Gainesville: 
Cloudy and 70°F
By Chip Skambis – WUFT-FM
Jeanna Mastrodicasa and Sherwin Henry have served the Gainesville City Commission for six years and will be stepping down tomorrow. Florida’s 89.1, WUFT-FM’s Chip Skambis spoke with District 1 City Commisioner Scherwin Henry and had him reflect on his terms as city commissioner.
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By Lauren Rautenkranz – WUFT-FM
Teachers deal with many challenges every day. The recent fiasco with the FCAT writes scores attests to that. As Florida’s 89.1, WUFT-FM’s Lauren Rautenkranz reports, whether it’s new curriculum or dealing with standardized tests, two teachers at different ends of the experience scale in Alachua county are overcoming these obstacles.
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By Donna Green-Townsend – WUFT-FM
Director of Research Programs for the Frank Stronach Plant Science Center Danny Colvin addressing audience at dedication ceremony on Tuesday.
Director of Research Programs for the Frank Stronach Plant Science Center Danny Colvin sitting next to Frank Stronach and UF President Bernie Machen at Tueday's dedication ceremony.
On Tuesday hundreds gathered for a dedication ceremony for the University of Florida’s Frank Stronach Plant Science Center near Citra. The facility is home to the Institute of Food and Agricultural Science’s research operations for everything from fruit and vegetables to crop management, entomology and nematology. But as Florida’s 89.1, WUFT-FM’s Donna Green-Townsend reports, the Center is also tied to a unique partnership with the Marion County Sheriff’s office and county jail operations.
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By Donna Green-Townsend – WUFT-FM
Canadian entrepeneur Frank Stronach stands next to a special plaque unveiled for him at the dedication ceremony at the University of Florida's Plant Science Center near Citra.
UF Plant Science Center dedicates conference facility after Canadian businessman Frank Stronach.
Frank Stronach sits next to UF President Bernie Machen at the dedication ceremony on Tuesday.
Various IFAS administrators cut the ribbon on the new Frank Stronach Plant Science Center Conference facility on Tuesday.
Frank Stronach stands next to Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos at the dedication ceremony.
Various protesters carry signs across the street from the dedication ceremony on Tuesday.
One of many different signs protesting water permit request for Adena Ranch in Marion County.
The Frank Stronach Plant Science Center is the home of the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Science’s agronomic, fruit and vegetable research efforts. Today marked the dedication of the conference center to Stronach himself. The celebration wasn’t without controversy. Protesters turned out from a variety of locations and organizations over Stronach’s plans for a 30,000 acre organic beef ranch and Stronach’s permit request to pump 13 and a half million gallons of water per day for the ranch. As Florida’s 89.1, WUFT-FM’s Donna Green-Townsend reports, the Canadian businessman took note of the outside protests and promised to be a good corporate citizen in Marion County.
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View Frank Stronach’s full remarks during the dedication ceremony:
By Chip Skambis – WUFT-FM
Three Florida Supreme Court justices have been drawing some controversy recently after having suspended oral argument on a case in order to fill out paperwork for their retention election campaigns. Florida’s 89.1, WUFT-FM’s Chip Skambis reports on what exactly caused the delay, and why some are calling for an investigation into the matter.
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By Kelsey Peck – WUFT-FM
Area lakes in North central Florida are at record lows as dry conditions continue in the area and throughout the state. As part of our continuing coverage on low water levels, Florida’s 89.1, WUFT-FM’s Kelsey Peck reports on how the low water levels in the Keystone Heights region have business owners and residents hoping for rainfall for more reasons than one.
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By Nickelle Smith – WUFT-FM
University of Florida President Bernie Machen is suggesting the school’s reserve funds may help delay budget cuts. President Machen says people should keep in mind reserves aren’t a solution to the cuts. Florida’s 89.1, WUFT-FM’s Nickelle Smith reports on the details of these reserves, and UF’s current budget proposal standing.
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By WUFT-FM Staff
Florida Fish and Wildlife officials are investigating an airboat accident that left a Homosassa woman seriously injured. The accident happened on Sunday by the Withlachoochee River when 31 year old Nicole Aspinwall was with 37 year old Robert Miller and her children.
Investigators for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission report the four were parked on the dry riverbed at the Rutland Flats off the Withlacoochee River. The airboat wasn’t running. At about 1:30 p.m., Miller cranked the motor, thinking that Aspinwall was getting into the airboat but she was behind it.
The report states Aspinwall may have been reaching into the back area of the airboat to retrieve something when she was struck by the three-blade propeller and received life-threatening injuries. She was airlifted to Tampa General Hospital.
By Lynn Hatter – FPR
Florida A&M University’s Marching 100 band will remain under suspension for at least another year. The university’s president says the band will need to undergo a restructuring phase before it can be allowed back on the field.
The school is looking to create a new way of governing its famed band in the wake of ongoing hazing investigations, the retirement of its director Julian White, and financial issues. University President James Ammons says that restructuring process will be highly detailed.
“Academic standards for eligibility, length of time an individual can participate. Length of practice time. The number of adults accompanying the band on out-of-town trips. Enforcing travel procedures.”
Last week the university reported that about a quarter of the 400-plus member ensemble weren’t actively enrolled students, yet had been allowed to perform with the band. Three of those charged in the hazing death of drum major Robert Champion were among those ineligible to perform.
By Blake Alderman – WUFT-FM
A gigantic 80 by 40 foot sinkhole opened up in Jonesville, Florida late Friday night. This sinkhole caused a couple to move out of the home they build 37 years ago. Florida’s 89.1, WUFT-FM’s Blake Alderman spoke with Chris Bird, Environmental Protection Department Director for Alachua County about the status of the sinkhole.
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