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GAINESVILLE – March is Women’s History Month, and P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School student Kristen Cooper of Gainesville was just awarded the Notorious RBG Women of Tomorrow Scholarship by National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS), a national scholarship organization committed to advancing high achieving students and educators.

Cooper K

Cooper is an avid reader and advocate for banned books. As the President of the Alachua County NAACP Youth Council in Gainesville, she was the only youth panelist who spoke at the NAACP Florida State Conference Spring Quarterly Meeting in Orlando for the Freedom Libraries Project Town Hall meeting to address banned books by the Florida Legislature in March 2023.

 

Cooper also spoke at the NAACP Youth Council Banned Books Press Conference and held a book giveaway during the 5th Avenue Arts Festival last April. Her Youth Council handed out free books to families in her community and educated them on the recent laws passed. She encouraged people in the community to read the books, pass them onward, and vote. 

 

“I am constantly reminding my peers and others that reading is fundamental, and books provide insight into our future. Cooper,” said Cooper. “It’s important also to know that all races should be valued and all history, including Black History, is American History. So we all must stay in the fight to make our voices heard.”

 

The National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) honors and scholarship program was co-founded by Claes Nobel and James Lewis. It offers a lifetime of benefits, pairing the highest performing students worldwide with high school and college scholarships, events, connections, internships, and career opportunities. For more information, visit www.nshss.org.

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ This past weekend was a good time to be an art lover in High Springs as artists set up shop for the 2nd Annual Art Fair on the Green. Set against the iconic backdrop of the historic High Springs downtown area, sparkling white canopied vendor tents sprung up along the green space where railroad tracks once guided trains carrying goods to points east and west.

But on Saturday and Sunday, the area along Northwest 185th Road was transformed into an open-air gallery, inviting residents and visitors alike to explore the diverse range of artwork on display at the 2nd Annual Art Fair on the Green. The art fair showcased the talents of both local and nonlocal artists, each contributing to the vibrant tapestry of the exhibit.

The free, family-friendly event featured artists in various mediums, from jewelry and paintings to ceramics and glass. Colorful pottery was displayed in booths next to displays of dazzling handmade jewelry and still others displaying acrylic and watercolor paintings. The outdoor gallery offered a visual feast that reflected the diversity and creativity of the artistic community that calls High Springs and North Central Florida home.

Scattered rain showers passed here and there through the area but did little to dampen the art enthusiasts who came out to see what this year’s two-day event had to offer until an approaching storm with gusty winds passed through. Reports of toppled tents, but no injuries were reported.

Gainesville artist Alfred Phillips took center stage at the exhibit with his creativity and vision, incorporating bold colors into this year’s Art Fair on the Green poster. Phillips specializes in acrylic painting, and according to his website, he has a four-year studio arts degree and enjoyed a successful career in commercial art. Phillips has received a number of awards and relocated to Gainesville in 2013. If you missed his exhibit at the Art Fair on the Green, you have another chance to see his works at the 52nd Annual Santa Fe College Spring Arts Festival in Gainesville on April 13 and 14, 2024.

Additional art events are planned in High Springs with ArtWalks scheduled the third Saturday of March, April, May, October, November and December. The next ArtWalk is on tap March 16, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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NEWBERRY ‒ The Annual Alachua County Youth Fair and Livestock Show not only showcases the hard work, dedication, and skills of youth involved in the event, it also celebrates the area’s agricultural heritage. This year’s show ran Feb. 29 – March 5 at the Alachua County Fairgrounds in Newberry.

The Youth Fair and Livestock Show is an exciting affair that brings together families, farmers and ranchers, and the wider community to witness the culmination of months, and sometimes years, of effort put in by the youthful participants.

The fair boasts a diverse array of livestock exhibits, featuring a variety of animals such as cattle, goats, pigs, and more. From sponsors contributing to prizes and scholarships to local vendors showcasing farm products, the event creates a sense of unity and support within the community. The Youth Fair and Livestock Show thrives on the support of the local community. Businesses, families, and agricultural organizations come together to sponsor events, provide resources, and offer mentorship to the participants.

Each year, the fair brings together 4-H and FFA youth in the community, allowing them an opportunity to demonstrate the dedication they put into raising their animals. Each youth is required to keep a record book on his or her animal. The book tracks the weight of the animal, the amount of feed it is given and time the youth spends with his or her animal.

And while the event lasts only a few days, long before the fair, participating youth are deeply involved in the care and raising of their livestock projects. Whether it's raising a steer, goat, chicken or pig, these youngsters learn the ropes of raising and caring for their animals from nutrition, health, and responsible animal husbandry practices to overall farm management.

Leading up to the final days of the fair, the spotlight shifts to the show ring where students showcase their animals for judging. While the competition is fierce, the emphasis is not only on winning. Youngsters also experience the values of sportsmanship, cooperation, and respect for fellow participants. And judges evaluate not only the animals but also the participants' knowledge, showmanship, and overall commitment to their projects.

The Alachua County Youth Fair and Livestock Show is more than just a showcase of animals; it's a celebration of youth, agriculture, and community.

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GAINESVILLE/ALACHUA ‒ The Rembert family, a local family with six generations of history in Alachua and Gainesville, recently expanded their legacy of commitment to the area by partnering with Alachua County to better protect water quality in the Santa Fe River. Alachua County Forever, the county’s environmental land acquisition program, closed on purchasing a conservation easement on Jan. 18, 2024 from Davis Rembert and his family, protecting 614 acres of land.

The Rembert property is located in Alachua, within the Springs Priority Focus Area for Columbia, Hornsby and Treehouse Springs. This special property protects almost 3 miles of Bad Dog Branch, part of the creek system that feeds into Mill Creek Sink. Dye trace studies have confirmed the hydrologic connection between Mill Creek Sink and Hornsby Spring, a designated Outstanding Florida Spring on the Santa Fe River. Protection of the Santa Fe River is one of the highest priorities for the Alachua County Forever Program.

The sale of this conservation easement is the latest in a long history of investments in the local community's future on the part of Davis Rembert. Through this easement, the property has been protected from future development while providing for the continuation of agricultural activities, including hay, row crops, and timber production. In addition, over 200 acres of the property have been designated as “preservation zones,” providing even greater protection for the rare habitats, plants, and wildlife that utilize the land and waters. 

When asked why he chose to protect his land this way, Davis shared this vision by saying, “Our family was fortunate to purchase this beautiful property, and we are excited to protect it in perpetuity with the Alachua County Forever program. This agreement protects this special place's beauty, hydrology, and diversity. This brings great joy to our family, knowing future generations will enjoy the land and its many attributes.”

Protection of the property was made possible through the commitment of the Rembert family, support from county citizens and leadership, and partnership with the Suwannee River Water Management District and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

Funding for this conservation land purchase was provided by the voter-approved Wild Spaces and Public Places sales tax and a $1-million grant from the Suwannee River Water Management District and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection through the Springs Protection Program. 

The Rembert conservation easement is the first Alachua County Forever conservation land acquisition of 2024, following county voters' re-authorization of the Wild Spaces and Public Places initiative in November 2022. Through ongoing citizen support and partnerships, the program has worked with willing landowners to protect 34,277 acres since its inception in 2000.

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ALACHUA ‒ The Alachua Police Department reported the passing of K-9 Simba on Feb. 28, 2024.

The APD announcement read:

“It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of our beloved K-9, Simba. After a courageous battle with cancer, Simba crossed the rainbow bridge, leaving a paw-shaped hole in our hearts.

“Simba wasn't just a loyal companion and guardian; he was an integral part of our law enforcement family. His dedication, loyalty and unwavering commitment to keeping our community safe will forever be remembered.

“Simba touched the lives of many with his incredible skills, boundless energy and loving spirit. Whether on duty or off, he brought joy and inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing him.

“Please join us in honoring and remembering K-9 Simba for his service and the impact he had on our community.”

The Department said they are grateful for the community support and love that has been shown throughout Simba's journey.

“Rest in peace, dear Simba. Thank you for your selfless service. You will be deeply missed, but your legacy will live on in our hearts,” the report continued.

To respect the wishes of Simba's handler, Officer C. Vargas, a small gathering of family and friends was held.

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NEWBERRY ‒ In response to concerns raised about a potential solar farm locating in Newberry, the City Commission on Feb. 26, 2024, unanimously approved amendments related to solar farm regulations. Florida Renewable Partners (FRP), a solar development company operating in Florida, recently acquired land in southwest Newberry, west of County Road 337 and south of Southwest 46th Avenue with intent to develop it as a solar farm. The City has not received an application for this property.

In August 2023, residents in the vicinity of the proposed solar farm expressed concerns through a letter to the City of Newberry about the development and identified suggested conditions for solar farm developments, including the proposed FRP project.

Upon City staff review, modifications were recommended to the City’s existing solar farm regulations that were applicable. The Florida legislature in 2021 passed a limited preemption of local jurisdictional regulation of solar arrays, mandating that they be allowed in any agriculturally-zoned district.

Mayor Jordan Marlowe said that some of the changes requested by citizens and/or members of the Commission could not be implemented due to existing state regulations that municipalities could not propose limitations that would not be standard on all agriculturally-zoned properties.

The Commission unanimously approved amendments suggested by City staff including one describing setbacks and buffers. The amendment provides for no less than 25-foot setbacks on all sides of the site except for ingress and egress corridors. If natural vegetation is present in the setback area, it must be left undisturbed.

Where the perimeter is adjacent to an existing residence, a 20-foot vegetative buffer must be planted by the applicant within the setback area, such that the view of the solar facility from the residence is effectively obscured within five years. The vegetative buffer is to be planted with native species of trees and shrubs that will mature to full opacity within five years of initial planting, and are to be maintained by the applicant until fully established. Setback areas may contain access roads, barriers or security walls, fences, and crossings by linear facilities, provided that any required vegetative buffers are maintained.”

Land Use and Zoning Change

In other business, the City Commission approved changes to the City’s Future Land Use Map and its Zoning Atlas. These changes were in response to two petitions on first reading related to 50 +/- acres located west of U.S. Highway 27/Northwest State Road 45, across the street from Avalon Woods.

CHW Professional Consultants, agent, on behalf of E.D. Norfleet, Jr., Phyllis Norfleet and Katrina Bill, property owners, requested changing the future land use classification on the property from Agriculture to Material-Oriented Industrial Use.

Access to a railway line on this property will allow the developer to bring in construction materials by rail and reduce truck traffic via the roadway.

CHW’s consultant Gerry Dedenbach said a portion of the property would be available for a small business park for construction-oriented businesses such as a flooring store/showroom, plumbing supplies, stone counter top showrooms, etc. He said businesses planning to locate in the industrial park area will be required to apply to the City for Special Use Permits, which would allow the Commission to approve or deny applications individually.

As required by law for large scale amendments of 50 acres or more, they amendment will be transmitted to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity for review. If approved by the State, the ordinance may be enacted upon following a second hearing and approval by the City Commission.

The Commission also unanimously approved amending the Official Zoning Atlas to change the zoning from Agriculture (A) to Industrial (I) on the same 50 acres. Enactment of this second action is contingent upon approval by the State and the City Commission at a second hearing.

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PALM BEACH, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 117, which allows for the public release of grand jury documents, such as those related to the 2006 Florida investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. Two victims of Epstein joined Governor DeSantis in Palm Beach to celebrate the justice that was being delivered.
   
“The public deserves to know who participated in Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Nobody should be protected from facing justice due to their wealth or status, and those who harm children should be exposed and punished to the fullest extent of the law.”
   
“Palm Beach County and the victims suffered from Epstein’s vile behavior before the world ever knew his name,” said Representative Peggy Gossett-Seidman. “I followed the story as we parents kept our kids close, but we never stopped seeking the truth. The police investigated relentlessly, and now the Governor opens up the last chapter of this sordid story.”
   
After a 2006 investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, the Palm Beach Police Department asked the State Attorney to charge Epstein with multiple felony charges, including unlawful sexual activity with a minor and lewd or lascivious molestation. Rather than charge Epstein directly, the State Attorney at the time chose to present evidence to a grand jury—ensuring the names of those involved and the details of the accusations were kept sealed. 
  
HB 117 will allow disclosure of grand jury testimony if the following conditions are met: 
 
  • The subject of the grand jury inquiry is dead.
  • The investigation was about sexual activity with a minor.
  • The testimony was previously disclosed by a court order.
  • The state attorney is notified.
 Because all the above apply to the Jeffrey Epstein Florida case, this legislation will authorize release of the Epstein grand jury documents when it takes effect on July 1, 2024.

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Photo special to Alachua County Today

State

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Phyllis Revord, living just minutes from the Atlantic Ocean beaches on Florida’s east coast, never used to worry about lying in the sun. She even used tanning beds in high school. 

It wasn't until 2020, when she came across a friend's Facebook post detailing her skin cancer journey, that Revord considered a screening for skin cancer. Motivated by her friend’s experience, Revord, now 27, of Jensen Beach scheduled an appointment with her dermatologist and ended up receiving the same diagnosis as her friend: melanoma.

“Had I gone about my life with a tiny mole and just never gotten my skin checked, [the melanoma] could have completely spread to other areas — serious organs in your body,” she said.

Lawmakers in Tallahassee were poised this week to make it easier and cheaper for hundreds of thousands of Florida residents to undergo such potentially life saving screenings by ensuring that all costs are covered by health insurance companies. Earlier efforts to require insurers to pay for skin cancer screenings for everyone with health insurance in Florida failed.

Florida would be the second U.S. state – and the first in the South – to offer such subsidized screenings. Florida estimated it would cost insurance companies, including United Health Care, Aetna, Florida Blue and Capital Health Plan – a total of $357,580 to $416,503 extra per year. In Illinois, annual preventative skin cancer screenings have been covered by health insurance companies since 2020. 

With only days left in this year’s legislative session, the House was expected to vote Wednesday on a bill by Reps. Ralph Massullo, R-Inverness, and Bobby Payne, R-Palatka. It would require contracted state group health insurance plans and health maintenance organizations to cover all costs of annual skin cancer screenings for Florida residents. That includes state employees and their families.

A companion bill by Sen. Gayle Harrell, R-Stuart, also was nearing a final floor vote in the Senate.

In 2020, Florida reported 7,313 cases of melanoma — the most serious form of skin cancer — and 676 melanoma-related deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For 2024, the estimated new cases of melanoma skin cancer is 9,880 with projected deaths of 790 individuals, according to the American Cancer Society.

Harrell and Massullo filed similar proposals last year that applied to all individual health insurers. The House version of that legislation passed through all its committee stops but never received a floor vote. The Senate version of the bill stalled in the Banking and Insurance Committee.

This year’s bills have passed unanimously through their committee stops after lawmakers amended the legislation to only apply to contracted state group health insurance plans and health maintenance organizations. The legislation also prohibits an insurer or HMO from imposing any cost-sharing requirement for the annual skin cancer screening, such as a deductible, copayment or coinsurance.

Sen. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton, who chairs the Banking and Insurance Committee, voted in favor of this year’s narrower bill. He did not return phone and email messages to his legislative office over five weeks. Among Boyd’s top contributors to his campaigns and political committees is the Florida Insurance Council political committee, a group largely funded by insurance companies that would have had to pay for the new screenings under Harrell’s bill.

Harrell is a former healthcare administrator, having managed the OB-GYN practice of Dr. James E. Harrel, her late husband. The Florida Medical Association, Florida Academy of Dermatology, AARP and other groups supported the proposals.

Harrel said copay costs, even as low as $25, deter patients from receiving annual skin cancer screenings. Passing the legislation would also save insurers money, as fewer skin cancer patients would require the invasive treatments that take place due to a lack of preventative care, she added. 

“This is about helping patients get the appropriate screening and treatment they need and 

that's a bipartisan issue,” she said. “This will save money as well as lives in the long run.”

Massullo said he amended his legislation to apply only to contracted state group health insurance plans and health maintenance organizations due to the former version of the bill’s failure to pass through Florida’s GOP-dominated Legislature last year.

“One of our philosophies as a conservative group is to limit our interference in private industry and that would include the insurance industry as well,” he said. 

Massullo acknowledged that in the short term, there would be a negative cost impact on insurers under his legislation. Over time, he said, preventative care is the least expensive part of healthcare delivery.

“The governor's budget is $114 billion for this year,” he said. “We view those investments as improvements of the lives of the Floridians that have put their trust in us to serve them. I look at this similarly.”

If approved by Gov. Ron DeSantis, the legislation will hopefully serve as a pilot to demonstrate the effectiveness of preventative care in battling rising melanoma case rates, Massullo said. 

Revord was able to catch her melanoma early and treat it. She has tried to avoid unnecessary sun exposure ever since. 

She wants the Legislature to pass the skin cancer screenings legislation, and dermatologists to begin to encourage younger patients to schedule annual screenings. 

“It was something that I had to fully investigate myself, so that's a concern,” she said. “I believe that a yearly skin check should be automatically covered, no matter your age.”

Dr. Eduardo Weiss, a Hollywood dermatologist and president of the Florida Society of Dermatologic Surgeons, said he sees roughly six melanoma patients per week. 

The ongoing rise in diagnosis is due to a lack of education and awareness surrounding skin cancer, which leads to less people taking preventative action, he said. 

“If you detect a melanoma early, it's very easy to treat,” he said. “The key is early diagnosis.”

Financial barriers can play a significant role in delayed diagnosis. Weiss said requiring insurers to cover annual screenings will allow low-income Florida residents with low-cost insurance plans, like Medicaid, to gain better access to the care they need.

“I have seen patients that live in Palm Beach and they have to come down here to Miami to see a dermatologist because there are few doctors seeing patients with those insurances,” he said. 

Sharon Simonetti, 67, of Clearwater received her melanoma diagnosis a few months after her father passed away from skin cancer in 2018. 

“It started under the arm, it went to his brain,” she said. “At the point that he went into hospice care, it was about three days, and he was gone.”

A longtime Floridian, Simonetti said skin cancer prevention, like wearing sunscreen, was not a priority when she was younger. But since receiving her diagnosis, Simonetti is screened every six months. 

Simonetti said she is disappointed by people who view skin cancer as a minor issue.

“I would really like people to consider that this is a debilitating disease for some,” she said.

Simonetti has made it her personal mission to spread awareness about melanoma through her involvement in Relay For Life, a fundraising event for the American Cancer Society. 

She was grateful lawmakers were working to make screenings more accessible and less expensive for Florida residents. If the legislation passes, she hopes it encourages individuals to better prioritize getting annual screenings.

“The cost is really high if they don't go and it's not caught early,” she said.

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PALM BAY, FL.- This week, Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) Troopers spotted a black motorcycle northbound on Interstate 95 (I-95) near mile marker 166, recklessly speeding at approximately 100 miles per hour in a 70-mile-per-hour zone. The motorcycle driver was dangerously weaving in and out of traffic without signaling, and the tag was attached in a way that intentionally obscured the legibility of the license plate.

Troopers attempted to pull the motorcycle over using emergency lights and sirens. However, the motorcycle failed to yield and continued riding northbound on I-95, accelerating to speeds over 100 miles per hour, eventually exiting the interstate on County Road 516 (Palm Bay Road). After exiting the interstate, the motorcycle ran through multiple red traffic signals before turning onto State Road 507. The driver attempted to make a left-hand turn but failed to appropriately negotiate the turn, running off the road.

As the driver continued to flee Troopers, he recklessly drove through the parking lots of several local businesses, jumping curbs and losing control in the parking lot of a Wendy's, where the passenger fell off the bike. Showing complete disregard for the passenger's safety, the motorcycle driver continued eastbound and attempted to jump a grass incline and curb, where he lost control and fell off the bike.

Having never lost sight of the motorcycle, the Troopers, along with officers with the Palm Bay Police Department, stopped to check the passenger's welfare before approaching the operator, who promptly surrendered to verbal commands and was placed in handcuffs. The motorcycle operator was identified as Ryan Scott Malley, 44, of Cocoa, Florida.

Malley advised the Troopers that he was in possession of a firearm, and it was located in his front jacket pocket. Malley was then taken to a local hospital, where he was cleared of injury following his fall from the motorcycle and arrested on the following charges:

Ryan Scott Malley was transported to Brevard County Jail without incident.

The motorcycle passenger, identified as Jennifer Inell Cronin, 38, of Tucson, Arizona, fled into the Wendy’s restroom and was detained by the Palm Bay Police Department. When Troopers contacted Cronin, they also located her backpack, helmet, and jacket on top of a small garbage can in the restroom. Discovered within the garbage can was a loaded syringe, a straw with powder residue, and a bag with a white powder-later confirmed to be fentanyl. Jennifer Inell Cronin was arrested on the following charges:

Jennifer Inell Cronin was transported to Brevard County Jail without incident.

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WILDWOOD, FLA.-Yesterday, a Trooper with the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) conducted a traffic stop intercepting a suspect and safely recovering a child following an AMBER Alert issued earlier in the day by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) for an abducted 7-year-old child from Rivera Beach.

The Trooper, who had recently received a Be-On-The-Lookout (BOLO) identifying a location in his area for the suspect vehicle, a 2019 BMW 440I with Georgia Tag TBZ4664, positioned himself in a manner that would allow him to see if the vehicle crossed his path.

Less than 10 minutes later, the Trooper observed a vehicle matching the description of the suspect vehicle exiting State Road 91 onto Northbound Interstate I-75. With the help of a Sumter County Sheriff's K-9 Unit, the Trooper conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle. After confirming the suspect's identity, the child was unharmed, recovered, and returned to his mother.

The suspect, Jean R. Simeus, 44, of Macon, Georgia, was arrested on an out-of-county warrant for kidnapping and was transported to the Sumter County Jail without bond, where he was booked without incident.

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WASHINGTON DC - The US Food and Drug Administration has reported a recall issued by Trader Joe’s on Feb. 7, 2024. 

Trader Joe’s of Monrovia, CA is recalling certain products containing cotija cheese, as the cheese used to make these products has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy individuals may suffer short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Listeria infection can cause miscarriage and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The cotija cheese that was used to produce the products below was manufactured by Rizo-López Foods, Inc. On 2/5/2024, Rio- López Foods initiated a recall of dairy items, including cotija cheese, under multiple brand names. As a result, Trader Joe’s is recalling all codes of the products listed below that were manufactured with cotija cheese.

The recalled products were sold in Trader Joe’s stores nationwide.

Recalled products include all lots of the following products:

  • Trader Joe’s Chicken Enchiladas Verde (SKU 58292)
  • Trader Joe’s Cilantro Salad Dressing (SKU 36420)
  • Trader Joe’s Elote Chopped Salad Kit (SKU 74768)
  • Trader Joe’s Southwest Salad (SKU 56077)

No illnesses have been reported related to these products, to date.

If you purchased any of these products, please discard them or return them to any Trader Joe’s for a full refund.

Customers with questions may contact Trader Joe's Customer Relations at (626) 599-3817 [Monday through Friday, 6:00 am to 5:00 pm Pacific Time].

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the preservation of three family farms in the Florida Wildlife Corridor through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. The K-Rocker Ranch, a 707-acre ranch in Polk County, the Los Niños Farm, a 998-acre timber and cattle operation in Putnam County, and the Kuder Ranch, a 525-acre cattle ranch in Polk County, are being preserved through rural land protection easements for $3,200,000, $1,798,000, and $3,900,000, respectively.

“With the preservation of these three ranches and their over 2,200 acres of productive agricultural land, in addition to the more than 36,000 acres we've permanently preserved in the last year, we are working to protect Florida’s valuable agricultural lands as efficiently and effectively as possible – and before it’s too late,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “The Rural and Family Lands Protection Program is a win-win-win for the state as it not only protects productive agricultural land and our food security, but it does so in a fiscally responsible way by keeping the property on the local tax rolls and requiring property owners to maintain the land and its natural resources according to best management practices.”

The Rural and Family Lands Protection Program purchases the development rights to the agricultural properties through voluntary rural land easements, which prevent the future development of the land and allow agriculture operations to continue to contribute to Florida’s economy and the production of food, timber, and other resources vital to the prosperity of Florida.

K-Rocker Ranch II – Polk County
The 707-acre K-Rocker Ranch has been in business near Lake Wales since 1952 and the third generation of the Keen family now grows Bahia sod as its primary operation. The upland portion of the ranch comprises about 87% of the project, and the remaining wetland areas contain a mosaic of oak and cabbage hammocks along with intermittent wetland sloughs, scrub, and native hardwoods along Catfish Creek. This project fills a gap in the protection of the Lake Wales ecosystem, where it is surrounded by Lake Rosalie and Kissimmee River State Park, the Alan Broussard Catfish Creek State Preserve, the Bombing Range Ridge, and the United States Air Force Bombing Range.

Los Niños Farm – Putnam County
Lying just a half mile off the St. Johns River, Los Niños Farm consists of 998 acres of managed pine timberlands and was one of the first Florida properties to receive a designation under the American Tree Farm System. A small Angus cow-calf operation is also managed on the property, and the Smith family has farmed in Putnam County for nearly a century. Situated across the river from the historic farming town of Hastings, Los Niños Farm continues the rural agricultural traditions of the area and protects important wetlands bordering the river floodplain with intact basin swamps, baygall, and hydric hammocks.

Kuder Ranch – Polk County
The 525-acre Kuder Ranch is a cross-bred cattle operation located just southwest of the Green Swamp within the Lake Wales Ridge ecosystem. The improved pastures are interspersed with ponds, remnants of pine flatwoods, and wetlands that are a mix of baygall, basin swamp, and basin marsh with large cypress trees. In addition to the cattle operations, the Bryant family hosts hunts for wounded veterans on the property, as well as wildlife viewing trips. Wildlife on the project includes turkey, roseate spoonbill, sandhill cranes, alligators, bald eagle, swallowtail kites, osprey, bobcat, and fox. Rare and endangered species also occur on the property including indigo snakes and gopher tortoises.

During the 2023 Legislative Session, HB 1279 was signed to support the department’s Rural and Family Lands Protection Program by no longer requiring the department to submit a purchase agreement to the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund for approval for projects with a purchase price of less than $5 million. In early January, Commissioner Simpson announced the first acquisition of a permanent rural land protection easement through the department’s sole authority.

Commissioner Simpson recently highlighted the historic interest in the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program and the results of the 2023 application cycle. Landowners from over 180 properties – representing over 200,000 acres – submitted new applications to be considered for funding. In December, the Governor and Cabinet also formally approved the program’s project acquisition list, which ranks over 250 eligible properties for acquisition, estimated at over $1 billion in value.

Commissioner Simpson has been involved in Florida’s land conservation policy issues long before becoming Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture. As Senate President, Commissioner Simpson championed the successful passage of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act, which directed the state of Florida to better protect and connect Florida’s natural areas and wildlife habitats and to preserve working agricultural lands from future development. As Senate President, Commissioner Simpson also secured $300 million for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program.

For more information about Commissioner Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FDACS.gov.

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Medication reconciliation is a term used in healthcare that describes the process of comparing a patient’s medication orders in a healthcare institution (hospital or nursing home) to what the patient has been prescribed and taking at home.

The purpose of this short column is to point out that many times patients are admitted to an institution, sometimes in an emergency, and it is difficult to determine what medications have been taken at home. Often when asked about their medicWilliam-Garst-HS.jpgations the response is “I take a blood pressure drug, a blood thinner, something for cholesterol, and something occasionally for arthritis pain.”

Just those four categories of medications probably describe several dozen, if not more, potential medications. What is needed is an exact listing of the medications with their dose (strength), how often they are taken, and when they are taken.

 

The perfect list of medications would be an official one from the patient’s primary care physician or provider. However, often what is presented at the institution is a handwritten list with the barest of information.

I am suggesting in this short column that a person, each time they see their primary care physician, request a current list of their medications with doses and instructions, to be printed for them or even emailed to them for reference in case of an emergency.

This list would also be helpful to take to their pharmacist for comparison to what the pharmacy has on file in their computer profile. In this way, the pharmacist could request a prescription to be there at the pharmacy before it is needed, if there have been changes to the drug, dose, or how often the medication is taken. In addition, the pharmacist may want to notify the primary care physician of other medications that have been prescribed that are not on the primary care physician's record.

This brings up another important aspect: sometimes other physicians (specialists or emergency department physicians) have prescribed medication for a patient and the primary care physician is unaware and would need to know this addition, even if temporary, for a complete listing of medications.

It is vital that medication regimens be accurate as patients transition between healthcare environments as a matter of safety and proper medication administration. Keep the list handy or scan it into your computer for ready reference.

I hope this column was informative; prosper and be in health.

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William Garst is a consultant pharmacist who lives in Alachua, Florida. He is semi-retired and works part time at Lake Butler Hospital in Lake Butler, Florida. William received his pharmacy degree at Auburn University and a Doctor of Pharmacy from Colorado University. The Pharmacy Newsletter is a blog where you can find other informative columns. He may be contacted at garstcph@gmail.com.

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The Editorial Board of Alachua County Today has rarely taken to endorsing candidates in local political races; however, there are times when it becomes necessary. Such is the case in the City of High Springs commission races scheduled for Nov. 7, 2023. Up for consideration are four candidates in two races. In Seat 1, electors in High Springs will have the opportunity to select between the incumbent, Ross Ambrose, and Andrew Miller. In Seat 2, voters will consider incumbent, Gloria James, and Steven Tapanes.

For many years, the City of High Springs experienced considerable political tumult, so much so that it created harsh divisions within the community. Over the last few election cycles, voters have managed to regain control of their commission, placing on the dais community-minded, non-partisan commissioners who have been focused on moving High Springs forward, into a more fiscally sound and responsible direction.

Tax increases are rarely, if ever, welcomed by the taxpayers, but tax increases are sometimes necessary. The City of High Springs, like every other small town, is feeling the financial pinch of inflation. We all feel the financial pinch of inflation. Without an increase in taxes this year, the City of High Springs would be setting itself up for financial straits in the years to come. Simply put, the City has to pay someone to fix water pipes, respond to emergencies, put out fires, and maintain the City’s infrastructure. That is to say nothing of the business of running the City. There is no doubt that there are some, including former commissioners, who want to sow divisions, but these efforts are not productive for the citizens.

Some candidates, and one commissioner, who is not up for election this cycle, have criticized the incumbent commissioners for approval of the FY 2023-24 budget, which did include an increase in the millage rate. It’s easy for one commissioner to sit by and criticize, without solution, a budget which she knows will pass while she avoids the political hit by voting against it.

To be sure, there is always work to be done on tightening the belt on government, reducing waste, and finding new and innovative ways to deliver governance and the services the citizens have come to appreciate and expect. The City of High Springs does not exist in a vacuum however, and for that reason, there are simply some economic conditions the City cannot avoid.

It is because of the work done by commissioners like Ross Ambrose and Gloria James that the City has reached a state of stability, a posture that is allowing the City to get its legs underneath it. After years of political disarray and infighting, the City is finally beginning to make headway on projects that hold great promise for the City of High Springs and its residents.

This is not the time to pull the rug out from underneath the commission and management. Instead, voters should reelect Gloria James and Ross Ambrose while encouraging them to seek common ground on budget issues, attempt to increase efficiency, and hold themselves and management accountable.

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I am writing in support of Ross Ambrose for High Springs City Commission. First let me say that I have nothing negative to say about his opponent, and I’m grateful that we have wonderful people willing to serve our great little town. That said, I have plenty of positive reasons to support Ross in this election.

I have known Ross for at 15 years as a neighbor and friend in town. Ross showed his commitment to this town for years by serving on city boards before he ever ran for office. He has always taken anything he does seriously and professionally and that goes for the City Commission as well.

Ross makes it his business to understand every issue and the effects of city, county and state law on the issue, and how everything works together. When he makes a decision one way or the other on anything, I expect that he has researched it thoroughly. I feel like I don’t have to understand everything little thing that comes before the city, because he literally does that hard job for us. He has run a successful business for 10 years and he understands fiscal responsibility as well as investment and looking at the big picture to prepare us for the future. 

Perhaps the biggest reason I support Mr. Ambrose is that he is truthful, even when the truth is not what I want to hear. My example is that I emailed him about the proposed Bridlewood subdivision, coming out strongly against it. Like many in High Springs, I love our small town, and the surrounding open spaces. I don’t want the town to be swamped with traffic and see the beauty around us turn into South Florida-style crowding and sprawl. I want to protect the springs at all costs. I would be very happy to see zero new large-scale subdivisions here.

Ross took the time to email me back and carefully explain how the property that was Tillman Acres/proposed Bridlewood was zoned for crazy-dense zoning many years ago, and that the City can’t undo that and could be subject to a lawsuit if we tried. He was hoping to get the most palatable deal out of a bad situation.

He also told me about several other subdivisions: one along U.S.441, one adjacent to Bailey Estates, where the City had refused to allow an up-zoning to higher density for all the same reasons I state above.

I believe Mr. Ambrose wants to preserve the unique character of High Springs, but is also realistic in knowing you have to play the hand you were dealt.

I went to a candidate forum and one of the other candidates said High Springs needs better infrastructure before any new development is allowed. That sounds great but isn’t always possible, for reasons like the one above and the need to find funding for said infrastructure. I know that Ross Ambrose leaves no stone unturned in looking for funding sources aside from local tax revenue. The effort he puts into this job is Herculean.

Frankly I think we are extremely lucky to have such a dedicated, knowledgeable and hard-working commissioner. 

Stacey Breheny

High Springs, Florida

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An election will be held in High Springs on Nov. 7. There are two seats up for election. Since this is an odd-numbered year, the turnout will be poor. Every registered voter in the city needs to read up on the candidates; do the research to see what each is for, and vote.

Things have been running smoothly in the city for some time. Voting for someone merely because they are new is not a good idea.

Ross Ambrose and Gloria James do their homework, are knowledgeable and make decisions for all of High Springs. They are not driven by politics but by what they think is best for the city. For the good of the city, let’s keep them doing what they’ve done so well. Just remember that you need to vote.

Thomas R. Weller

High Springs, Florida

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This letter is to express my support for Steve Tapanes and Andrew Miller for City of High Springs Commissioner.

I have watched several of the commissioner’s meetings on line and have noticed on several occasions that although the audience is jammed with people who are concerned about certain issues, that their concerns seldom make a difference in the decisions made because the decisions appear to have been made prior to the meetings.

I would like to see new blood on the board of commissioners as I feel the incumbents get in a rut and although they claim to have the best interests of the citizens in mind some of them don’t seem to be listening. The newer members seem to be the ones listening.

Steve and Andrew both have businesses in High Springs and I feel their freshness would more closely represent the majority of citizens’ current views.

It’s time for a change, time for the younger generation to have a say in what happens for High Springs’ future. Vote Steve Tapanes and Andrew Miller.

Leah Currier

High Springs, Florida

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The High Springs Chamber of Commerce would like to send a special thank you to all our volunteers and local businesses who gave their time, talents, and treasures to bring our community together for the annual Fall Festival.

Please support these businesses and tell them thank you the next time you see them. Decades on Main & Renee;

Oliver & Dahlman; Thompson Flower Shop; The Birds Nest; High Springs Church of God; LifeSpring Church; Plantation Oaks Assisted Living & Memory Care; Dawn Cross, Photography; McDonald's in Alachua; Ronald McDonald House; Hardee's in High Springs; Hillary Cowart the Magic Man; Line Dancing Debbie; Bryan's Ace Hardware in High Springs; Winn-Dixie in High Springs; Fort White Garden & Produce; Jennifer Lee & Caleb Henderson, The Perfect Home; Troop 69, Boy Scouts; Willard's Restaurant & Lounge; BlueStar Grill; Nancy's Bake Shop; Chantels' Cakery; Station Bakery & Café; Tom & Sue Weller, Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe; High Springs Police Department; Aunt Lydia Springs, Cake; Louanne Rigano, Cake; Vella Miller, Ballon; Don Decker, Trains; Museum for being open during the Fall Festival hours

There are so many who came together to make this year's Fall Festival one our community will cherish for years to come.

I love our quaint little town with all its southern charm.

Sharon Decker

High Springs Chamber of Commerce

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