The latest updates about wildfires across the region.
Stories from WUFT News
The weather pattern changes in Florida as the rainy season starts. Rain is needed and welcomed.
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In and around Gainesville, you're likely seeing and smelling more wildfire smoke Monday afternoon.
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Ocala's Freedom Public Library reopened recently following a years-long expansion project that increased its space from 8,100 square feet to 32,000 square feet.
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After years of planning, Alachua County cut the ribbon on Tuesday on two permanent housing facilities for people experiencing homelessness.
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Christian David Vargas, 22, did not appear in Alachua County Eighth Judicial Circuit Court on Monday, May 4 for his first arraignment on charges of lewd or lascivious battery involving a victim between the ages of 12 and 16, a second-degree felony.
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Spanish speakers in Alachua County received a bit of hope amid the stress of area wildfires this week: the first countywide text alert in their native language.
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The Singing Resistance in Gainesville is one of 172 chapters throughout the country. It’s a decentralized movement; each chapter operates independently, but all share a common goal.
WUFT Weekly: Friday news in your inbox
Sign up to get the top local and state news each Friday morning featuring a roundup of all you need to know, curated by WUFT News.
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Florida is moving to once again license naturopathic doctors, a move critics warn will permit the use of unproven and potentially dangerous treatments, but supporters say could help alleviate the state’s worsening doctor shortage and give patients a choice about their care.
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Cursive writing will be a revived practice after Gov. Ron DeSantis signed an amended teacher training and mentoring bill into law, which requires cursive instruction for Florida students in grades three through five.
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Students without lawful immigration status in Florida could soon be barred from admission to all 28 state colleges. The Florida Department of Education will discuss the proposed rule at a May 14 meeting at Miami Dade College.
Recent WUFT Podcast Episodes
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This episode features the Gainesville Fine Arts Association Artist Studio Tour, a self-guided tour through working artist studios in and around Gainesville. The event is free and kicks off with a special event from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 29, 2026 at the GFAA Gallery at 1314 South Main Street.
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Despite a letter from a Florida legislator, the proposed plan to pump treated wastewater from Jacksonville to North Central Florida isn't off the table just yet.
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This episode features The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride in Gainesville on May 17, 2026. The worldwide nonprofit event unites classic and vintage styled motorcycle riders from all over the world to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer and men’s mental health.
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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The program was initiated in 2010 but expanded significantly in July 2025 to become a statewide initiative. With the cost of goods going up, the program's permanence comes at a distinct time of need for the area.
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From the mountains of Guatemala to the shores of Newnan’s Lake, the impact of a small Gainesville bagel shop stretches far beyond its front counter.
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Rebuilding Together North Central Florida is a nonprofit that approaches health and safety through housing. The organization works as a housing preservation agency, helping people stay in the homes they already live in by fixing a health or safety hazard that has made daily life difficult.

