Press release from North Florida Amateur Radio Club
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Amateur radio does so many great things for youth and adults, all throughout the year and especially during disasters, that the Alachua County Commission proclaimed June 21-28 as Amateur Radio Week at their June 9 public meeting. Commissioner Anna Prizzia and Interim Fire Chief Jeff Taylor made the presentation to multiple local ham radio volunteers who volunteer at the direction of Emergency Manager Jen Grice.
Amateur radio not only provides free emergency communications assistance during disasters, but also creates a wholesome hobby where youth can learn electronics and radio, and even construct their own private satellite-connection stations. These skills often spur youth toward lucrative STEM careers. They can even connect their own transmitter to a dozen or more amateur radio satellites. The local Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES) team not only staffs all hurricane shelters, but also provides free training to those studying to pass the FCC license test. The Gainesville Amateur Radio Society (GARS) provides in-person FCC license testing every other month in Waldo…