Photo special to Alachua County Today / A creative puppet show by students in the local Music and Arts Program engaged youngsters in the teachings of Dr. King.

ALACHUA – More than six decades after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech on a sweltering August day in Washington, D.C., his legacy continues to inspire people across the nation. From the monumental March on Washington in 1963 to the frosty morning of Alachua’s 20^th Annual MLK Celebration in 2025, the dream of equality and justice remains alive, uniting communities in remembrance and hope. More than 150 people attended the event to honor Dr. King's legacy.

The City of Alachua held its celebration at Alachua’s Legacy Park Multipurpose Center beginning at 10 a.m. Just as King captivated a nation with his words in 1963, Alachua’s celebration featured inspiring speeches and performances that carried forward his message. Six-time Grammy Award nominee Vickie Winans headlined the event, delivering a soul-stirring musical performance and a keynote address that left attendees both moved and motivated. Her dynamic presence brought energy and inspiration, echoing King’s ability to uplift a crowd.

Joining community members in the remembrance celebration were City of Alachua elected officials Mayor Gib Coerper and City Commissioners Shirley Green Brown and Dayna Williams and City Manager Mike DaRoza and Assistant City Manager Rodolfo Valladares.

The celebration also featured performances by University of Florida student Frantz Emmanuel and a creative puppet show by students in the local Music and Arts Program, showcasing the contributions of young people—a reminder of King’s belief in the power of youth to drive change. Students delighted attendees with the engaging show, a heartwarming family play filled with laughter, love, and inspiration.

There were additional performances including singer Caitlyn Phillips, the Alachua Cha Chas and Smooth Flava Dance.

Leading up to the event, Gainesville’s Cultural Affairs Manager and event committee member Carol Richardson said, “This celebration will be nothing short of spectacular and memorable. With the addition of Vickie Winans this year, you will not want to miss this celebration.”

In both moments — separated by over six decades — the act of gathering in King’s name reflects his enduring belief in the power of community. Just as the 1963 March on Washington ended with calls for unity, equality, and justice, Alachua’s MLK Day celebration concluded with a shared community meal, offering attendees a chance to reflect, connect, and celebrate together.

“Our Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations are a cherished tradition in Alachua, and this year was no exception,” said Alachua Mayor Gib Coerper. “Each year, the event grows more meaningful as we come together as a community to honor Dr. King’s legacy.

#     #     #

Email editor@

alachuatoday.com

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.

#     #     #

Email editor@

alachuatoday.com

Photo special to Alachua County Today

ALACHUA ‒ Bringing together business leaders in a spirit of collaboration and innovation, the Alachua Chamber of Commerce debuted its inaugural “Breakfast with The Board” on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025.

This new quarterly event set the stage for meaningful connections, offering a unique platform for chamber members to network, engage with leadership, and contribute to shaping the chamber’s vision for the year ahead.

This inaugural event brought together some 100 members, both seasoned and new, for a morning of networking and idea-sharing. Held as the first in a planned series of quarterly gatherings, the breakfast served as a platform for attendees to engage directly with the chamber's board of directors and learn more about the resources and opportunities available through membership.

One of the highlights of the event was a special welcome to the chamber’s newest members, who joined during 2024. For these fresh faces in the area’s business community, the breakfast offered a chance to introduce themselves, showcase their businesses, and connect with other members and chamber leadership.

Adding to the event’s atmosphere was a breakfast feast provided by Susie's Homemade, a local eatery operated out of the Good Life Station located at 14933 Main Street, Alachua. Attendees were treated to an assortment of homemade dishes, including fresh pastries and savory breakfast favorites. Table floral centerpieces were provided by Alachua Flowers and Tuxedo Rental.

“We’re thrilled to see such a strong turnout for our first Breakfast with The Board,” said Chamber President Adam Boukari. “This initiative reflects our commitment to fostering meaningful relationships and ensuring every member, especially our newest ones, feels supported and engaged.”

New members expressed their enthusiasm about joining the chamber and appreciated the welcoming atmosphere. Several attendees highlighted the value of being able to network in a smaller, more interactive setting, where conversations with board members and other professionals felt more personal.

The breakfast not only served as a networking opportunity but also as a forum for idea exchange. Members shared suggestions on how the chamber can continue delivering value in 2025, with discussions ranging from business development workshops to community outreach initiatives.

As the chamber looks ahead to the coming year, this first breakfast sets the stage for future events in the series. The quarterly gatherings are expected to become a cornerstone of the chamber’s engagement efforts, providing members with ongoing opportunities to connect, collaborate, and grow. Boukari said, “It’s about building connections and creating opportunities for everyone to thrive. These breakfasts will help us align our efforts with the needs and aspirations of our business community.”

For those unable to attend, the chamber emphasized its ongoing commitment to providing similar opportunities throughout the year. For more information about chamber events or to learn how to get involved, members can visit the Alachua Chamber’s website at alachuachamber.com or contact the chamber office directly at 386-462-3333.

#     #     #

Email editor@

alachuatoday.com

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.

#     #     #

Email editor@

alachuatoday.com