Coordinated by the Builders Association of North Central Florida (BANCF), the Parade of Homes showcases newly constructed homes of varying prices, sizes and styles that are up for sale or recently purchased. No tickets are required to attend the event, and visitors are free to create their own route for visiting any of the participating homes between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Besides home design and decor, visitors will also see the newest landscaping designs, energy efficient techniques and green building products.

Since the first Parade of Homes in 1955, more than 1,500 new homes in more than 100 neighborhoods throughout Alachua County have been showcased to design-savvy visitors looking for the most up-to-date techniques and possible home purchases.

For more information on this year’s floor plans, renderings and maps to all the locations, visit bancf.com.

“The Chamber is increasing its efforts in representing the interests of our local businesses and creating a vibrant economy,” Giuliani said. “Kamal’s leadership, expertise, and vast experience will immediately strengthen our efforts in representing our local business interests and help lead our Chamber and business community forward.”

The Chamber has been making a significant impact on local business issues in recent months and, with the help of its Public Policy Committee, has created groups of business leaders to address community concerns, including transportation and energy solutions. Latham will continue to build collaboration through the Business Community Coalition, which is comprised of the Chamber, Gainesville-Alachua County Association of Realtors (GACAR) and the Builders Association of North Central Florida (BANCF). Along with GACAR and BANCF, the Chamber is committed to promoting public policy that addresses the needs of the community by respecting the environment and encouraging economic growth and development.

“The Chamber continues to provide opportunities for our local businesses to grow, and in order to do so, all aspects of growing our economy must be addressed,” said Mitch Glaeser, Chairman of the Chamber Board of Directors and Vice President of The Emory Group. “By welcoming Kamal I. Latham to our Chamber team, we are gaining a leader with the knowledge and expertise to work with elected officials and our business leaders to grow a successful economy.”

Latham has resided in Gainesville for over a year and has run his own business as President of Diplomatic Treatment Corporate Consulting, LLC for the last four years, specializing in China business development through engagement strategies promoting revenue generating or relationship building solutions. Latham served as Deputy Executive Director for the U.S.-China Aviation Cooperation Program at the American Chamber of Commerce in China from 2010-2011.

Prior to that role, Latham was appointed by President Clinton in 2000 and re-appointed by President Bush in 2004 as a career diplomat with the U.S. Department of State. In this capacity, he advanced U.S. economic interests overseas and helped negotiate an air services rights agreement, which was estimated to stimulate $5 billion in new business for U.S. carriers over five years. He was awarded a Meritorious Honor Award from the U.S. Department of State for his efforts.

“It is an honor and privilege to join the Chamber’s team of talented professionals and I look forward to contributing to the Chamber’s future success,” said Latham.

Latham received a Master in Public Policy from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University in 2000 and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and history from Temple University in 1996.

Latham and his wife Jonnel have two children.

In order to be eligible for the program, agencies must have a physical location in Alachua County and current 501(c)(3) tax exempt status. The deadline to apply is May 8.

Documents and applications for funding may be picked up from the Alachua County Purchasing Office, located on the third floor at the County Administration Building, 12 SE 1st St.

For more information, contact the Alachua County Purchasing Office at 352-374-5202.

The run-off election for mayor is being held because none of the six candidates secured a majority of the votes in the primary election, which had a 14.92 percent turnout. During the primary election, mayoral front runners Ed Braddy and Mayor Craig Lowe received 4,636 votes (38.4 percent) and 4,406 votes (36.5 percent), respectively.

Only one polling site has been designated for early voting; the Supervisor of Elections office located at 12 SE 1st St. The location will be open for voting from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Florida law requires voters to present current and valid picture and signature ID or vote with a provisional ballot. Only registered residents of the City of Gainesville are eligible to vote in the election.

For more information on the election, visit elections.alachua.fl.us.

After discovering that an employee working at the UF medical clinic had ties to an identity theft ring, university officials began working to identify patients who may have had their personal and health information compromised, according to a news release.

Anyone who was a patient between March 2009 and October 2012 and does not receive a letter should contact the UF call center.

The Office of the State Attorney, the Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Secret Service allege a UF employee acquired patient insurance information, including names, addresses, dates of birth and Social Security numbers, and may have sold some of the information to a third party.

The employee has been terminated and may face criminal charges.

“We share our patients’ frustration regarding this situation and regret that it happened,” said Susan Blair, chief privacy officer for the University of Florida. “We are committed to serving our patients and helping them get through any problems that arise stemming from this incident.”

The university learned of the alleged incident from state and federal law enforcement officials on Oct. 25, when an identity theft ring that targeted several hospitals and health clinics in Florida was uncovered.

UF is offering fraud resolution services for those who suspect or confirm identity theft associated with the incident. Anyone who suspects they may have been a target should take appropriate measures to protect themselves from identity theft.

For questions related to the incident, visit privacy.ufl.edu or call 877-552-1299.

The summit will take place April 10 from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Alachua County Senior Recreation Center, located at 5701 NW 34th St.

Much of the discussion will focus on projects that are already in the works, such as making 23rd Avenue four-lanes wide out to Santa Fe and working with developers to put more overpasses over Interstate-75, says Jeff Hays, the transportation planning manager for Alachua County. There will also be opportunities for the public and community groups to share their input about the future of transportation in the county.

“If you’re interested in what’s going on at county level, or have an opinion about transit services, road conditions or anything else, this is an opportunity from the commission to have your input heard,” Hays said.

Hays said the commission hopes to take all the input from the summit and use it to help plan future projects and take it into consideration moving forward with current projects and developments.

Community groups such as the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Gainesville Cycling Club will be attending to share their opinions about transportation infrastructure.

Representatives from the City of Gainesville as well as the City of Newberry will also be present to discuss transportation issues and maintenance within their jurisdictions.

For more information about current transportation projects, visit alachuacounty.us.

The event begins April 3 with an art exhibit at The Gallery, the retail space adjacent to Vellos, followed by a red carpet event at Vellos with a showcase of local makeup artists, salons and jewelry makers.

The first runway show will take place April 4 at 8 p.m. in the University of Florida Reitz Grand Ballroom. The free show will feature two Project Runway designers: Jay Nicolas Sario from season seven and Andrew Thouvenot from season eight.

White House Black Market is sponsoring the Gainesville Glitterati Show on April 5, a runway event that will feature Fresh Heirs, Jacquelyn Brooks, Macy’s Mens, White House Black Market and headlining designer Jay Nicolas Sario. The event will start at 7:30 p.m. at the University Air Center in the Mustang Hanger.

Another round of runway shows will take place April 6 to feature TanyaB, D&N Clothing, Macy’s Womens, Francine Elizabeth and headlining designer Carla Coultas.

The final event, a Sunday brunch, will take place at noon at 101 Downtown. The brunch is open for anyone to attend.

Gainesville Fashion Week benefits Rocket for the Arts, a nonprofit that focuses on exposing youth in Alachua County to quality art programs. The organization holds art supply drives and works to produce resources for visual and performing arts programs through its art workshops and grant programs.

For the full schedule of events, as well as RSVP and ticket information, visit gainesvillefashionweek.com.

The vice president of chamber development serves two major roles: to help develop the Chamber’s community involvement and relationships, as well as help to develop the diverse business industries found in Gainesville and Alachua County.

Bowie is leaving her position as the senior director of public policy and communications for the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce to come to Gainesville. Albany, Ga., is known as the healthcare and retail hub of southwest Georgia.

Also included in Bowie’s past experience is serving as chief of staff for the Office of the Mayor for the city of Birmingham, Ala., and the vice president of community development for the Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce.

“The incredible strides Gainesville has made in building a strong innovation economy is the stuff chamber executives and economic developers dream of when choosing to be advocates for great communities,” Bowie said.

Bowie has a bachelor’s degree in communications from Xavier University of Louisiana, and she is working towards completing the highest level of certification for chambers of commerce: the Certified Chamber Executive (CCE). She has also participated in the “Creating Collaborative Solutions” program at Harvard University and was awarded a fellowship in regional sustainability from the American Chamber of Commerce Executives.

     Following the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (ATRA), the Residential Energy Efficiency Tax Credit was reinstated for energy efficiency improvements. This means any homeowners who have made energy-efficient upgrades to their home in 2012, or plan to make upgrades in 2013, can receive tax credits. GRU is also offering rebates for energy-saving upgrades.

     In order to receive a tax credit for the upgrades, taxpayers need to file IRS form 5695 with their 2012 or 2013 taxes and keep any related receipts or itemized bills. There is a cumulative lifetime limit of $500 in total credits.

     Some of the recognized upgrades include:

          – heat pump and natural water heaters

          worth $300 in tax credits and $200 in GRU rebates

          – natural gas water heaters

          worth $300 in tax credits and between $250-$300 in GRU rebates

          – having new insulation installed

          worth 10 percent of the cost of installation in tax credits and $0.125 per square foot in GRU rebates

          – solar power-generating systems and solar water heaters

          worth 30 percent of the cost in tax credits. GRU also has a solar electric system rebate program

         - installing new windows

          worth 10 percent of the cost in tax credits and $1.25 per square foot in GRU rebates

For additional information about GRU rebates, call the Energy and Business Services Department at 352-393-1460.