Updated: Jan. 17, 2024

Gainesville, FL -- The greater Gainesville music community is coming together to benefit one of their own, guitarist Paco, and his lovely wife, Vicki Bordeaux on Sunday, January 21st, 2024, from 3:30pm to 7:45pm at Heartwood Soundstage, 619 S Main St, Gainesville, FL 32601. This is a FREE event. The fundraiser supports Paco, who was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer on the day after Thanksgiving and his wife, Vicki, who is caring for him at home. Both Paco and Vicki have supported the local music community over the years with their talents in music and publicity.

Paco was born David Lee Fritz 1966 in Oconto Falls, Wisconsin and now lives in Gainesville. At 13, Paco picked up the lap steel and soon progressed to guitar. Since those early years, he has served as sideman in many bands, besides maintaining his solo act under the stage name Paco. Most recently he was the guitarist for Little Mike and the Tornadoes from 2016 -2023 and over the last few years, has formed a blues band, (Paco Trio), a rock band, (FATWOOD) and a classic country band, (Boot Soul) all while continuing his solo act.

Paco's sound is unique and organic. Paco explains, “Sounds, and the manipulation of them has been my obsession since birth. My earliest memories, at the age of three, are of listening to recorded music while contemplating what all the instruments might be, and more intently, how might the arrangement be altered. My core motivation for playing guitar, singing and songwriting is a desire to manipulate sound. I like to think that's apparent in my compositions and performance.”

Paco has also been a lifelong songwriter, and ten of his original songs are included on the upcoming album "Midnight Ramble". The Pre-release premiere of “Moonlight Ramble” occurred this past July on Radio Memphis and Paco’s summer was filled with touring the Mississippi Valley in support of this release. The first two offerings on the album, “I Get a Feeling” and “Food for Your Coffee” are now available on a variety of streaming services including Spotify, Apple Music and more. Paco’s talent as a guitarist, singer and songwriter can also be found on his YouTube channel, Soundslikepaco and his Facebook page, Fans of Paco.

The bands performing on Sunday each have at least one band member that has played with Paco. For example, the event features a reunion of Little Mike & The Tornadoes that will bring Little Mike out of retirement to “play for Paco.” 

The schedule is:

3:30pm - 4:00pm Kyle Keller

4:15pm - 4:45pm Boulware Bluegrass

5:00pm - 5:40pm Little Mike & The Tornadoes

5:55pm - 6:35pm Justin Lee Partin

6:50pm - 7:35pm Trigger City

All times are approximate and scheduling changes may occur without notice. Anyone wishing to speak about Paco at the event will have an opportunity between sets.

A GoFundMe account as well as other ways have been established to receive donations. Visit the event Facebook page at https://fb.me/e/3VvwtZCuQ for more details.

The Benefit for Paco will be held Sunday, January 21st, 2024, from 3:30pm to 7:45pm at Heartwood Soundstage, 619 S Main St, Gainesville, FL 32601. This is a FREE event. For more information about the event or to donate, visit the event Facebook page at https://fb.me/e/3VvwtZCuQ or heartwoodsoundstage.com for more details.

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GAINESVILLE, FL -- The greater Gainesville music community is coming together to benefit one of their own, guitarist Paco, and his lovely wife, Vicki Bordeaux on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024, from 3:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. at Heartwood Soundstage, 619 S Main Street, Gainesville, FL 32601. This is a FREE event.  The fundraiser supports Paco, who was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer on the day after Thanksgiving and his wife, Vicki, who is caring for him at home.  

Each band has been selected because each band has members that have played with Paco. A reunion of Little Mike & The Tornadoes will bring Little Mike out of retirement to “play for Paco.” 

The schedule is:

3:30 pm - 4:00pm Kyle Keller

4:15 pm - 4:45pm Boulware Bluegrass

5:00 pm - 5:40pm Little Mike & The Tornadoes

5:55 pm - 6:35pm Justin Lee Partin

6:50 pm - 7:35 pm Trigger City

All times are approximate and scheduling changes may occur without notice. Anyone wishing to speak about Paco at the event will have an opportunity between sets.

A GoFundMe account as well as other ways have been established to receive donations. Visit the event Facebook page at https://fb.me/e/3VvwtZCuQ for more details.

The Benefit for Paco will be held Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024 from 3:30 pm to 7 pm at Heartwood Soundstage, 619 S Main Street, Gainesville, FL 32601. This is a FREE event. For more information visit the event Facebook page at https://fb.me/e/3VvwtZCuQ or heartwoodsoundstage.com for more details.

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ALACHUA COUNTY, FL – World Masters Athletics (WMA), the international governing body for track & field, cross country, road race, and racewalk for athletes 35+, announced Jan. 10, 2024, that Alachua County will host the 2025 WMA Indoor Championships (WMACi25).

This will mark the first time the event has been held in the United States, giving Alachua County the honor of being the first U.S. community to host. In the WMA announcement, WMA Council President Margit Jungmann thanked the Alachua County, Gainesville Sports Commission and RADD Sports for hosting the 2025 Indoor Championships.

“We are confident their team is exceptionally qualified and capable of organizing a World Championship as they support over seventy sporting events annually,” she said. “It will be special having outdoor events in warmer average temperatures than previous Championships and returning to North America.” 

The WMACi25 is held every two years and features 24 events, including competition in indoor track & field, cross country, road race and outdoor throwing events over eight days.

In 2024, over 4,000 athletes participated in the championships in Torun, Poland. The event is estimated to bring over 10,000 visitors to Alachua County in March 2025, with 60% coming from international destinations.

“My fellow commissioners and I want to thank the WMA Council and its member federations for choosing us to host this amazing international event. We are excited to welcome the world in 2025! We will provide a wonderful experience for all our regional, national, and international visitors,” Stated Mary Alford, Chair of the Alachua County Commission. “Alachua County’s experience hosting major events, our world-class facilities and amenities, rich sports history, and cultural, natural, and entertainment offerings make it the ideal location for the World Masters Indoor Championships.”

The bid committee is a collaborative effort between Alachua County, Viking Companies, Celebration Pointe, RADDSports, Visit Gainesville/Alachua County and Gainesville Sports Commission, which began in May 2023. Now awarded, the Alachua County Local Organizing Committee will be activated to organize this major international event.

“We look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts with the State of Florida, Alachua County, and our community partners to introduce Alachua County to the world stage,” said Celebration Pointe developer Svein Dyrkolbotn. “This success demonstrates the power of sport tourism to bring exposure to our community as a destination.”

The opening of the Alachua County Sports and Events Center (ACSEC) at Celebration Pointe was the catalyst for landing the championships when the center hosted a pre-opening indoor track and field season in early 2023. The announcement comes just ahead of the 2024 indoor track & field series at the ACSEC, featuring 16 total meets, with four collegiate conference championships and a national championship.

The state-of-the-art indoor track facility was made possible through an appropriation by the State of Florida with the support of the Alachua County local State delegation.

“This announcement, and very special event, will put Florida on the world stage to showcase talented athletes from across the globe,” said state Rep. Chuck Clemons,Florida House Speaker Pro-Tempore. “The economic impacts of this event, and games like it, have on our community are opportunities that all Florida communities pray for.”

View the official WMA announcement.

Learn more about the Alachua County Sports and Event Center.

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GAINESVILLE, Fla. - City of Gainesville officials anticipate severe weather conditions, including temperature below 45 degrees Fahrenheit during evening hours Saturday, Jan. 13 and Sunday, Jan. 14. The anticipated temperatures will lead to the activation of the city's Cold Night Shelter (CNS) Program, and it is expected to remain in effect until overnight low temperatures rise above 45 F. The CNS program normally runs from Nov. 1 through March 31.

 St. Francis House and GRACE Marketplace at the Empowerment Center will provide Cold Night Shelter services to people in need of shelter as long as overnight temperatures remain below 45 F. The CNS program providers serve additional persons in need of shelter so that families and individuals desiring shelter will have a warm place to stay. St. Francis House provides temporary shelter that is appropriate for families, women and children. GRACE Marketplace primarily serves individual adults.

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ There is a crossroads in High Springs just south of downtown where Poe Springs Road and Highway 45 meet and serves as both the gateway to the many springs and parks as well as the route south to Newberry and other points south. This intersection is both a path to the to the previously mentioned attractions but also the location of a store that has become a hub of activity for both locals and travelers.

I frequent the combination fuel depot and general store often and it is rare that it is not bustling with activity. On any early morning visit you will discover High Springs residents fueling up, getting coffee and a donut or fellowshipping with friends and new acquaintances. Given the overall friendliness of small southern towns there are no strangers. Mixed with those heading to work or school there are the springers. SunStop number 348 is a very diverse culture of people.

Springers are those who are in need of supplies such as beverages, snacks, ice and more. Mixed in with the regulars there is a diverse crowd of travelers—it is a cultural melting pot in many respects.

All of these needs being met and interactions require a lot of coordinated effort by the team that make it all possible day-in and day-out.

I would like to introduce you to a lady who is integral in making it all possible. Lissette Hill has been the manager at this store for two years and employed with the parent company for nine. Her easy-going personality and wealth of experience is a combination that serves the store and those who shop there well.

It can be chaotic at times, but Lissette and the team there always remain calm and positive even when a customer is having a challenging day. However, in the midst of occasional turmoil you are always treated as a person and a sincere effort is made to accommodate you. You are always a priority.

Lissette was quick to point out that Jessica, Crystal, Larrisa and Bella, along with several others, are the greatest contributors to the ambience and seamless efficiency of this important depot of activity.

I can personally testify to this by my numerous visits.

Being authentic, personal and proficient is who Lissette is. Having a husband, three children and grandchildren and seeing to their needs makes her equipped to manage a people-oriented business. Thus, serenity and determination go together providing leadership.

Currently Lissette has quite a commute from her home in Perry but loves this community like home. Also, like many in our area, she shares a personal relationship with God.

Originally from Puerto Rico, she is of course bilingual and that makes an immediate connection with those from the local Latin community and the Spanish speaking tourists. She is very comfortable with a diverse clientele.

Recently, as I entered the parking lot on one of my frequent visits, I was met with the flashing lights of two emergency vehicles. Lissette was at the entrance and the door was open. As I peered inside it was evident that the first responders were attending someone in need of medical attention. Soon the patient was transported on a gurney to the ambulance and taken for treatment.

I mention this event because it is indicative of the empathy of the local citizens who comprise our area. Lissette, the other team members and patrons were genuinely concerned and it showed in their faces and demeanor.

Not only did God give me a glimpse of the character of Lissette and the others in the store but convicted me of my self-centered attitude when my routine or plans are disrupted because of someone else’s misfortune.

Not too long ago I found myself at a standstill on the interstate. As the time, past frustration and even anger invaded my spirit. While this reaction may be somewhat understandable, it was not the best reaction. Did I even consider the potential of severe injury or even death occurring as a result of the accident causing my inconvenience?

Taking a look at myself overall there has been a very noticeable shift in how I react to situations I find irritating. My peace has been increased, at least in part, by the far less stressful environment of our area.

Lissette and the small store / filling station are not big players in the overall scheme of things. Their contributions to the community are not newsworthy. The influence and impact are subtle and often unnoticed. However, that in no way diminishes their importance. Clearly, this community is comprised of many pieces. And in the final analysis, each is important and valuable. Lissette and others like her are valuable.

It is 4 a.m. as I am writing this. Lissette is probably arriving about now it prepare the store for opening at 5 a.m. Other team members will join her soon and throughout the day. The services and products provided here are an often an under appreciated but integral part of our community.

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GAINESVILLE, FLA.- Jan. 11, 2024Today marks a momentous occasion as ICI Homes breaks ground on its latest philanthropic endeavor, ICI Homes for Hope. In collaboration with local vendors and subcontractors, ICI Homes will construct a home in the Oakmont community. The net profits from the sale of this home will be generously donated to four deserving charities in the Greater Gainesville region:

  • Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases at UF Health
  • Junior Achievement of Alachua County
  • Pace Center for Girls Alachua
  • Rex & Brody Foundation

"This initiative is a testament to our unwavering dedication to philanthropy and our desire to make a positive impact on the communities we serve," emphasized Joe Blanco, ICI Homes' North Florida Division Manager.

Mayor Harvey Ward and Eric Godet, President and CEO of the Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce, were present at this important event. Both commended the project's positive influence on the community.

“ICI Homes, you keep raising the bar.” Eric Godet went on to share, “That’s something that we want to continue to do in our community, to think out of the box and continue to raise the bar on how we can help those who live in our community and especially those who are less fortunate.”

"ICI Homes for Hope is more than just a building project; it's an opportunity to create lasting change and strengthen our community's foundation of compassion and generosity," added Blanco.

Embarking on this journey of giving back, ICI Homes for Hope aims to make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need. Stay updated on the latest developments by following ICI Homes for Hope on Facebook or reaching out to us at HomesForHope@ICIHomes.com.

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Photo special to Alachua County Today

ALACHUA ‒ It was smiles galore at the Alachua Police Department’s (APD) annual Shop with a Cop event as local children experienced some special holiday cheer courtesy of local law enforcement.

The event has become a holiday tradition for APD, City of Alachua staff, and volunteers. APD reported that this year 50 children from local schools were treated with a shopping spree at Walmart. Each child was given a $100 gift card to spend on any items they wished, which for many included gifts for family members.

Excitement began to build early with a police escort to and from a local Walmart where the shopping spree took place. And as children, armed with their $100 in purchasing power, browsed the store aisles, their joy was evident in their smiling faces. Today was their day to do more than just window shop, but instead to peruse their options and buy that special item.

About the event, APD noted, “The success of Shop with a Cop relies heavily on the kindness and dedication of sponsors and volunteers like you. Your contribution has not only brought joy to the children involved but has also strengthened the bond between our officers and the community we serve.”

Shop with a Cop will undoubtedly be a day to remember in the lives of the children who had the opportunity to not only make their Christmas a happy one, but also a joyous occasion for their families as well.

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