Local

ALACHUA – One of America’s most recognizable novelty vehicles is set to make a stop in Alachua this weekend, bringing smiles, souvenirs and a bit of pop-culture nostalgia to the city’s downtown farmers market.

The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile, a 27-foot-long hot dog on wheels, will appear at Market on Main in Alachua on Saturday, Jan. 10, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., as part of a two-day visit to the Gainesville area. The Alachua stop will give residents and visitors a chance to see the iconic vehicle up close during the popular weekly farmers market.

Driven by Isaac — who goes by the nickname “At The Grill Isaac” — the Wienermobile will be “serving up smiles, Wiener Whistles, and a whole lot of fun,” according to the announcement. The appearance is expected to be a family-friendly attraction, drawing both longtime fans of the brand and curious onlookers eager for photos.

Market on Main is held in downtown Alachua and features local vendors, artisans and food sellers, making it a natural fit for the whimsical Oscar Mayer vehicle. The Wienermobile’s visit adds a nationally recognized attraction to the community event, offering a unique moment for shoppers and families attending the market.

The Alachua appearance follows a stop in Gainesville on Friday, Jan. 9, when the Wienermobile will be parked at the Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention from noon to 2 p.m. That visit is part of the same regional outreach effort, which Isaac said is aimed at spreading cheer and engaging with local communities.

“My name is At The Grill Isaac, and I’m the driver of the iconic Oscar Mayer Wienermobile,” the announcement states. “I’m thrilled to share that we’ll be rolling into the Gainesville’s area for some special events.”

The Saturday event in Alachua will take place at Market On Main, located at 15100 N.W. 142^nd Terrace. The market runs weekly and serves as a gathering place for the community, highlighting local agriculture, small businesses and family activities.

For Alachua residents, the Wienermobile’s visit offers a rare chance to experience a piece of Americana without leaving town — and to add a little extra flavor to a Saturday morning at the farmers market.

#     #     #

email editor@

alachuatoday.com

HIGH SPRINGS – Staff members at Palms Medical Group collectively raised $4,259 in October to support the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer movement, an initiative of the American Cancer Society.

The fundraising effort coincided with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, observed each October to promote education, early detection and support for individuals and families affected by breast cancer. Through a combination of employee-driven activities and a company sponsorship, Palms Medical Group staff surpassed $4,000 in donations during the month.

“The American Cancer Society deeply values our long-standing partnership with Palms Medical Group, which spans more than 10 years,” said Kyle Stone, senior development manager for the American Cancer Society. “During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we celebrate Palms’ unwavering support of education, screening and compassionate care for those impacted by breast cancer.”

In addition to the organization’s sponsorship, Palms team members sold keychain-sized bears wearing pink shirts and ribbons of support. Donors wrote their names on the ribbons, which were displayed throughout Palms Medical Group offices across North Central Florida, creating visible reminders of community involvement and shared purpose.

Employees also had the option to purchase “Fight for the Cure” T-shirts, with proceeds from shirt sales contributing to the total funds raised. The combination of small-scale fundraising efforts allowed staff members at multiple locations to participate and contribute throughout the month.

“We are honored to ‘Fight for the Cure’ for breast cancer again this year,” said Anita Rembert, CEO of Palms Medical Group. “I’m so proud of our team; we stand together each year in solidarity, working alongside one another with the goal to further American Cancer Society’s impact, and, in so doing, exemplify our mission.”

Palms Medical Group officials said the annual October campaign reflects the organization’s broader commitment to community health, prevention and support initiatives that extend beyond clinical care. By participating in national awareness efforts such as Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, the organization and its employees aim to support continued research, education and services for those affected by the disease.

#     #     #

Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com

GAINESVILLE – The Alachua County Community Remembrance Project will mark the opening of a powerful new historical exhibition later this month with the debut of the Remembrance Quilt Exhibition at the Matheson History Museum.

The public is invited to attend the exhibition’s grand opening on Tuesday, Jan. 21, from 7 to 9 p.m., at the museum, located at 513 E. University Ave. Overflow parking will be available across University Avenue at the school district building.

The event invites community members and visitors to reflect, honor and remember the victims of lynchings in Alachua County. The exhibition features eight memorial quilts created to honor the lives of 47 individuals who were lynched in communities throughout the county.

Those communities include Waldo, Hawthorne, Campville, Rochelle, Archer, High Springs, Gainesville, Monteocha, Gordon, LaCrosse, Alachua, Micanopy and Newberry, among others. Organizers said the quilts are intended to ensure these individuals are remembered by name and place, rather than reduced to statistics or forgotten chapters of history.

In addition to serving as memorials, the quilts function as an educational component of the county’s ongoing Truth and Reconciliation project, which seeks to confront and acknowledge the legacy of racial violence and injustice in Alachua County. Following the opening event, the quilts will remain on display at the Matheson History Museum during regular museum hours — Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. — through May 2026.

The quilts were created over several years through a collaborative effort led by Memorial Quilt Committee Chair Dawn Beachy. Community members from across Alachua County participated in researching, designing and assembling the quilts, with the goal of honoring those who were killed and fostering broader awareness and understanding.

County Commissioner Charles Chestnut IV, who also serves as chair of the Alachua County Community Remembrance Project, emphasized the broader significance of the exhibition.

“These quilts are not simply works of art, they provide our community with a way to acknowledge our history, honor those who were lost, and preserve these stories for generations to come,” Chestnut said.

Organizers said the exhibition represents both remembrance and responsibility, offering space for reflection while encouraging continued dialogue about history, justice and reconciliation. By placing the quilts in a public museum setting, the project aims to make this history accessible to residents, students and visitors alike.

Community members are encouraged to attend the opening and to visit the exhibition in the months ahead as part of an ongoing effort to remember the past and understand its lasting impact on the present.

#     #     #

email editor@

alachuatoday.com

HAWTHORNE – Fire crews from across eastern Alachua County responded Sunday night to a reported house fire off Southeast 215th Street, where fast action by firefighters helped contain the flames to the kitchen area and prevented the blaze from spreading through the two-story residence.

Units from Alachua County Fire Rescue, the Melrose Fire Department and the Windsor Fire Department were dispatched to the scene on Nov. 9 after receiving reports of an active structure fire. Upon arrival, ACFR’s Engine 62 located a small two-story home with visible fire in the kitchen.

Firefighters entered the house quickly and were able to knock down the flames before the fire extended to additional rooms. Crews then began a systematic search of the remainder of the structure, checking for hot spots, smoke pockets or other hazards. During that search, Engine 62 firefighters located and rescued a dog, uninjured, from inside the home.

One occupant of the residence was evaluated and transported to a nearby hospital for further medical care. No information on the extent of injuries was immediately available.

The cause of the fire is being investigated by the Alachua County Fire Marshal, who will determine what sparked the blaze and whether any safety concerns remain.

Following the incident, Alachua County Fire Rescue reiterated the importance of fire safety and reminded the public to regularly check the batteries in home smoke detectors, a vital tool in early fire detection and lifesaving response.

#     #     #

Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com

ALACHUA COUNTY – Friends, family and members of the animal-welfare community will gather later this month to honor the life and legacy of Hilary Hynes, a longtime advocate for animals whose work left a lasting mark on Alachua County.

A Celebration of Life for Hynes will be held Saturday, Jan. 17, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Depot Park Pavilions in Gainesville. The event is open to the public, with organizers encouraging community members who supported Hynes’ work to attend and share in her remembrance.

Hynes served as Public Education Coordinator for Alachua County Animal Services, where she became widely recognized as the public face of the department. Though she did not hold the director’s title, she was often the person residents associated with county animal services through outreach, education and adoption efforts.

In 2009, Hynes founded the “Paws on Parole” program, a partnership that paired inmates with shelter dogs for training. The program proved highly successful, significantly increasing adoption rates while providing benefits for both the animals and the inmates involved.

She also reached thousands of viewers through her weekly “Adopt-A-Pet” television segment on WCJB TV20, where she regularly featured adoptable cats and dogs in hopes of placing them in permanent homes. Through that segment, Hynes found her own dog, Truman, who is now living with one of her friends.

Beyond media outreach, Hynes spent years visiting schools and community events, educating children and adults alike about responsible pet ownership and animal welfare. Her work focused heavily on community engagement and encouraging adoption from local shelters.

Hynes passed away in November 2025. Friends said she faced ongoing health challenges, including diabetes and a battle with cancer, but remained positive throughout. Those closest to her said she never wavered from what they described as her life’s mission: finding animals their forever homes.

Beth Brady, a close friend, described Hynes as someone with an outsized presence. “She was a huge, huge personality, and a huge presence,” Brady said. Brady also noted Hynes’ background in emergency services, adding that “Hilary used to be a paramedic, so helping others was in her bones.”

Hynes’ sister, Patty Czech, said the support of the community has brought comfort during a difficult time. “I personally want to be able to thank the community so much for all of their love and support through difficult times for her, and at the adoption events to come out and cheer her on,” Czech said. “She thrived. That was her passion.”

Czech said her sister’s personality remains what she remembers most vividly. “Her generosity, her spirit, she had a special smile and giggle, and her love of people and animals combined was a beautiful fit,” she said.

Organizers said the celebration is intended not only to honor Hynes’ life, but also to recognize the community that supported her work and shared in her commitment to animal welfare.

#     #     #

Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com

High Springs Police Department Chief Antoine Sheppard accepts donated items from the Walmart Distribution Center in support of Operation Holiday Cheer 2025. The donation of several pallets of supplies helped provide toys, clothing and other necessities to families in need throughout the High Springs community during the holiday season. / Photo special to Alachua County Today

HIGH SPRINGS – A long-running holiday tradition aimed at supporting families in need once again brought smiles and relief to households across the High Springs area this season, thanks to community partnerships and generous donations.

Operation Holiday Cheer 2025 received a significant boost from the Walmart Distribution Center, which donated several pallets of items to support the program’s efforts. Organizers expressed gratitude for the contribution, noting that the donated items will assist numerous families throughout the community.

“We are thankful for the support you have given our Holiday Cheer 2025,” the message of appreciation stated. “We appreciate your donation and the assistance this will provide to many families in our community.”

For many years, the High Springs Police Department has worked alongside community partners to ensure families in need receive additional support during the holiday season through Operation Holiday Cheer. The initiative has become a cornerstone of local outreach, reflecting a shared commitment to caring for neighbors during a time often associated with celebration and togetherness.

Since its founding in 2008, High Springs first responders have helped make holiday wishes come true for local children and families. Each fall, the department begins collecting donations of new toys, shoes, clothing and books from the community. These items are later distributed to children identified as needing extra support.

The program works closely with local schools each year to identify deserving families who would benefit from the holiday giving initiative. This collaboration helps ensure assistance reaches those who need it most, while maintaining dignity and respect for recipient families.

In preparation for delivery day, police department staff carefully plan distribution routes and organize visits to participating households. The coordinated effort allows first responders to personally deliver gifts, turning donations into meaningful moments for families during the holiday season.

All donated toys, clothing and gift cards are made possible by the generosity of individuals and organizations across the area. Local businesses, service organizations, churches, volunteers and community members all play a role in making Operation Holiday Cheer possible each year.

Organizers said the continued success of the program highlights the strength of community partnerships and the willingness of residents and businesses to step forward in times of need. Through donations, volunteer hours and logistical support, Operation Holiday Cheer continues to ensure that the spirit of the season reaches families throughout High Springs.

#     #     #

email editor@

alachuatoday.com