Million dollar car and manatee ribs at Alachua Elementary Career Day
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- Published on Saturday, 02 June 2012 15:48
- Written by Special to Alachua County Today
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ALACHUA – Students at Alachua Elementary may have a better idea of career choices after the school recently conducted its annual career day. Youngsters received firsthand information about careers ranging from health care, to veterinary science to criminal justice to robotics and more.
Iske Larkin, an educational coordinator in Aquatic Animal Health at the University of Florida shared her special interest in manatees. She talked about manatee habitats, and showed students tracking devices that are used to learn about manatees. She also passed around ribs and jaws, which had been found in rivers.
University of Florida Police Department Officer Chad Holway talked to students about going through the police academy and showed them the equipment and gear he uses while on the job.
David Armstrong, who works at a University of Florida research lab, brought a robotic car encased in electronics and sensors, giving it the ability to drive itself. In response to a student’s questions about the value of the car, Armstrong said it cost about $1 million.
Shands physicians Dr. Mehta and Dr. Kelleher, talked to youngsters about what doctors do and how much education it takes to be a doctor. They let the students use the reflex hammer, see into other students’ ears and listen to heartbeats.
Alachua beekeeper Chappie McChesney shared information about bees. Students were interested to learn that bees live only a few weeks, except for the queen. He told the students that the oldest known queen is 8 years old. He also explained the duties of a beekeeper.
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Add a comment Add a commentUpdate - BERYL DOWNGRADED TO TROPICAL DEPRESSION
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- Published on Monday, 28 May 2012 14:33
- Written by Special to Alachua County Today
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Update -
BERYL DOWNGRADED TO TROPICAL DEPRESSION
~State Emergency Operations Center returns to normal monitoring~
TALLAHASSEE – At 11 a.m. EDT, Beryl was downgraded to a tropical depression by the National Hurricane Center. The State Emergency Operations Center has returned to Level Three, regular monitoring.
Tropical Depression Beryl is located over northeast Florida and is expected to continue slowly moving west-northwest. The greatest threat with this system continues to be the threat for heavy rainfall. Residents and visitors should continue to take caution as flooding is possible.
~State Emergency Operations Center returns to normal monitoring~
TALLAHASSEE – At 11 a.m. EDT, Beryl was downgraded to a tropical depression by the National Hurricane Center. The State Emergency Operations Center has returned to Level Three, regular monitoring.
TROPICAL STORM BERYL MAKES LANDFALL IN NORTHEAST FLORIDA
Tropical Depression Beryl is located over northeast Florida and is expected to continue slowly moving west-northwest. The greatest threat with this system continues to be the threat for heavy rainfall. Residents and visitors should continue to take caution as flooding is possible.
TALLAHASSEE – Tropical Storm Beryl made landfall at 12:10 a.m. EDT Monday morning near Jacksonville Beach with winds estimated at 70 mph. The State Emergency Response Team continues to operate at a Level Two, partial activation, to support the needs of the impacted counties in response to the storm.
“Northeast Florida and the eastern Big Bend will continue to experience the impacts from Tropical Storm Beryl through Memorial Day, including rain and potential flooding,” said Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Bryan W. Koon. “Residents and visitors should take precautions post-landfall and continue to heed instructions of their local emergency management agency.”
At 5 a.m. EDT Monday, Tropical Storm Beryl was located about 20 miles west of Jacksonville, Florida. Maximum sustained winds have decreased to 50 mph and Beryl is expected to become a depression late tonight. Tropical Storm Warnings are now in effect north of Flagler Beach and for the Florida counties of Nassau, Duval, St. Johns, Flagler, Columbia, Baker, Clay, Putnam, Bradford, Union, Madison, Lafayette, Inland Taylor and Inland Dixie. Beryl is moving toward the west at 8 mph, but should slow down today while turning west-northwest, and then turn north late tonight through early Tuesday. The greatest threat with this system continues to be the threat for heavy rainfall.
- RIP CURRENTS: Do not enter the water, always assume rip currents are present even if you don’t see them.
- Turn Around, Don’t Drown: Do not drive into flooded roadways.
- Avoid downed power lines.
- Use caution when working with equipment when cleaning up after the storm.
For more information, contact your local county emergency management office. The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 – November 30. To GET A PLAN visit www.FloridaDisaster.org.
Add a comment Add a comment‘Out of My Mind’ favorite with local readers
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- Published on Monday, 14 May 2012 00:59
- Written by Special to Alachua County Today
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Holding their favorite SSYRA book, are Meredith Forrester, Kamryn Senn, Sarah Weitz, Carli Forsberg, Lacey Walls and Madison Estepp.
HIGH SPRINGS – On April 23, 2012 students at High Spring Community School (HSCS) voted for their favorite Sunshine State Young Readers Award (SSYRA) book.
The third and fourth grade students were chosen to count the votes because they have read all 15 of the books that were nominated for the award.
The book that came in first for HSCS is “Out of My Mind” by Sharon M. Draper. This is also the book that won the SSYRA Award for the state.
The SSYRA is a statewide reading motivation program for students in grades 3-8, and encourages students to read independently for personal satisfaction, based on interest rather than reading level. At HSCS, the SSYRA program is coordinated by Nancy Ensminger, the school’s library media specialist.
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Add a comment Add a commentAlachua County Driver’s License Checkpoint Friday, May 25
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- Published on Wednesday, 23 May 2012 14:12
- Written by Administrator
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GAINESVILLE – The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ASO) will be conducting a driver’s license check point at 7300 S.W. 8th Avenue, Gainesville, On Friday, May 25, 2012, from 8 a.m. to 12 noon.
The Alachua County Sheriff's Office conducts driver’s license checkpoints to provide a visible deterrent for those who violate laws and reduce the safety of the motoring public. According to the ASO, drivers who do not possess a valid license or insurance have been identified as an area of traffic safety concern.
Motorists are also urged to routinely check their vehicle’s safety equipment to ensure compliance and reduce their chances of being involved in a crash. This check should include the following:
Take a “walk around” your vehicle to allow you the opportunity to visually observe your tires. Routinely check your tire pressure with a quality tire pressure gauge.
Check your turn signals, headlights and brake lights.
Check your horn and windshield wipers.
Check all of your fluid levels.
If you have a child restraint seat in your vehicles, check it each time before use.
Drivers who enter the checkpoint are urged to slow down and follow the deputy’s instructions.
Add a comment Add a commentElder Farmers Market coupon program begins 12th year
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- Published on Sunday, 06 May 2012 14:07
- Written by Administrator
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ElderCare of Alachua County Inc. has announced that the Elder Farmers Market Nutrition Program will begin its 12th year of providing cash vouchers for Alachua County seniors to purchase fresh, local produce at Alachua County farmers markets. Applicants must be at least 60 years old at the time they apply and be living on a limited income. Applicants must show proof of age with a picture ID and proof of total gross monthly income for their household.
Seniors meeting eligibility requirements will receive two books of coupons valued at $20 each ($40 total). ElderCare of Alachua County will have three distribution sites for the general public this year.
High Springs
High Springs Civic Center
325 NW Santa Fe Blvd.
1 to 4 p.m.
May 9, 2012
Hawthorne
First United Methodist Church
6701 SE 219 Ter.
Hawthorne, FL
9 a.m. to noon
May 10, 2012
Gainesville
Senior Recreation Center
5701 NW 34th St.
Gainesville, FL
8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
May 14, 2012
Seniors who are unable to travel to the site may designate someone to pick up their coupons by providing the designated person with a signed permission note, a copy of their photo ID card and proof of the total household income. The designated person must bring their photo ID card also and must have proof of income for the household. For more information, call ElderCare of Alachua County at 352-265-9040
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