Fire Rescue’s 9-1-1 Office, in partnership with the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, Gainesville Police Department, Gainesville Fire Rescue, and the Combined Communications 9-1-1 Center, is proud to introduce Smart911, a free and secure public safety tool available to all residents.

 Smart911 allows individuals and families to create a personalized safety profile at www.smart911.com. When someone calls 9-1-1 from a registered phone number, the profile automatically displays to operators, providing details about the caller, household members, medical needs and even pets or vehicles. Officials said the information helps first responders respond more quickly and effectively in emergencies.

 “This service allows residents to plan for an emergency,” said Alachua County 9-1-1 Section Chief A. Keith Godwin. “The more information first responders have before arriving, the quicker they can provide lifesaving help.”

 Who should consider signing up:

 Residents who live alone

• Families with members who have allergies, take prescription medication or use medical devices
• Households with individuals who have physical disabilities
• Anyone relying solely on cellular service (without a landline)
• Homes that may be difficult to locate at night

 Key things to know:

 A single household safety profile can include multiple family members.

• Each cell phone number can only be linked to one person in the nationwide system.
• Emergency contact numbers can be added to more than one profile.
• Medical history, medications and special needs can be included.

 In addition to Smart911, residents are reminded that Text-to-911 is also available. This service allows individuals to send a text message directly to 9-1-1 when calling is not possible or safe. Officials advise: Call if you can, text if you can’t.

 Watch the Good Morning America feature to learn more about Smart 911.

 No one plans to dial 9-1-1, but now you can plan ahead. 

 For more information, contact 9-1-1/Communications Section Chief Keith Godwin at 352-338-7361 or kgodwin@alachuacounty.us.

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The following is a press release provided by the Florida Department of Health in Alachua County. It has been published here as received, without additional reporting or editing by Alachua County Today staff.

The Florida Department of Health in Alachua County (DOH-Alachua) advises residents that there has been an increase in mosquito-borne disease activity in areas of Alachua County. Several sentinel chickens have tested positive for West Nile virus infection. DOH-Alachua, Alachua County, and local municipal mosquito control departments are coordinating surveillance and prevention efforts by continued monitoring, larviciding breeding sites, and adulticiding certain areas within the county.  

 DOH-Alachua reminds the community to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes by taking these basic precautions.

 The Department continues to conduct statewide surveillance for mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile virus infections, Eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, malaria, chikungunya, and dengue. Residents of Florida are encouraged to report dead birds to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s site.

 For more information, visit the department’s website or call 352-334-7900.

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