FLORIDA – As chilly weather grips the Sunshine State, Florida’s gardeners and farmers are turning to a powerful, localized tool to protect their plants and crops: the Florida Automated Weather Network (FAWN). Unlike urban-focused weather stations, FAWN’s rural-based sites are strategically placed across the state to provide precise, real-time data tailored to agricultural and rural communities, ensuring Floridians have the localized information they need to prepare for frost and cold conditions in their specific regions.

FAWN stations track temperature, humidity, wind speeds, and more, offering real-time information that can be vital for making decisions about frost protection. Whether you’re managing a citrus grove in Central Florida or a small backyard garden in the Panhandle, FAWN ensures you’re equipped with precise weather data tailored to your area.

The proximity of FAWN’s stations to rural and agricultural zones is critical for predicting frost events and protecting plants and crops. Farmers can monitor real-time temperature changes and deploy frost protection methods like irrigation systems or heaters at just the right time. Gardeners can use the data to decide when to cover sensitive plants or bring potted plants indoors.

Localized data also helps avoid unnecessary measures. By knowing the exact conditions in your area, you can save money and resources by targeting protection efforts where they’re needed most.

FAWN is easy to use and accessible online at https://fawn.ifas.ufl.edu/FAWN Visitors to the site can view live weather updates, check past temperature data, and even use tools like the Cold Protection Toolkit, specifically designed for agricultural use.

FAWN is more than a weather network—it’s a lifeline for Florida’s agricultural community and plant enthusiasts. By focusing on localized conditions, FAWN empowers users with the knowledge they need to protect their landscapes and livelihoods.

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ALACHUA ‒ The holiday spirit was in full swing on Monday, Dec. 16, 2024, as sirens and flashing lights from the Alachua Police Department (APD) accompanied a busload of excited children to the entrance of the Gainesville Walmart on U.S. Highway 441. But the kids weren’t in any trouble—far from it. They were participants in the annual “Shop with a Cop” event, a heartwarming holiday tradition designed to ensure a brighter Christmas for families in need.

The event has become a holiday tradition for APD, City of Alachua staff, and volunteers. The festive outing began as children loaded on a school bus to be escorted by squad cars and police SUVs—lights flashing—to the Walmart parking lot. APD reported that children from local schools were treated with the shopping spree armed with a gift card to spend on any items they wished, which for many included gifts for family members.

Inside the store, each child was teamed up with a uniformed officer. Armed with gift lists, shopping carts, and big smiles, they strolled aisle after aisle, picking out toys, clothing, and other holiday essentials. Laughter, high-fives, and excited chatter filled the air. And as children, fortified with their newfound purchasing power, browsed the store aisles, their joy was evident in their smiling faces. Today, they went beyond simply peeking at displays; they could finally explore the aisles and bring home that perfect gift.

For many of the participating students, the gifts they purchased weren’t just for themselves. Some were eager to buy items for siblings, parents, or grandparents.

The event was made possible through donations from local businesses and private sponsors. In a season often filled with both warmth and financial stress, “Shop with a Cop” aims to lighten the load for families who could use extra help.

“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. And for the officers, it’s a poignant reminder of the impact they can make, one holiday wish at a time.

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Alachua County Sheriff Chad Scott is sworn in by 8th Judicial Circuit Judge Susanne Wilson Bullard

GAINESVILLE – On Jan. 7, 2025, Alachua County welcomed its new sheriff, Chad Scott, during a swearing-in ceremony that underscored his extensive career and commitment to public safety. Scott secured his position after defeating incumbent Sheriff Emery Gainey in a close November 2024 election.

The ceremony, held at noon in the Alachua County Courthouse, was also an opportunity to recognize the swearing-in of other key constitutional officers. These included Supervisor of Elections Kim Barton, Clerk of the Court J.K. “Jess” Irby, Tax Collector John Power, and Property Appraiser Ayesha Solomon. Also being sworn in were State Attorney for the Eighth Judicial Circuit Brian Kramer and Public Defender Stacy Scott.

Eighth Judicial Circuit Judge Susanne Wilson Bullard administered the oath of office to Sheriff Scott in front of a crowd filled with local leaders, law enforcement officials, and community members.

Scott enters his role as sheriff with a lifetime of experience in law enforcement. In his remarks following the ceremony, he emphasized a commitment to community policing, crime prevention, and addressing mental health and domestic violence issues. His vision centers on fostering transparency, accountability, and collaboration between law enforcement and the residents of Alachua County.

“I am honored to lead the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office,” Scott said. “My mission has always been about keeping communities safe.”

Scott’s career in law enforcement is marked by significant achievements. He previously served as Chief of Police for the City of Alachua, where he implemented innovative crime prevention strategies and strengthened community relations. As Colonel at the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, he gained a reputation for effectively managing complex law enforcement operations.

Born in Gainesville and raised in Newberry, Scott is deeply rooted in Alachua County. A graduate of Newberry Jr. Sr. High School, where he excelled as a football standout, Scott continued his athletic career at Bethel College in Kansas. Upon returning home, he pursued his passion for public service by enrolling in the Police Academy and embarking on a career dedicated to protecting and serving his community.

Scott began his law enforcement journey as a midnight patrol officer at the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office before moving to the Juvenile Relations Bureau. As a school resource officer, he left a profound impact at Lake Forest Elementary, Newberry High School, and Oak View Middle School. His roles included coaching football, counseling students, teaching classes, and helping establish the Criminal Justice magnet program, a legacy program within Alachua County Public Schools.

In his new role, Sheriff Scott aims to strengthen ties between law enforcement and the community while enhancing transparency and accountability. His approach prioritizes collaborative efforts to ensure safety and unity across Alachua County.

With decades of experience and deep community roots, Scott’s tenure as sheriff begins with a focus on building relationships, fostering trust, and creating a safer environment. His dedication to public service positions him to make a lasting impact on Alachua County.

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Alachua County Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2811 Commander Avery L. Owen (center) presented trophies and cash awards Dec. 12 to Ilo Pillari (left) and Isa Pillari as winners of the annual Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen contests. / Photo by Michael P. Mauer special to Alachua County Today

GAINESVILLE ‒ Two local siblings earned top honors from Alachua County Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2811 as this year’s Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen winners.

Earning first in this year’s VOD competition is 17-year-old Isa Pillari from Newberry, Fla. Her brother, 13-year-old Ilo Pillari, got the top slot for the post’s Patriot’s Pen scholarship. Both students are home schooled by their parents, Pramod and Catherine Pillari.

Each winner received a $100 award and a trophy from VFW Post 2811 at the organization’s Dec. 12 meeting.  Annabell Zachritz, a 17-year-old senior at The Rock School, received a trophy and $75 as the post’s second place VOD contestant.

At the same meeting, the siblings read their essays to VFW Post 2811’s membership and auxiliary.

“The post membership and I were truly impressed with the quality and content of both their essays,” said Avery L. Owen, VFW Post 2811 commander. “As an organization of combat veterans, many of us were sincerely touched at the sentiment. It is good to know that the basic principles of freedom and democracy that we fought for are being cherished by young people in our community.”

The topic for this year’s VOD essay competition was ‘Is America Today Our Forefathers’ Vision?’  Competitors for the Patriot’s Pen contest wrote to the theme of ‘My Voice in America’s Democracy’.

“I don’t think the students who participated this year could have written to these subjects any better than what they did,” said Owen, a retired master sergeant who served with the 3^rd Bn, 20^th Special Forces Group of the Florida Army National Guard. “I think they’ll do well at the next level.”

The combat veteran also added a personal reflection.

“They give me hope for the future,” said the VFW Post 2811 commander.

The winning VOD and Patriot’s Pen candidates will move to the next bracket at Florida VFW District 14. This is comprised of VFW posts from Lake City, Palatka, Lake Butler, Interlachen and Gainesville. If forwarded from there, entrants will earn a chance to compete at the VFW Department of Florida. Once advancing, winners will then vie at the VOD national level where the top laurels include a $30,000 scholarship.

Other VOD national scholarships range from $1,000 to $15,000, and the top winner from each state can earn a minimum scholarship of $1,000, plus an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C.

The top Patriot’s Pen competitors selected from each state can earn $50,000 in awards, as well as a top prize of $5,000 and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C.

Both the VOD and Patriot’s Pen scholarships are open to all students from middle school through high school.

The VFW is observing its 125^th anniversary this year. Those interested in VFW Post 2811 and its activities can call 352-376-7660.

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Editor’s Note: Michael P. Mauer is a life member of VFW Post 2811. He served as an Army photojournalist during Operation Desert Storm, and was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal by Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf for his actions during the war. This year, Mauer won the Silver Award for top feature article in the VFW National Publications Contest. Email mikemauer@hotmail.com