GAINESVILLE - University of Florida officials are celebrating its first “smart garden,” a 320-square-foot agricultural pod outfitted to grow fruits and vegetables hydroponically.

“It’s essentially a shipping container similar to one used to ship goods from Asia or Europe to the United States,” said James Boyer, Plant Science Research and Education Unit (PSREU) director of research administration.

Ying Zhang, UF/IFAS assistant professor of controlled environments, is leading a team of researchers studying indoor agriculture techniques by growing lettuce inside the pod. The team marked its first harvest earlier this month.

Boyer said he expects the garden to produce 500 heads of lettuce a week, and the food will be transported to Gainesville for use by the Hitchcock Field and Fork Pantry.

The Citra smart garden is funded through a collaboration with Clay Electric Cooperative, Seminole Electric Cooperative and EPRI, an independent, non-profit energy R&D organization. In 2022, Seminole Electric, EPRI and Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative funded a similar project at the UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center in Live Oak.

By outfitting the pods with efficient HVAC, lighting, water pump and dehumidification systems, the electric companies hope to better understand indoor agriculture’s impact on the electric grid.

“Indoor agriculture is a rapidly emerging industry across the U.S.,” said David Porter, EPRI’s vice president of electrification and sustainable energy strategy. “Within the indoor agriculture industry, we are seeing a rapid evolution of efficient and innovative designs, technologies and solutions that help deliver nutritional crops year-round.”

Although Seminole Electric currently owns the container, it will become UF property after two years.

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ALACHUA ‒ With the opening of Alachua County public schools just days away, many parents and caregivers are scrambling to gather school supplies for their students. To assist the community, the Alachua Police Department (APD) hosted a “Back 2 School Giveaway” on Saturday, August 3, 2024.

The event took place at the Hal Brady Recreation Complex from 10 a.m. to noon. Officers, along with volunteer assistants, distributed around 300 backpacks and school supplies. The APD has declared the event a resounding success.

“Because of your incredible support, we were able to provide over 300 backpacks and essential school supplies to our community's children,” said an APD spokesperson. “Together, we are giving our kids the necessities they need to thrive and succeed in the upcoming school year. Let's keep the momentum going and continue to invest in their bright futures.”

APD also expressed gratitude to this year's sponsors, which included the Alachua Raiders, Walmart Distribution Center, Dollar General of Alachua, Sysco Distribution Center, Children's Trust of Alachua County, Hitchcock's Markets, and the City of Alachua Recreation & Culture Department for hosting the event.

The “Back 2 School Giveaway” is an example of community spirit and dedication to ensuring that all students have the tools they need for a successful academic year.

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GAINESVILLE, Fla. – In time for the return of college students and sports fans to the area, the City of Gainesville is installing new signs along streets in its two Arts, Culture and Entertainment (ACE) Districts where open containers of alcohol are permitted betwen 8 a.m. and midnight daily.

 These "sip and stroll areas" are located where there are high concentrations of bars, restaurants and entertainment venues.

•  The Downtown ACE District encompasses a section roughly bordered by NE 2nd Avenue to the north, NE 3rd Street to the east, SW 6th Street to the west, and south to Depot Avenue that includes Bo Diddley Plaza and Depot Park.
•  The Grove Street ACE District is an area between NW 2nd Street and NW 4th Street, bordered to the north by NW 12th Avenue and to the south by NW 8th Avenue. This district excludes a mostly residential area north of the 6th Street Rail Trail.

Although the municipal parking garage on SW 3rd Street and some public parking lots are located within district boundaries, open containers of alcohol are prohibited in those areas.At the start of 2024, open container restrictions resumed for most of Gainesville. The rules prohibit individuals from drinking or having open containers of alcohol on public property in most areas of the city. The only exceptions are within the ACE Districts where open containers are permitted on sidewalks, in public parks or other public rights-of-way from 8 a.m. to midnight daily.

Gainesville Police Department officers can issue either civil citations or criminal infractions to those found in violation of the ordinances. If there is drunken, unsafe or disorderly behavior, police may impose stiffer criminal penalties.

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ Like a long-lost relative making a welcome return, the beloved Canoe Outpost in High Springs is once again open to the public. This time, the community hopes the iconic spot is here to stay. The City of High Springs purchased the property in August 2021 from Jim and Sally Wood, who had run the business for over 30 years, transforming it into a favorite launch site for river trips among locals and tourists.

Following the purchase, the city contracted Anderson’s Outdoor Adventures (AOA) to manage day-to-day operations. However, the arrangement ended when it was discovered that AOA was primarily launching their vessels from other locations. In May 2023, then City Manager Ashley Stathatos announced the Canoe Outpost would transition to a city park open to the public.

At a June 2023 Commission meeting, issues surrounding the recreation area, which provides access to the Santa Fe River, were discussed. Commissioner Tristan Grunder suggested the City consider selling the facility, a sentiment echoed by then Commissioner and current Mayor Katherine Weitz. Stathatos highlighted the escalating costs of replacing the dock and the wooden walking path to the river, including a significant rise in insurance costs. City staff recommended pausing the project while seeking additional funding and exploring other options.

Fast forward to Monday, July 29, 2024, and the Canoe Outpost is once again up and running and welcoming to the public. And, the City’s Parks and Recreation Department has already made several improvements to the facility and will be housed in the Canoe Outpost building.

Parks and Recreation Department Director Jennifer Applebee shared her enthusiasm for what is now an area with limited access to the river as well as future plans for a picturesque launching pad to the Santa Fe River.

Currently river access is available for fishing or paddling and kayak launches. The old boardwalk has been removed, but river access can be made along a path on land. The public is cautioned to watch for Cypress Knees and use extreme caution when accessing the water and wear a lifejacket.

Applebee says they can already accommodate kayak launches for individuals who bring their own kayaks, and they will be making ongoing upgrades to the facility to include a boardwalk, handicap accessible bathrooms, a dock with a boat launch, and picnic tables.

And while not all planned amenities are currently in place, it will be a work in progress to make all the required repairs and upgrades. “Wild Spaces and Public Places funds are being used to make repairs to the Canoe Outpost facility,” said Applebee.

Applebee encourages the public to visit the Canoe Outpost, which is free, and check out the City of High Springs’ Facebook page for updates on facilities and programs.

The City’s Canoe Outpost is located at 21410 U.S. Highway 441, High Springs, FL 32643 and is open to the public seven days a week from 7 a.m. – 11 p.m. for fishing, swimming and paddling. The Recreation Department administrative office will be open on-site Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“The Canoe Outpost is the gateway to not just the river, but also to all the beautiful springs in our area,” said Applebee.”

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