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Sustainable Investing
Means Investing With Purpose
Published April 20, 2026 at 9:30 a.m.
     NEWBERRY -- When you think about investing, you probably want your money to grow. But maybe you also want it to make a positive difference in the world while you continue pursuing your financial goals. 

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     That’s the foundation of sustainable investing — an approach that considers environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors alongside traditional financial analysis.
     Sustainable investing allows you to support better business practices through your investment choices. It looks at how companies address issues ranging from climate change to worker well-being to corporate ethics. At its core, it’s about aligning investments with personal values while still focusing on long-term financial outcomes.
     Here are the three main areas of sustainable investing:
     ● Environmental considerations include how companies respond to climate change, use natural resources and manage pollution.
     ● Social factors address workforce well-being, product safety and efforts to reduce social inequities.
     ● Governance focuses on corporate behavior, ethics policies and financial transparency.
     You may wonder whether investing sustainably means sacrificing returns. Research suggests it doesn’t. New York University’s Stern Center for Sustainable Business reviewed more than 1,000 studies from 2015–20 and found that incorporating ESG factors does not inherently diminish returns, and in many cases is associated with improved financial performance. As with any investment approach, it’s important to focus on high quality investments that help support more consistent long term returns.
     Sustainable investing can take several forms:
     ● ESG intentional strategies spread out your investments and have clear goals for choosing companies that follow strong environmental, social and governance practices.
     ● Sustainable thematic strategies focus on specific issues, such as clean energy or water conservation.
     ● Impact investments go a step further, targeting measurable environmental or social outcomes. Because they prioritize more narrow, specific objectives, they may carry higher volatility and potentially lower returns.
     One concern you may hear about is “greenwashing,” which happens when companies or funds exaggerate their environmental efforts. To help prevent this, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission created a rule in 2023 that requires any fund with “ESG” in its name to keep at least 80 percent of its assets in ESG aligned investments.
     Another challenge is data consistency. Today, 99 percent of S&P 500 companies report ESG metrics, according to the Center for Audit Quality, but different rating providers still use different methods. Looking at relative rankings can help you compare companies and mutual funds in a more consistent way.
     Deciding whether to include sustainable investments in your portfolio really depends on your values and financial goals. You can build a well diversified portfolio with or without them. A qualified financial advisor can help you understand whether adding sustainable investments fits your overall strategy and makes sense for your situation.
     As more companies disclose ESG data and more funds offer sustainable options, investors have increasing opportunities to align their portfolios with their values — without sacrificing their financial objectives.
     Publisher’s Note: This article was written by Edward Jones for use by Edward Jones Financial Advisor Sheila K. Smith and Edward Jones Financial Advisor Ashlyn W. Burtle. Their office is located at 1845 S.W. 249th Drive, in CountryWay Town Square, Newberry. Phone 352-472-2776.

Investiture scheduled
for Alachua County judge
Information and Photo Provided
By Eighth Judicial Circuit Court Administration
Public Information Officer Christy Cain
Published April 17, 2026 at 12 p.m.
     GAINESVILLE -- The Honorable Joy L. Danne was appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis to the Alachua County Court bench on Jan. 30, 2026.
     She began her service in March. Her Investiture is scheduled to be held on Friday, June 5, at 2 p.m. in Courtroom 1B of the Judge Stephan P. Mickle Sr. Criminal Courthouse.
     Judge Danne earned her bachelor’s degree from Florida State University and her Juris Doctor from Faulkner University, Thomas Goode Jones School of Law. Judge Danne served as an assistant public defender in the Eighth Judicial Circuit under the Honorable Stacy A. Scott for more than 12 years.  
     Beyond her professional legal work, Judge Danne has shown a long-standing commitment to civic leadership and community involvement. Her extensive service in the legal community includes roles such as a member and eventually Chair of the Eighth Judicial Circuit Bar Grievance Committee B.
     Judge Danne is dedicated to developing local youth and education; she currently serves as the co-president of the Newberry Elementary PTO and has volunteered as a coach for youth soccer and basketball for Newberry Sports and Recreation. 
     She continues to support the next generation of legal professionals as a volunteer judge for trial competitions at both the University of Florida and Faulkner University law schools. 
     Judge Danne fills a vacancy created by the elevation of the Honorable Judge Kristine Van Vorst to the Eighth Judicial Circuit bench. Judge Danne is currently assigned to Alachua County Civil Division V and the Civil Traffic Division. Her judicial assistant is Delatrone Hunter.

NCBDC replacement may happen
By Jeff M. Hardison © April 15, 2026 at 4 p.m.
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Do Not Copy And Paste To Social Media Or Elsewhere
     LEVY COUNTY -- The Nature Coast (Levy County) Business Development Council (NCBDC) used to be a Levy County organization to help improve the economy in Levy County.     The NCBDC was an entity that evolved from an original group formed in 1985, which used to be committed to fostering economic prosperity and the highest quality of life in the communities it serves, which all are in Levy County.
     According to Florida Department of State records, the NCBDC filed for voluntary dissolution, with the event recorded on Dec. 5, 2025. The organization – under various monikers was established in 2000, and it became officially inactive on Dec. 5, 2025, according to records.
     A downward slide in progress appears to have started after the most recently past NCBDC executive director -- Scott Osteen, whose salary was funded by the taxpayers of Levy County and by CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion, chose to be among the candidates seeking office as the Gilchrist County Supervisor of Elections.
     One journalist has watched the previous group and its predecessors since 2006. Osteen was the most recently hired paid leader of the group. Osteen was one of three candidates seeking election to be the next Gilchrist County Supervisor of Elections. The other two candidates for that post were Lisa Darus, who won, and Olivia Roberts. Darus is now active in the post previously held by Connie Sanchez, who did not seek reelection.
     Meanwhile, in regard to the Levy County Commission’s potential future version of an economic development department, Landon Harrar’s is currently listed as the economic development manager for the Levy County Commission, according to records.
     Harrar was speaking with Chiefland City Attorney Norm D. Fugate and Chiefland City Manager Laura Cain late Monday afternoon (April 13).
     After Fugate asked him about what the county is doing to replace the NCBDC, he said he sees the creation of an organization with five different industries being represented, along with some elected officials. The industries’ representatives will be decided by the County Commission Harrar said. 
     Harrar told Fugate and Cain that he intends to have this matter on the May 5 agenda for the Levy County Board of County Commission meeting to begin discussing in that public forum the creation of this advisory committee or council.
     Apparently, an economic advisory group of some sort is potentially in the wings again for Levy County. This county has reformed that type of group a number of times. And it usually appears to rehash some of the same material.
     An April 14 public records request has been made to the Levy County government to see Landon Harrar’s qualifications to be the new economic development manager. He appears to have some background with the Gainesville Chamber of Commerce.
     To see the April 15, 2023 story titled NCBDC reinvents the wheel; Concept of new investors resurfaces, click HERE.
     To see the Feb. 11, 2023 story and photos under the headline NCBDC evolves; Business council targets Levy County property for development, click HERE.
     To read the story and see pictures from the Sept. 12, 2019, NCBDC goal-setting session, click HERE.
 

Palms Medical Group partners with
mobile mammography provider on April 17

The Mammobus sits parked and ready to help screen for breast cancer indicators.

Story and Photo Provided
By Kyler Burk, Director of Marketing
Trenton Medical Center Inc.
Doing Business As Palms Medical Group
Pubished April 14, 2026 at 7:45 a.m.
     BRANFORD – Palms Medical Group recently partnered with Mammolink 3D Mobile Mammography to bring accessible mammograms to rural areas in North Central Florida via Mammolink’s Mammobus.      The next Mammobus is scheduled to be at Palms Medical Group in Branford, 103 W. U.S. Highway 27, Branford, on Friday, April 17, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
     Individuals who schedule a mammogram during this event do not have to be active patients of Palms Medical Group. Rather, Palms opens its facilities and space up to the community at large to have the opportunity to receive care during these visits.
     To schedule an appointment, click HERE -- and scroll down to "Apr-17, 2026 Friday PRIVATE EVENT – Palm Medical/Department of Health 103 W US HWY 27 Branford, Fl 32008" -- or speak with a Palms Medical Group team member about scheduling to use the Mammobus. 
     “I’m proud to help bring this kind of health care close to home, especially for patients who might not otherwise seek care,” said Desiree Hayes, executive vice president of patient services at Palms Medical Group. “We’ve even found cases that needed further screening and treatment. That’s impact.” 
     This upcoming event in Branford comes on the heels of a successful Mammobus visit at Palms Medical Group in Trenton on April 2. The bus was overbooked, with the actual number of patients seen at 123 percent of the number of appointments available. Per Mammolink, it’s not a problem if there are no pre-scheduled appointments left on the day of an event. Walk-ins are encouraged, with just a short wait and friendly conversation during that pause. 
     “I’ve seen husbands drive their wives up and wait on them, best friends giggle having convinced each other to get screened, and daughters share the experience with their mothers,” Hayes said. “I’ve watched the relief of being informed. All from these Mammobus events.”

Inglis advertises
CDBG First Public Hearing Notice
Information Provided By Town of Inglis
Published April 11, 2026 at 3 p.m.
     INGLIS -- The Town of Inglis is considering applying for the Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) through the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity for Fiscal Year 2025.      The Town is eligible to apply for up to $3 million in the neighborhood revitalization, commercial revitalization, or housing rehabilitation categories and up to $1 million in the economic development category. Construction activities funded through the CDBG Program must meet one of the following National Objectives:
     1.Benefit to low- and moderate-income persons;
     2. Aid in the prevention or eliminate slum or blight conditions; or
     3. Meet urgent community development needs.
     The types of activities that CDBG funds may be used for include constructing water, sewer and stormwater systems, repair or rehab of substandard homes, flood mitigation infrastructure, road and drainage improvements, infrastructure to support businesses, and streetscape upgrades. Additional information regarding the range of activities that could be funded will provided at the public hearing.
     In developing a CDBG application, the Town of Inglis must plan to minimize displacement of persons as a result of the activities. In addition, the Town of Inglis is required to develop a plan to assist displaced persons.
     A public hearing to obtain citizens comments concerning the Town’s economic and community development needs will be held at Inglis Town Hall, 135 Levy County Road 40 West (aka Highway 40 West), on April 21 at 5 p.m.
     For more information concerning the public hearing, contact Jessie Sellers at (850) 371-1134 or by email at jessie@savin.it.com
     The public hearing is being conducted in a handicapped accessible location. Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in the hearing is asked to advise the Town at least five days before the hearing by contacting Jessie Sellers at (850) 371-1134. 
     If you are hearing- or speech-impaired please contact the Town using the Florida Relay Service, 1 (800) 955-8771 (TDD) or 1(800) 955-8770 (Voice).
     Any non-English speaking person wishing to attend the public hearing should contact Jessie Sellers at (850) 371-1134 at least five days prior to the hearing and an interpreter will be provided.

Gilchrist County to accept $46,000
in $91,600 road deal
By Jeff M. Hardison © April 7, 2026 at 2 p.m.
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
     TRENTON – If Michael and Karen Holbrook of 1119 S.W. 80th Ave., Bell, deliver a check for $46,000 in the next few weeks to Gilchrist County Clerk Todd Newton as payment for part of a one-mile chip and seal road improvement project, then Gilchrist County will subsidize the remaining money for the whole project that has an estimated cost currently of $91,641.72.
     Gilchrist County is footing the whole bill on one mile of Southwest 10th Street west of Gilchrist County Road 341 – just as it is for all five projects the county is completing through its work with Asphalt Paving.
     Chip and seal is not the highest degree of paving. There was some discussion where Holbrook intimated that he and other donors will want a refund if it does not meet their expectations. Gilchrist County entered an agreement with a subdivision where the property owners would pay a municipal service tax for certain roads to be paved. The people did not like the final product, and the county government found a significant unexpected bill for essentially repaving over the inadequate areas of that project.
     A 4-0 vote by Commission Chairman Darrell Smith, Vice Chairman Bill Martin, and Commissioners Sharon A. Langford and Tommy Langford sealed the deal on April 6 with the Holbrooks at the regular twice-monthly County Commission meeting. Michael Holbrook is the front man for this venture and Karen Holbrook is the accountant for this agreement, where the Holbrooks are accepting money from more than 20 other interests that are willing to pay just over 50 percent of the estimated cost to improve that “second mile” of the road, which may have been completely covered in the next year’s roadwork. Of course, several road projects may be delayed or stopped next year and going into the future of Florida if voters approve an amendment to the Florida Constitution to reduce or eliminate county property taxes.
     Holbrook chose against telling the County Commission or Gilchrist County Attorney David Miller “Duke” Lang Jr. who the other contributors are for the project, and if the county needs to refund any or all money, it will be returned to Holbrook for him to distribute to the other donors. Instead, he singularly put his name on the deal. He said some of the donors want anonymity. 
     Until the project is finished, Gilchrist County Finance Director Richard Romans explained that this $46,000 will be held outside of other parts of the budget until the project is finished. It is not going to be listed as revenue for the county then. Also, since this was not a planned expense, the $45,642 the county is paying on this unplanned roadwork this year will come from the $45,000 contingency created for the five approved chip and seal projects this year, with a little coming from another part of the county’s coffers. And, Romans said, the County Commission will need to make a budget amendment to the current fiscal year’s budget. This fiscal year is Oct. 1, 2026 through Sept. 30, 2027.
     Gilchrist County Clerk and Comptroller Newton again warned the County Commission that if it keeps choosing to “spend, spend, spend,” it will reach a point where there is no more reserve balance, or contingency fund.
     And this decision opens the door for any property owner or group of property owners to approach the Gilchrist County Commission to use the chip and seal process to improve their county-maintained lime rock road to make it that better quality of road. Commissioners are trying this chip and seal method this year on the lime rock roads with the most need for maintenance by grading and the most used roads. They may continue it next year, or maybe they won’t do so – depending on variables such as hurricane damage, a loss of tax revenue and the like.
     There has been approved private contribution for a road paving project in Levy County recently. The Levy County Commission accepted an $86,000 voluntary contribution from property owner Jerry Weintraub for the purpose of resurfacing Southeast 157th Avenue on March 3.
     In Levy County, accepting money from a developer for a road project is generally addressed in an enforceable development agreement or development order, as noted in the county’s capital improvements policies. This particular agreement in Levy County was a deal with one property owner. The County Commission let him know that this road is still the same public road that it was before he helped fund it being paved.
     While the Tri-County Area counties – Levy, Gilchrist and Dixie – rely heavily on state or federal grants for most of the major resurfacing projects, these partnerships with private donors are used to expedite specific improvements – such as this one-year jump in time for this one mile that will possibly help traffic more going to the Wannee Boat Ramp in Gilchrist County.

New record set
for distance of humans away from Earth
By Cheryl Warner and Rachel Kraft of NASA News
Sent April 6, 2026 at 3:57 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time
Published April 7, 2026 at 7:30 a.m. EDT
     WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Four astronauts aboard NASA’s Artemis II test flight around the Moon made history at 12:56 p.m. Central Daylight Time (or 1:56 p.m. EDT) on Monday (April 6), traveling 248,655 miles from Earth, surpassing the record for human spaceflight’s farthest distance previously set by the Apollo 13 mission on April 15, 1970.
     At its farthest point, crew inside the Orion spacecraft will have traveled about 252,760 miles, before looping back toward our home planet, setting the new record for human spaceflight.
     Six days into the first crewed mission of NASA’s Artemis program, NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen continued collecting pictures of the Moon on their voyage away from Earth.
      “At NASA, we dare to reach higher, explore farther, and achieve the impossible. That’s embodied perfectly by our Artemis II astronauts – Reid, Victor, Christina, and Jeremy. They are charting new frontiers for all humanity,” said Dr. Lori Glaze, acting associate administrator for Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “Their dedication is about more than breaking records – it’s fueling our hope for a bold future. Their mission is carrying our promise to return to the Moon’s surface, this time to stay as we establish a Moon Base.”
     NASA’s Orion spacecraft began its journey to the Moon following a successful April 1 launch on an SLS (Space Launch System) rocket from the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. After conducting a series of burns to break free of Earth orbit the following day, the spacecraft set its path toward the Moon.
     Following their record achievement, crew provided brief, emotional remarks. The world heard from CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen aboard Orion:
     “From the cabin of Integrity here, as we surpass the furthest distance humans have ever traveled from planet Earth, we do so in honoring the extraordinary efforts and feats of our predecessors in human space exploration. We will continue our journey even further into space before Mother Earth succeeds in pulling us back to everything that we hold dear. But we most importantly choose this moment to challenge this generation and the next to make sure this record is not long-lived.”
     In addition to their spaceflight record, crew suggested naming two craters on the Moon during their flight. The first is named in honor of their spacecraft, Integrity. The second honors Wiseman’s late wife, Carroll. After this mission is complete, the crater name proposals will be formally submitted to the International Astronomical Union, the organization that governs the naming of celestial bodies and their surface features.
     When they fly past the Moon later, crew will come within about 4,070 miles from its surface at the closest approach. The astronauts will be the first to see the far side of the Moon with human eyes and are the first to travel behind the Moon. Finally, they will witness a solar eclipse as the Moon passes in front of the Sun.
     NASA is expecting to lose communication with the astronauts for about 40 minutes during a planned blackout period. The break will occur as the Moon blocks signals between the spacecraft and the Earth through the Deep Space Network. When Orion reemerges from behind the Moon, it is expected to quickly reacquire contact with flight controllers in the Mission Control Center at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. 
     During their lunar flyby, a fleet of cameras will capture imagery of the Moon, including features humans have never directly seen. The astronauts will use a variety of digital handheld cameras to conduct high-resolution photography of the lunar surface. Artemis II is providing astronauts an opportunity to gather data as one of the most powerful scientific tools for observation are the four pairs of eyes observing lunar features with varying illumination and texture.
     Photos, videos, mission telemetry, and communication information are all sources of data from the test flight, which will be used to inform future Artemis missions as the agency embarks on development of its Moon Base.
     The Artemis II astronauts are more than halfway through their mission. The crew is scheduled to splash down off the coast of San Diego at approximately 8:07 p.m. EDT (5:07 p.m. PDT) on Friday, April 10. Following splashdown, recovery teams will retrieve the crew members using helicopters and deliver them to the USS John P. Murtha. Once aboard, the astronauts will undergo post-flight medical evaluations in the ship’s medical bay before traveling back to shore to meet with an aircraft bound for NASA Johnson.
     Under the Artemis program, NASA will send Artemis astronauts on increasingly challenging missions to explore more of the Moon for scientific discovery, economic benefits, and to build on our foundation for the first crewed missions to Mars.
 

Cedar Key Woman's Club Officers Installed

Cedar Key Woman’s Club officers for 2026-2028 were installed by General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) Florida District 5 President, Sallie Milner on March 24. GFWC Florida District 5 includes District 5 Levy, Gilchrist, Dixie, Citrus, Alachua and Marion counties. Cedar Key Woman’s Club officers seen here from left are Correspondence Secretary Sallie Milner, Recording Secretary Tammy Reed, 2nd Vice President for Membership Vicki Crumpley, President Donna Bushnell, Treasurer Jean Garbaty, and Past President Marci Wilcox. The club plans are to continue the many activities and support that it provides for the community.
Photo and Information Provided By CKWC President Donna Bushnell
Published April 5, 2026 at 7 a.m.

Free training offered for high-paying jobs
By Laura Byrnes, APR, CPRC, FCWP
Director of Communications
CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion
Published April 2, 2026 at 8 a.m.
     LEVY COUNTY – There is a free fiber optics boot camp available for those interested in high-paying, in-demand careers in broadband telecommunications.
     The next one-week free training takes place May 18 through 22 at the College of Central Florida Jack Wilkinson Levy Campus, 15390 U.S. Highway 19 about five miles north of Chiefland, and a few miles south of the City of Fanning Springs.
     The boot camp is part of the Creating Connections program specifically designed to help fill critical broadband positions in order to provide high-speed internet for approximately 70,000 residents and businesses in three rural CareerSource regions (CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion, CareerSource North Central Florida, and CareerSource North Florida).
     CareerSource CLM, oversees the program. Those living in the Tri-County Area of Levy, Dixie and Gilchrist counties are eligible to take advantage of this free training.
     Residents in the CareerSource North Florida region are eligible for this service, which extends even beyond the Tri-County Area of Levy, Dixie and Gilchrist counties.
     So far, 59 residents from the regions in the Tri-County Area have taken part in the boot camp and 43 have garnered good, gainful employment in the field or have been upskilled.
     Here’s what participants get in just one week:
     • Hands-on training with fiber optic cable, patch panels, and test equipment; 
     • Ability to earn three industry-recognized certifications (a $3,350 value);
     • Job placement support in broadband telecommunications; and
     • Wrap-around services such as travel assistance, uniforms, and tools.
     The fiber optics training is conducted by BDI DataLynk, a standards-based company offering Fiber Optic Association (FOA) sanctioned fiber optics network technician training. The FOA is the largest professional fiber optics society in the world.
     Those interested in enrolling in the program or learning more should call 800-434-JOBS, ext. 4206, email broadband@careersourceclm.com or visit https://careersourceclm.com/broadband.
 

Emergency services leader honored
Story and Photo Provided By DCFR Deputy PIO Blake Watson
Published March 31, 2026 at 10 a.m.
     DIXIE COUNTY -- Chief Darian Brown, director of Dixie County Emergency Services (DCES), was recently honored for his lifelong commitment to saving lives and property.
     In recognition of his decades of service and transformative leadership, Brown was recently honored by the presentation to him of the Mark Fingeret Award -- one of the most prestigious acknowledgments in the emergency medical services profession.
     Presented annually by organizations such as the Florida Association of County Emergency Medical Services, the award represents a lifetime achievement in emergency medical services.
     It specifically recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional administrative leadership, dedication, and lasting contributions to community health and pre-hospital care.
     For DCES Director Brown, serving the community has never been just a job. It has been a lifelong commitment. From his earliest days as a volunteer firefighter to his leadership of Dixie County Fire Rescue and the other divisions of DCES today, Brown’s career has been defined by dedication, growth, and meaningful improvements to the county’s emergency services.
     Brown’s journey in the fire service began in 1988 when he started volunteering with Cross City Fire Department. Through years of hard work and commitment, he rose through the ranks and was promoted to Assistant Chief in 1998. Nearly three decades later, he still holds that position, continuing to support the department that helped shape his career.
     In 2005, Brown expanded his service by becoming a full-time firefighter with Taylor County. That same year, he returned home to Dixie County, bringing with him valuable experience and leadership. Upon his return, he joined Dixie County Fire Rescue as a Division Chief.
     Chief Brown’s leadership abilities quickly became evident, and he was later promoted to director, a position he continues to hold today. During his time as director, he has overseen significant advancements that have strengthened emergency response capabilities throughout Dixie County.
     Under DCES Director Brown’s leadership, Dixie County Fire Rescue has expanded its resources and modernized its equipment. The department added an additional Advanced Life Support (ALS) rescue unit, two ALS engines, an ALS squad, and a new tanker to better serve residents during emergencies. These additions have significantly enhanced the department’s ability to respond quickly and effectively to both medical and fire-related incidents.
     Brown secured funding for four new fire stations across the county, improving coverage and ensuring that help can reach residents more efficiently when it matters most.
     In addition to expanding infrastructure and apparatus, Brown prioritized modernization. During his tenure, the department replaced all medical and firefighting equipment to meet current standards, ensuring firefighters and paramedics have the tools they need to safely and effectively serve the public.
     One of Brown’s most forward-thinking initiatives has been the development of a community paramedic program within Dixie County. The program focuses on proactive care, helping residents manage medical needs before they become emergencies. Its success has not only benefited local residents but has also helped demonstrate the program’s value across Florida, contributing to its growing adoption statewide.
     After decades of service, Director Brown’s impact on Dixie County Fire Rescue is evident in the department’s expanded capabilities, improved facilities, and innovative programs. His career stands as a testament to the difference dedicated leadership can make in building a safer and more prepared community.
 

CareerSource office opens in Trenton

Gilchrist County Administrator Bobby Crosby, keynote speaker at the CareerSource North Central Florida yesterday (Wednesday, March 25), pauses with CareerSource North Central Florida Chief Executive Officer Phyllis Marty after being asked by HardisonInk.com for a photo op before the event.

Story, Photos and Videos By Jeff M. Hardison © March 26, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
    TRENTON -- Gilchrist County Administrator Bobby Crosby spoke about the importance of workforce development and local economic growth in Gilchrist County as part of his keynote address during a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
     Crosby was joined by Gilchrist County Commission Chairman Darrell Smith; Gilchrist County Economic Development Director Donna Creamer, who is also a strong leader in tourism development for Gilchrist County; Gilchrist County Court Judge Sheree H. Lancaster; President at Straw America Larry Thompson, who is on the board of directors of CareerSource North Central Florida; as well as CareerSource North Central Florida Chief Executive Officer Phyllis Marty and several other people involved with connecting eligible workers with open employment positions.
     Attendees of the grand opening of CareerSource North Central Florida’s new Trenton Career Center, located at 723 E. Wade St. (State Road 26), in Trenton, celebrated this success story, which was heralded as starting with a ribbon being cut.


Gilchrist County Administrator Bobby Crosby gives the keynote address at the opening of the new career center of the CareerSource North Central Florida in Trenton on March 25. To see and hear the video, click on the PHOTO.
Video By Jeff M. Hardison -- All Rights Reserved



This short video captures the few seconds of the actual ribbon-cutting of the CareerSource North Central Florida in Trenton on March 25. Cutting the ribbon is CareerSource North Central Florida Chief Executive Officer Phyllis Marty as CareerSource North Central Florida Board of Directors Member Larry Thompson stands beside her. This photo captures the ribbon just as it is cut. To see and hear the video, click on the PHOTO.
Video By Jeff M. Hardison -- All Rights Reserved



Many of the people at the opening ceremony are seen here in this group shot.


(from left) Gilchrist County Administrator Bobby Crosby, Larry Thompson of Branford, a member of the CareerSource North Central Florida Board of Directors, and Gilchrist County Commission Chairman Darrell Smith speak with each other after the opening ceremonies. There were refreshments and visitors could tour the facilities as well as speak with staff members.

     The new site shows hope of expanding access to career and business services for residents and employers in Gilchrist County, as well as from nearby areas.
     CareerSource North Central Florida notes its mission “… is to facilitate successful career journeys and to assist companies in finding skilled talent.”
     The staff at this center help people use services, such as career guidance, skill development and applying employment resources to start a job. For businesses, this CareerSource, like all of its similar offices throughout Florida’s 67 counties, partners in building a competent workforce.
     The Trenton Career Center will offer a full range of workforce services, including career counseling, job search assistance, résumé support, hiring events, and connections to training and education programs. Business services staff will be available to help local employers recruit talent, post job openings, and learn about available training and hiring incentives.
     CareerSource North Central Florida CEO Phyllis Marty welcomed everyone as the ceremonies to celebrate the opening of the facility began.
     She said CareerSource North Central Florida is proud to serve as Gilchrist County’s partner in economic growth. 
     CareerSource North Central Florida focuses its service on the people of Alachua, Bradford, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist and Union counties. It helps people find meaningful careers while aiding employers in developing the talent needed for success.
     The office coming to fruition in Trenton, Marty said, is thanks to the work of many partners. She expressed her gratitude for Gilchrist County leaders, this CareerSource’s board of directors, community partners, as well as the staff members who worked tirelessly to make this career center a reality.
     Marty then introduced Gilchrist County administrator Crosby as the keynote speaker – “a strong advocate for the growth and success of this community.”
     Crosby said he is honored to serve as the keynote speaker.
     Celebrating the opening of this office in Trenton, he said, not only opens the doors to this career resource center; but it opens the door to employment opportunities, growth and a stronger future for Gilchrist County.
     CareerSource centers like this one help people across Florida find jobs as well as assisting businesses to grow their skilled workforce, he said. The hands-on service of CareerSource is part of what makes it so valuable to a community.
     “For businesses, they provide no-cost support with recruiting, hiring and training of employees; helping companies grow while staying competitive,” Crosby said.
     “For jobseekers, they offer guidance, training opportunities, and direct connections to careers that can truly change lives,” he continued. “Here in Gilchrist (County), we understand that a strong workforce is a foundation of a strong community.”
     When residents have access to good jobs, Crosby said, their families thrive. When people work together, they build a future that benefits everyone, he added.
     This investment in the community, Crosby said, sends the clear message that Gilchrist County is growing. By investing in people, Gilchrist County is committed to building a resilient, local economy, Crosby said.
     Crosby said he is happy to welcome CareerSource back to Gilchrist County, after it moved its office away some years ago and consolidated the office staff from Trenton with the staff members in Old Town, which led to Gilchrist County jobseekers needing to go to Dixie County. 
     “We’re glad you are back,” he said.
     One thing that hampers jobseekers from connecting with employment by using CareerSource is not having a career center that is relatively close. A person who is seeking a job finds it difficult to travel a long distance to seek the help available from this institution, he said. And now, there is one in Trenton again.

HCA Florida Healthcare and Air Methods
launch new air ambulance service


Story and Photo Provided
Published March 25, 2026 at 4 p.m.
     OCALA and GAINESVILLE -- HCA Florida Healthcare, the state’s leading emergency healthcare provider, in partnership with Air Methods, a national leader in emergency air medical services, announced the launch today (Wednesday, March 25) of a new air ambulance service that will serve communities along the Nature Coast and inland in western North Central Florida.
     This medical helicopter fleet, HCA Florida AirLife, provides the specialized response and speed necessary to stabilize trauma, stroke and other seriously injured or ill patients before they reach the hospital, significantly improving outcomes.
      “At HCA Florida Healthcare, we are continually expanding health services and adding locations and resources as our communities continue to grow,” said Gabe Bullaro, CEO, HCA Florida North Florida Hospital. “Our new air ambulance partnership will help save more lives and reduce long-term disabilities from stroke, heart attack and other serious conditions.”
     HCA Florida AirLife began transporting patients on this new route last week. These specially equipped helicopters function as flying ICUs, with flight nurses and paramedics trained to provide critical care to patients suffering from trauma due to accidents, cardiac and stroke events, pregnancy emergencies and other major health concerns. 
     “We are proud to work with HCA Healthcare to expand our air medical footprint in Florida and provide residents of North Central Florida with industry-leading critical care when seconds matter most,” said Brandon Ryan, Air Methods Vice President of Business Development. “This aircraft will play a crucial role in reducing transport times and providing lifesaving care to residents of Levy and Gilchrist counties and beyond.”
     The transport helicopters are based in Chiefland, and primarily serve trauma and medical emergency patients in Levy and Gilchrist counties and surrounding communities.
      “Access to timely, life-saving care should never depend on distance,” Chiefland Mayor Rissa Johns said.
     This air ambulance is a critical investment not only for the residents and visitors of Chiefland, but for families across Levy, Dixie, and Gilchrist counties – the Tri-County Area.
     The fully equipped “flying ICUs” have a range of 379 miles and cruise speeds of 153 miles per hour.
      “With the launch of our new air ambulance partnership, HCA Florida Healthcare is significantly expanding access to critical and emergency care for our neighbors to the west,” said Alan Keesee, CEO, HCA Florida Ocala Hospital. “In an emergency, minutes matter, and this new service will cut travel time nearly in half for patients coming from these largely rural communities.”  
     “With a travel time of over an hour, on average, to a hospital for Levy County residents, this air ambulance is a necessity in an emergency situation,”  Levy County Commissioner Desiree Mills said. “We’re very excited to be able to partner with HCA Florida Healthcare to offer this critical service.”
     In 2025, Air Methods transported more than 2,800 critical care patients to 83 different HCA Florida Healthcare facilities statewide. HCA Florida Healthcare and Air Methods look forward to continuing to work closely with emergency medical services providers serving communities across Florida.