C. M. Schmidlkofer

Hires a GPS data collection company to track visitors habits
LABELLE -- Hendry County will have a new marketing tool available that tracks visitors’ activities, interests, and purchases.
Erin Katniss Hitsman, tourism development coordinator for the Hendry County Tourism Development Council explained to the Hendry County BOCC during its regular meeting Aug. 24, 2021 how Datafly, a New Jersey GPS data collection company can gather data from thousands of different apps worldwide that most people...

MOORE HAVEN -- A suggestion to hire a food service supervisor/trainer for the Glades County School District was met with resistance from School Board Member Gloria Reese Aug. 19 during the regular school board meeting.
Administrative Services Director Brian Greseth presented the board with a job description for the position -- which he says he has no expertise with. The addition of a food service supervisor would take the burden from his shoulders.
“The supervisor will keep everybody on the s...

A Miami-based medical waste disposal company is seeking to build a 5,000 square-foot waste transport and treatment plant at 1653 County Road 720 in Glades County.
Glades County BOCC is supportive of the development, which would require a zoning change for approximately 8.75 acres of county-owned property to allow Advanced Medical Sanitation, Inc. to utilize one acre for the proposed facility.
The company sterilizes medical waste such as contaminated syringes and other medical items via an aut...

“We know that there’s going to be challenges with COVID and this new strand but we also know that we are going to approach it with a very positive attitude and an attitude of safety."”
MOORE HAVEN -- Glades County School District wants the community to know it is well-prepared for safely opening its schools next month despite Gov. Ron DeSantis’ ban prohibiting government entities (including schools) and private businesses from requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccinations from the public, employee...

Suspect apprehended with reported stolen items loaded into his car
CLEWISTON -- Only two short days after multiple vehicle burglaries were reported within the Fairgrounds Trailer Park on July 15, one of Clewiston Police Department’s finest made an arrest of the suspect, nabbing him with a vehicle full of stolen merchandise.
After viewing surveillance video of the burglaries, Clewiston Police Officer Tico Salgado initiated a traffic stop of the suspect on July 17, uncovering women’s handbags, ...

“An increase in overall vaccination rates will be one of the most effective means of reducing the spread of serious COVID infections, hospitalizations, and death””
HENDRY COUNTY -- Hendry County is known for its superior fishing and boating recreations but a new development has attracted attention for all the wrong reasons.
Until very recently, the county held the dubious title of the hottest of the hot-spots for COVID-19 infections in the state of Florida, experiencing the highest positivity...

Firehouse Subs awarded up to $33,180 for the purchase of equipment used in auto accidents and building collapses
MOORE HAVEN — Glades County Fire Rescue will soon have a valuable rescue tool at its disposal, thanks to the persistence of the Glades County Board of County Commissioners.
Commissioners announced the approval of a $33,180 grant from Firehouse Subs during its July 13 regular meeting to purchase a Hurst Cutter, Spreader, Ram and accessories, which may become available to the Public ...

MOORE HAVEN -- Among the agenda items the Glades County Board of Commissioners addressed during its regular meeting July 13 was the unanimous approval of the initial assessment resolution for fire protection services.
This resolution is the next step in the County’s adoption of property assessments for fire services, which is anticipated to earn approximately $892,000 in revenue for fiscal year 2021-2022. It does not include emergency medical services.
Before moving forward, the board discuss...

from 'SYNERGY - Juneteenth Edition 2021'

Story By: C. M. Schmidlkofer
A lifetime of firsts stud the progress of Kim Barton’s road to success.
As a child growing up in Memphis, Tennessee, Barton belonged to the first Girl Scout troop in her area. As an adult she became the first elected Black Alachua County Supervisor of Elections.
“I credit my passion for voting and civic engagement to my parents, who were very ...

from 'SYNERGY 2021'

A Gainesville entrepreneur turns her love of baking into a thriving business
Story By: C. M. Schmidlkofer
A childhood passion for chocolate chip cookies led Tiara Johnson to become the owner of her own bakery in Gainesville.
Growing up, the cookie was her favorite treat sold at a chain bakery in a local mall enjoyed by her family. When it closed, she spent years in her kitchen trying to come up with a recipe ― and others ― of her own to re...

History has portrayed Thomas Cromwell (circa 1485 to 1540) as the ambitious fixer of King Henry VIII of England. Here, C. M. Schmidlkofer looks at Cromwell’s life, including five interesting aspects.
Born a commoner, Cromwell reached unheard of heights of political power under Henry Tudor, who bestowed upon him numerous titles typically reserved for English royalty. By the end of his life in 1540, Cromwell was the most powerful person under the King.
An attorney by trade, Cromwell came into t...

from 'SYNERGY 2021'

Deep family roots hold a Gainesville resident secure to the community she works to protect.

Story By: C. M. Schmidlkofer

As a descendant of one the earliest families to put down roots in the now historic Pleasant Street district over 100 years ago, Desmon Duncan- Walker fights against gentrification and inequitable housing in one of Gainesville’s first Black settlements today.

She founded Gainesville Alliance for Equitable Development (GAED) in 201...

Keeping an Eye on the Prize
Story By: C. M. Schmidlkofer
Perseverance.
That is the advice Jasmine Reaves of Ocala offers to those pursuing their dreams ― and in particular ― business dreams.
Expect things to get tough along the way, but never give up.
“I would say make sure you never stop doing what you love,” she said. “Take a deep breath and keep pushing forward.”
She speaks from personal experience. She opened Diamond Effect Beauty House in May ...

A Gainesville educator says life is the best teacher
Story By: C. M. Schmidlkofer
A local educator says the best lessons for success come not just from the classroom, but from our own unique life experiences.
“Lean in to what comes to you if there is good that you can do and lessons to be learned. We always learn from our experiences. I encourage people to embrace new and/or unexpected ones.”
This sage advice is shared by Tyran ...