Men Who Make A Difference: Freddie Wehbe

For Freddie Wehbe, running a successful business and helping the community are inextricably linked. Supporting the community that supports your business is important to building both successful businesses and communities. Wehbe believes. Wehbe is the owner of six Gator Domino’s stores with another on the way; he got his start at Domino’s working as a delivery driver ...

Men Who Make A Difference: Keith Blanchard

Keith Blanchard has dedicated his life to working with at-risk youth. For the last seven and a half years, he has served as the president and chief presidential officer of the Boys and Girls Club of Alachua County, and, in that time span, he has turned around the club financially and positively impacted the lives of thousands of Alachua County’s youths. While working ...

Men Who Make A Difference: Shariq Siraj

From his early years in Pakistan, Shariq Siraj learned a lesson from his father that has lasted him a lifetime. “My father adopted seven of his half-brothers and sisters, and he raised them along with his six children,” he said. “He told me a long time ago, ‘It’s very easy to live for yourself; try to live for others.’ That has stayed with me ...

Men Who Make A Difference: Robert Woody

Robert Woody is a civil servant, but servant may be a misnomer since Woody embraces his career with an open heart and mind, guided by his faith and a genuine dedication to public service. Throughout his career in social services, he has worked as a probation officer, the director of community relations for the Florida Department of Corrections and, currently, as the director of ...

Men Who Make A Difference: Dr. Timothy Flynn

Long before he became a physician, Dr. Timothy Flynn had a keen interest in the sciences. Medical school was a foregone conclusion because of his abilities, but he also found an even bigger passion — teaching. “I’m not a researcher,” Flynn said. “My whole life has been about teaching. I’ve always felt that it’s my goal in life; it’s ...

Men Who Make A Difference: Tony Jones

As a member of the Gainesville Police Department for more than 30 years, Tony Jones has seen his share of youth at risk. But rather than let them take their courses through the system, Jones has made it his mission to help them on the path to a better life. He does this through his work with GPD as well as with volunteer work around the clock. Perhaps one of Jones’ biggest ...

SunState FCU Believes Everybody Deserves A Chance To Shine

SunState Federal Credit Union’s philosophy revolves around the concept of “family and friends,” and this not-forprofit financial cooperative has a rich tradition of people helping people, dating back to more than 50 years ago when the credit union was founded. Today, SunState is not only an excellent financial partner for its members, it is also a wonderful ...

Cats Do Get Heartworm Disease!

Most cat owners know that dogs get heartworms but are unaware that their cat can get them. Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes. Obviously outdoor cats are at risk, however, since no home is mosquito-proof, indoor cats are at risk too. Within the last year, a few key studies have helped clarify the true complexity of feline heartworm disease. Previously it was shown that 5 ...

Leadership From The Front

When Gainesville Police Department Captain Lonnie Scott talks, you can see his genuine love for the people of Alachua County. So it’s no surprise that he takes the oath “to protect and serve” very seriously. Now Scott is making his second run for the office of Alachua County Sheriff, and his style of leadership comes from years of experience and compassion for ...

Personal And Up Close With Heather Neill

Heather Neill’s move to Gainesville opened a new chapter in her professional and personal life. As owner/broker of Heather Neill Realty, Inc., this savvy businesswoman’s bold personality, negotiating skills, values, faith and strong work ethic offer clients invaluable expertise in the real estate market. The Florida native’s real estate career began in 2001 ...

Innovative Back Solutions: Spinal Decompression

The thought of back surgery at just forty years of age made Matthew Snider of Gainesville sick to his stomach. He had heard that less than 50 percent of all lower back surgeries were successful. He had already tried numerous treatments including chiropractic, physical therapy and pain killers. “I didn’t like taking the drugs and knew they were not a fix anyway. ...