Stories from WUFT News
City of Jacksonville
Florida was not the lightning capital of the U.S. in 2025, according to report by AEM. Researchers found Oklahoma led the country in lightning flash density.
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(Rylan DiGiacomo-Rapp/WUFT News)Known for their elusive nature and mythic proportions, tarpon never fail to entice anglers looking for a challenge. But human development and climate change are hurting the species, from the time the baby fish are just a few inches long and seeking safety in coastal ponds. -
Courtesy of Florida Museum of Natural HistoryThe Florida Museum of Natural History has published a draft of a book known as “The Butterflies of California.” When the authors first started writing it, initial estimates were that it would take about five years. Instead, it took five decades.
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Gabriel Velasquez Neira/WUFT NewsThe government shutdown in November forced local nonprofits to fill in the gaps while SNAP benefits were cut off. WUFT’s Gabriel Velasquez Neira has more on how it impacted families then and what is happening with them now. -
Bailey Diem/WUFT NewsThe Gainesville City Commission revisited plans to revitalize the site of Citizens Field at a meeting on Thursday.
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Mark Anthony Vega, the senior pastor of Ignite Life Center, has been charged with failing to report suspected child abuse and abandonment or neglect, a third-degree felony, according to a sworn complaint filed in Alachua County Circuit Court by Gainesville Police Department Det. Desiree Russano. -
Inmates from various Florida prisons met Wednesday at the Cross City Correctional Institution to compete in the 5th Annual FDC Masonry Competition.
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Here are some of our favorite photos from 2025 by WUFT News photojournalists. -
“Anyone can order something from Amazon or online from Target, but there's not really any thought behind it,” Mincey said. “I think receiving a locally made, or even personally made gift is just a lot more sentimental.”
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Screen capture from Florida Channel/Fresh Take FloridaFlorida’s House Judiciary Committee voted Tuesday to pass for a full floor vote a bill that would lower the age to 18 to purchase firearms, including assault-style rifles. The move would reverse a state law changed after an infamous high school mass shooting in South Florida. -
Kade Sowers/WUFT NewsFlorida’s expansion of vouchers for families who want to enroll their children in private schools is leading to tighter budgets at public schools across the state. -
Rylan DiGiacomo-Rapp/Fresh Take Florida“The victim’s family wanted me to thank the governor on their behalf,” said Jordan Kirkland, a spokesman for the Florida Department of Corrections. Though they witnessed the execution, their identities were not released. -
Kaley Mantz/Fresh Take Florida“We couldn’t take it anymore, the constant fear that one of us could be disappeared by ICE,” Silva said in an interview translated from Portuguese. “We wanted to stay in Florida where we’ve built our life, but my kids deserve a place where they feel safe and welcome.”
Recent WUFT Podcast Episodes
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Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo Director Jonathan Miot shares information about the zoo's diverse collection that contains both native and exotic species for everyone to enjoy including Bald Eagles, White-throated Capuchin monkeys, American alligators and Matschie's Tree Kangaroo. -
Glenn Terry, aka Mango Glenn, and Rhonda Victor Sibelius share information about the third annual Flying Pig Parade scheduled for Saturday, January 3, 2026 from 2 to 3 p.m. followed by the Bo Diddley Birthday Bash at Bo Diddley Plaza in downtown Gainesville. -
Operation Catnip Gainesville Development Director Leah Hawes talks about efforts to control the feral cat population in North Central Florida, their available services including humane traps and other surgeries and the need for volunteers
Local Programming on WUFT-TV
Every Saturday night at 10:30 p.m. tune in to WUFT Amplified and discover new sounds. Hosted by Glenn Richards.
“Greater Good” is a WUFT-produced half-hour series showcasing non-profit organizations in the North Central Florida community. Each participating organization leads the viewer on a journey of their organization’s history, their mission, their day-to-day community engagement and their impact on the community. The series highlights what makes our community great.
Artistry in Motion celebrates the local arts community by focusing on the creativity, passion and perseverance of the artist. The program showcases each individual artist’s story in an engaging audio and visual vignette.
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Food insecurity in Alachua County is higher than the 14.4 % average across the Sunshine State, and it's an area of focus for one local entrepreneur. -
For farm owners in Florida, learning about new ways to build profit for their farm is a necessity amid the ongoing loss of agricultural land. -
For Vinessa Chevalier, 45, roller derby is more than a hobby; it's a community and a family. Roller derby guided Chevalier through some of the most challenging moments in her life.
Sports Headlines From WRUF.com
